So I must say I love the wood wheel and shift **** (after I finally got them due to the 'safety' problems when the R56 came out). Has anyone found a matching handle for the emergency brake? I think it would round out the wood interior nicely but can't seem to find one anywhere....

 

If I knew how to take the parking brake handle apart I'd make them. Haven't gotten around to it researching yet. If anyone knows...

 

Your shift ***** are superb, Robin, a very high level of craftmanship. If you ever get around to doing brake handles in similar exotic woods I'm sure they would be gorgeous. I, for one, would certainly be interested.

 

Me too. African blackwood!

 

Guess I better figure out how to do it. I was hoping someone would post here with instructions.

 

I had enuf trouble getting the stupid boot material out from under the shift ****!

 

Yeehaa!, got the handle off. Now to design a replacement.

 

Robin: I am also extremely happy with my gearshift **** and would buy a matching e-brake handle "sleeve" also. Thanks again for your wonderful craftsmanship. Mike

 

Thanks very much!

Drove up to San Jose today to get a 20mm brad point drill long enough to drill out the length of the handle. I'll see how it works out tomorrow.

 

Robin,

With vendors like you my retirement fund is not going to look so good

 

Robin,

I have the Wood interior, Wood steering wheel, and wood automatic shift. If you get this figured out, I would love to have the same look for the brake level. Good luck!

 

+1

 

I believe the English Oak is a dark brown with a slight reddish tint. Is that right? I think there are a lot of woods that would be compatible. The darker examples of amboyna burl, or cocobolo, or rosewoods should look good with it. A customer reported that the African blackwood (varies from black to chocolate brown) goes well with his English Oak.

On the other hand, contrasting woods can look really good together. A light afzelia burl might look really sweet with English Oak.

The ebrake handle looks quite doable. I've turned one today, so I've got some of the major hurtles solved (like boring a 20mm hole 6" deep in a 1.5 x 1.5 x 6" piece of rosewood), and made the jigs for holding it in the lathe. Next is how to lock it in place and whether to use end caps. I used to be a sliver/goldsmith (before I started the software company) and have some ideas for domed sterling end caps. Another idea is to use two woods -- say amboyna burl for the middle and African blackwood for the ends. This is fun.

 

Go Robin! And it doesn't have to be flat either. There could be some waviness to it too. Imagine it like the ocean. Because it's a way thinner piece I'd think the wood would have to be pretty sturdy/dense so it wouldn't crack after time, or when you're drilling, sanding, finishing it.

 

Robin,

The color of the English Oak is pretty close to what you said. If you ever want to take a look at mine, I know we live in the same general area.

 

Yay! I have been wishing someone would come up with a wood replacement the for that plastic part of the brake handle. Go Robin go! Definitely looking forward to seeing your ideas come to life...maybe in my car too!

 

There is a teaser shot of two ebrake handles drying from their first coat of hand rubbed poly.

 

How cool is that!! I want one!

 

Niiiicccceeeee .... and I thought the worst of my agonizing decision making days were over with the MINI delivery .... light wood with dark ends...dark wood...

 

I'm totally digging it!

 

The dark wood is African Blackwood. The lighter wood is Amboyna Burl with a fairly plain grain pattern (didn't want to experiment on the premium stuff).

Looking at my web site:
http://www.robincasady.com/ShiftKnobs/
What woods would you want?
Do you like the all one wood design, or the mixed woods?

Thanks,

 

That is stunning. Now I wish I ordered the english oak pieces.

 

I like the mixed woods!!!

 

I have Piano Black. There are a number of woods that go well with it.

However, you can replace the dash panels with English Oak panels.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...35&hg=51&fg=30

The driver side panel pulls out. I believe the correct part number is: 51452752878
Pelican Parts has it for $167.25
http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/...FILTER_BEMI2=9

Secret compartment panel is also $167.25. I believe it unbolts from the hinge mechanism.

51452752211
http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/...ILTER_TOOL2=10

 

Oboy oboy! I have both African blackwood and Amboyna burl. Keep me posted bro.