M56 Sport Shift knob for 2nd gen FX's

Nice, I may give that a try soon. Been wanting to replace mone because of a scratch, but I might as well try this first.
 
Dxtreme1 said:
I sanded down all the scratches until it was smooth but I decided I wanted a brushed alluminim look. So i went to a rougher grade sand paper. I cleaned it and sprayed a few coats of clear. So clear plus a little polishing and the results are below.
Click to expand...

What grade sandpaper did you use and what was the "clear" that you used? Did you tape the leather to protect it or just do it all freehand? My shifter is mildly scratched and I'm considering doing this since I like your results.
 
Hi Guy's, So I took the plunge and ordered a replacement knob for my beaten up 09 FX50S knob. I ordered this one. http://www.ebay.ca/itm/231004025438?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649 Problem though, when I slip it down....the clip will not secure the shifter......it is because the shifter has not fallen down the shaft far enough........ I can see the clip recess on the shaft below the bottom of the shifter. How did you guys secure M45 Shifters ? Thanks !
 
Sent you a PM . Teddis, I will PM you a link to fix this problem later on today
 
jdTrader said:
Hey Wayne can u post the information here for the community? Thanks!
Click to expand...

NP Jonas

---------- Post added at 01:59 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:35 PM ----------

Here is a DIY for installing a 2008 M45S Shift Knob
This DIY was done by a friend of mine (GarnetCanuck) on his G35 Sedan. It is pretty straight forward.

1. Pull down on shift boot
1Pulldownshiftboot_zpsbd0e40c6.jpg

2. Remove clip from shift knob
2RemoveClipfromShiftknob_zpsfa4ae3c1.jpg

3. Pull shift knob up to remove.
3Pullshiftknobuptoremoveit_zpsadfc2d1f.jpg

4.Shift knob removed
4knobreved_zpsa63df2b1.jpg

5. Slide on M45 shift knob and mark the location of the grooves. You can use a hack saw blade or something simple like a serrated steak knife to make the grooves, since it is just plastic.

5Slideonm45knobandmarkcliplocationthencutgrooves_zps48ab3cd2.jpg

6. Install shift knob then the clip.
6Installshiftknobandclip_zpsee0b1384.jpg

7. Pull up the boot
7PullupBoot_zps8e2926f3.jpg

8. The completed install.
CompletedInstall_zpsa0ff7f95.jpg
 
Hi, Thank a lot. I figured that this would be the only way......but was thinking I would be etching into steel.....plastic...wooohooo :). Thanks for the pics, awesome. I will post up when done.
 
Nuts said:
What grade sandpaper did you use and what was the "clear" that you used? Did you tape the leather to protect it or just do it all freehand? My shifter is mildly scratched and I'm considering doing this since I like your results.
Click to expand...
My original intention was to wrap the part with a vinyl overlay so I proceeded to sand it down with a medium grade sandpaper. Not sure about what grade. To my surprise the part was not plastic but actual aluminum. I kept on sanding until the scratches were gone and did a cross pattern sand down. Once I got the look I was looking for I rubbed it down with some de-natured alcohol to prep it for clear. I used clearcoat paint meant for wheels. And yes I did mask of the leather part even before I started sanding to ensure not to scuff the leather.
 
shifter.jpg

---------- Post added at 04:51 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:49 PM ----------

Stoopid Photo bucket inverted picture, sorry. Anyhow, thanks GEE35FX, this worked out awesome !!! Love it !!! Note to others, my 2009 FX50S had a metal shaft, so a hack saw blade worked perfect.
 
Your welcome Terry and that does look great in your car :good:
 
I just did this mod oh my 09 and it was a breeze. The shaft was metal so it did take a bit of sawing with a hacksaw to get the grooves deep enough. I basically put the new knob in place, ran the hacksaw back and forth in the grooves through the knob, then pulled it off and more sawing until they were deep enough. I found that at first the knob wouldn't stay in place (the retaining clips weren't seating) but I gave the kbob a good pop with the palm of my hand and they set it perfectly. Looks waaay better than the scratched up stock one.

Thanks so much for the idea and pictures!
 
Last edited:
Thanks for this thread and the pics. I just put an M45 knob on mine. My original knob was warn and scratched quite badly. the new one has the perferated leather and matches the perf on the seats and wheel like a champ. Took less than 5 min to install even with cutting the new grooves.

A simple and rewarding DIY.
 
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