There isn't any real need to replace the vinyl shifter boot, but once that door is open, it could be replaced with anything, ta dah, anything. I have two bull terriers who populate the car with their hair at breakneck speed. I decided that I could do better. It, the half sphere, slides on the 3/8" 6061 plate. The shift shaft is 1.5" diameter 6061. It presses on a ball in socket that is spring loaded to keep it flat. It is naturally an eight ball, with black anodized everything else. It is quiet and does what it is supposed to do, look different. If there is something out there that looks like it, tell me. Craven's is close, but it does exactly what is don't want it to do, catch dirt. Like a bull terrier, this may be an acquired taste.

 

very nice!

 

Extremely nice! Could you possibly include any other measurements you used? Maybe I'll be able to make my own as well (:

 

Nice fab skills, looks very clean. Thanks for sharing!

 

Looks like an old Atari video game controller.

 

very nice, you should make them to order, I would for sure buy one

 

 

I would buy one with a smaller shaft! please please please

 

I will be road testing it the next few weeks. I want to make sure it doesn't rattle or squeak under varying temperatures or usage. I will be making a new bearing sleeve for the ball in socket to quiet a rattle. The shift shaft is thick because that is the material I had in my rack. I like the chunkiness of it, as it reflects the chunky nature of the Mini. I do though appreciate other peoples thoughts, and costwise, it would be cheaper with a thinner shaft. As for dimensions, although I am a Mechanical Designer by trade, nothing was done formally. Chicken scratching and design by doing was the process. I might sell the drawings, but alot of thought went into something that could be patented or trademarked. Selling, good thought for the time being. Would like to, but test first. Then I would draw the as builts. Then I would have to get a quote from a machine shop for quantities. Then, if the price didn't scare anyone too badly, I would do it. The best thing about the setup it the installation. After pulling the old shifter/**** off, installation would only take fifteen minutes. It is also reversable. I am working on my next project this weekend for the rear bumper. It involves lighting. I won't mention too much, it might be a stupid idea.

 

well when your ready to sell one I got the cash waiting my friend

 

Dude, I'm sorry..but...it looks like a *****.

LOL!

Sorry...no 'fense, just first thought. Of course, I'm 1500 miles from home in a hotel room by myself...

 

Very cool, count me in if you decide to sell a few.
What year is that, I couldn't tell if it's the picture or is that a different toggle panel also?

The whole console has a very cool industrial look to it that I really like.


"Smell My Shifter....".

 

What's that under your toggle switches?

 

The toggle switch guards were replaced. If you break one, you cannot just replace one. When I looked for one, mini tried to sell the whole rack. So I machined the black holders out of acrylic, machined the countor to fit the rack. I inserted some brass inserts to screw together from the back. The stainless tube is done to rest a finger on and then switch. The car is stiff and the ss bar allows your finger to fine tune the position of the window.

I just got back from a trip from hell, dog show in CO (damn blizzard). The shifter seemed to settle in and never squeaked or rattled. So I will fine tune the final drawing on CAD and go shopping for quotes soon. I may do a group buy, as this allows a quantity pricing from the machinist. As for it looking like a *****, mmm. Ever see a shifter that really didn't?

 

Sounds good! Get back to us soon

 

Awesome!

 

Love it!! The "chunkier" looking shaft is way cool. I think you have a winner her. Your toggle switch covers also show you have some talent here. Keep up the good work and keep us posted.
I would definetly look into getting those patened. You wouldn't want to sell one and then have someone else run with your hard work and make a ton of money. IMO YOU HAVE A WINNER HERE!!
What IS under those switches???