Adapters for mounting leather TRD manual shift knobs to Prius...

Some of the best looking Toyota TRD shift knobs are NOT available for automatics or Prius models, because they have M12x1.25 internal threads.

Today, I received two of the nicest genuine Prius TRD leather covered shift knobs that I ordered from Amazon.

For nearly two months, I have experimented in making adapters for Prius models from hardened ISO 8.8 hardened steel bolts. These require aerospace grade hardened cobalt and carbide drills and taps to successfully machine. And, the tools are quickly worn out and expended in the process.

Unlike plastic and aluminum adapters, these are the same quality as the original shifter shafts.

The smaller TRD shift knob is the same size as the TOM's, but much nicer to grip than the plastic Delrin or Duracon acetal plastic of the Tom's shown here in the eBay listing.

Toyota Prius ZVW30 NHW20 Tom's Hybrid Shift Knob | eBay

There is one adapter for the recessed thread knob and another for the smaller non-recessed thread knob.

Also, I made several for the Prius"c" and other Toyota automatics with M8x1.25 threads.

 

Thanks,

The traditional manual shift knobs seem to be made better and more durable than the ones "automatics," since they receive constant hard use while the car is driven.

They also fit in the hand better, IMHO.

The nice thing is that you can take the shift knob off of your favorite vintage car and mount it on either your Prius or another Toyota or other model car.

 

In these days of below quality disposable parts, I prefer to take extra effort to make these the best possible adapters.

I've heard of a lot of experiences of those who have "wobbly" shift knobs using cheaply made ill fitting plastic adapters.

A substantial adapter weighs about an ounce. To save 2/3's an ounce by making them poorly is false economy. If it was for a few hundred parts on the car, the weight savings would be significant.

I would rather make a quality piece that outlast the car.

 

I'm using the durable material, because I have had a great deal of experience in machining tough high performance aerospace alloys.

The material I equivalent to the steel used in the shaft of mechanical manual shifters.

That means anyone using the adapter will NEVER have to worry about a failure.

 

That might seem to come to mind, but TRD takes a while to get used to.

It would be really bad if you get hit in the head with the glass knob shattered? That hasn't happened in 60 years with car designs.

I recall that there was a man who set off the metal detector at the TSA inspection at the airport.

After 51 years, turn signal lever removed from man's arm

He went to the doctor and had a rusted long metal rod removed.

In the 1960's, he had an accident and recovered.

The turn signal lever had come off and imbedded in his left arm. It has been there for over 50 years.

Be careful what you use for car accessories. You might get TeRD in you face. At least you can clean that off. Glass shards are likely to cause more and more permanent damage.

Seriously, here's a listing that available most from Japan.

SHIFT KNOB | TRD

 

Thank YOU,

I also did a bunch of work (still in progress0 with adapting manual M12x1.25 manual shift knobs for use on automatic M8x1.25 threads on the shaft on automatic shifters like that used on the Prius"c."

They makes some really nice larger leather shift knobs for manual Toyotas. In my opinion, they are much better than those bulky OEM automatic ones.