Interior: R56 shift knob and boot in R53
 

Hi all, this is my way of giving back to the community. I received a R56 shift knob and boot a while back as a gift and didn't get around to installing it until now, when I discovered that the boot is too narrow and that the shift knob is too deep to slide on.

I used this as an opportunity to try something with the overly tall shifter and my ripped boot from the R53.

Supplies required:
R53 shift boot and bezel
R56 shift knob, boot and bezel
5/8" outer diameter x 1/2" inner diameter vinyl tubing ($6.67 for 10' at home Depot)
Measuring tape
Hacksaw
Towel paper
Utility knife

Step 1: Remove shift boot bezel by grabbing it firmly and prying upwards.

Step 2: Pull the boot up to reveal a zip tie holding the boot on to the shift rod. Cut the zip tie.

Step 3: Grab the shift knob with both hands and pull upwards towards the roof to remove.
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...ebb6d37bb7.jpgTired R53 shift knob

At this point you should have the boot with bezel and knob off of the shifter assembly.

Step 4: Mark 2.5" down from top of shift rod and place paper towel or old rags around the shifter area. Then proceed to cut horizontally with a hack saw.
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...55b4ff3bdc.jpgShifter after cutting and removing plastic collar using channellock pliers

Step 5: slide 3" of 5/8 OD x 1/2 ID vinyl tubing into the R56 shift knob. Don't worry if you can't get it all in.

Step 6: Fold your r53 shift boot into the bezel, leave about 2" of material and cut off the rest.
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...90a9851948.jpgModified r53 boot

Step 7: Reinstall then r53 shift boot bezel with modified boot from above.

Step 8: Slide R56 shift boot and knob assembly (with the vinyl tube inside) over the modified shift rod and force the knob down as far as possible as it compresses the tubing and fixes itself in place.

Step 9: Push the R56 boot and bezel firmly into place.
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...7dac00b2b4.jpgFinished install

Step 10: Enjoy your new short shifter and shift knob!

Took me about 1.5 hours including painting my R53 bezel and going to the store for tubing.