Anyway, I've been searching for a while for a 917 style gearknob for my 911 SC in the UK, but couldn't turn up much on the internet. There's a site in the USA, but by the time it was paid for, plus shipping and import taxes it came to almost £100 and that was a little rich for me.
After some investigation I found a wood turning specialist in the UK who could make me one although it wasn't cost effective as a one off - I'd have been as well buying the one from the States. As such I commissioned them to make me 20 in the hope that I could move the others on. They sent me a test piece and having come up with the perfect size hole to fit the gearstick they are being dispatched to me next week. Here's a photo they sent me of some of them before packing;
They have a 17.5mm hole in the base which is perfect for an interference fit on the ridged collar at the top of a gearstick from a 1982 911SC. I assume that this will be the same on all 915 cars, although I'd ask you to check your own before buying. These are not manufactured with balsa, but using Maple and Mahogany. The graining in the wood is lovely and reflects light well. I don't have an accurate weight for these, but I would doubt they offer any saving over the factory fit plastic gearknobs. They are very well made and tactile. They will be supplied unvarnished and will show a lovely patina after some use or you can varnish if you wish. I'll be keeping mine naked.
Price including recorded delivery via Royal Mail within the UK will be £52.50. I'm just registering interest at the moment and don't want any money. I shall have a final inspection and another test fit on my own car once they have arrived. I'll also post some better photos including what one looks like fitted. I'll have 18 available for sale (two are already accounted for by my friends). If you could register any interest here and when I'm ready to ship individually, in roughly 3 weeks, then I'll look into taking payment from those who want one.
Brewster.
(If this is considered a faux pas by a newbie then mods feel free to delete and PM me. I can always list them on eBay.)
