Bob A (SD)

There have been a couple folks in the past who offered limited numbers of custom wood S2K shift knobs for sale. But as said that was in the past.

Many will already know that Voodoo shift knobs got their start with the Miata community. I had one of Voodoo Bob's knobs on my '96 MX5 and my current S2K also sports a spun pearl Voodoo knob.

But the feel and appearance of a nicely grained wood knob holds great attraction for me. So after looking around and being disappointed my memory slipped back into gear recalling another icon of my past association with the Miata gang. Joe Portas, aka The Knobmeister, makes some outstanding wood pieces including shift knobs, in addition to providing numerous other services such as engraving metal Voodoo knobs. His web page is a tad dated but he's still cranking great stuff out.

He's making me a custom 10 x 1.5 threaded, lead weighted, countersunk, laser engraved S2K shift pattern knob, in either padouk or mahogany (I asked him to pick the nicest contrasting grain with red highlights wood he had on hand). Basically we're talking a heavier Voodoo but in finely figured wood. I'm really looking forward to getting it!

Here's an example of his work with both a shift knob and hand brake handle:



It should work nicely in my cockpit here:

Vanishing Point

Dave, the shift knob looks great! Are you going to opt for some complimentary colored dash trim piece(s) to finish the interior?



~Steven

dlq04

I'm very happy with my unfinished walnut. It provides good grip (#1 priority for me), cool in summer, warm in winter, and looks good. To my way of thinking nothing beats wood. I've tried the original, the leather updated version from Honda, and the Voodoo. Wood wins. I'm glad mine isn't varnished but that's me.

Scooterboy

I made my own walnut (unfinished) knob and I love it. No more get burned on hot days. And if I don't like the patina (fancy word for dirt) I just sand it down and start new.

ralper

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showt...0&#entry5418279

Bob A (SD)

I felt the same way about my 1958 TR3A and it's walnut shift knob. Sadly all I have of it is memories which is what launched me on this recent quest for a nice wood shift knob for my S2K.

Bob A (SD)

The 1 7/8" standard size mahogany knob with crisp gold filled shift pattern arrived today from Joe Portas aka The Knobmeister.

Here it is in the wrap from Joe Portas next to the same sized Voodoo aluminum knob I've been using.


And a side shot showing the larger collar


Here's a shot showing the height of the installed Voodoo knob


And a like short of the Knobmeister installed (colors heavily washed out unfortunately)


But here is a more color accurate in situ shot of the knob installed:



A couple of quick comments:
-- yes, it is lighter at about 3.25 ounces than the Voodoo but since I've never had any "notchiness" issues with my tranny it is not an issue for me.
-- yes, it sits a tad higher than the Voodoo (at about 3/8" more) which is still much lower than the Honda OEM knob.
- Cost? $45 knob + $15 shift pattern engraving + $2 SH = $62

I like it!!!

Mr. Francesco

where did you get that center console from? I kinda like it

Vanishing Point

Very attractive!

zzziippyyy

That is interesitng now that you mention it.