| Author | Message | ||
| Peter Polasek (Peterp)
New member Username: Peterp Post Number: 16 Registered: 8-2002 |
I purchased the aluminum knob from Bob at Voodoo based upon Mike Charness' recommendation and couldn't be happier with it. I waited for Bob to finish the engraved version, hence the 2 month delay in responding. It looks great -- engraved shift pattern without any lacquer coating and without the pattern colored black (both of which I find highly preferable). I didn't really care too much about price and was just looking for high quality -- this knob is exactly what I wanted and turned out to be only $39.95 plus $6 shipping. I haven't seen any signs that I need to polish it frequently, but I've only had it a few weeks. I am not affiliated with this business, just a very happy customer. Mail to [email protected] for info. Sorry the picture isn't better.  | ||
| mike 308 (Concorde)
New member Username: Concorde Post Number: 22 Registered: 8-2002 |
Peter, it will fit as far as threads go, but it's engraved with a 6-speed shift pattern that doesn't match your 5-speed Ferrari | ||
| Peter Polasek (Peterp)
New member Username: Peterp Post Number: 3 Registered: 8-2002 |
Does anyone know if the aluminum knob from a 355 will fit a 1986 Mondial (or if Ferrari offers an aluminum knob that will fit) and how much it will cost? I would like to purchase one and wouldn't mind paying extra, within reason, for a factory part. | ||
| Henryk (Henryk)
Junior Member Username: Henryk Post Number: 242 Registered: 8-2001 |
Mike: I would tend to agree with you regarding the "personalized" touch....to each his own! It just seems, that, with most people compaining about the high cost of original Ferrari parts, that one would think it would be better to save for those parts, rather than to spend money on aftermarket stuff. I am just a believer in keeping things original.....this is only MY opinion.....besides, I am trying to get out of KARTING!!!!!! | ||
| Mike 308 (Concorde)
New member Username: Concorde Post Number: 19 Registered: 8-2002 |
Interesting opinion, Henryk, but "aftermarket" items are certainly big sellers among car owners. As you've seen below, some Ferrari folks spend up to $200 for a TITANIUM shifter knob! Doesn't make your car go any faster, but adds a little "personalization". And actually, the FEEL of a 46mm knob, which is standard size now on newer Ferraris, versus the stock 43mm knob on GT4/308/328/348/TR's is much better, in my opinion. Fills your hand more. Also, the 355's and many other newer models use the aluminum shifter knobs rather than plastic because they also have a better feel in the hand and dampen vibration better. I'm personally looking forward to seeing what comes out of his project. I'll probably buy one also. | ||
| Henryk (Henryk)
Junior Member Username: Henryk Post Number: 239 Registered: 8-2001 |
Unless these after market "shift knobs" are priced under $20, I can't see why anyone would want one, over the original. If the "feel" is better, than that is fine, but I think it is just a waste of money. | ||
| Mike Charness (Mcharness)
New member Username: Mcharness Post Number: 48 Registered: 8-2002 |
John, I should have the Carbon Fiber prototype knob in a couple of weeks. It will have an aluminum core to add heft and to improve vibration dampening to the hand. If it comes out as expected, they'll be available for sale a few weeks after that. While stock is being made of the CF, we're planning to try the same thing in Carbon Kevlar (mainly because I personally want one in addition to my Aluminum and Carbon Fiber knobs, just for fun and to switch out) but I don't know if they'll be made other than 1-offs. | ||
| Todd Gieger (Todd328gts)
Junior Member Username: Todd328gts Post Number: 123 Registered: 6-2002 |
I went with http://www.titaniumcavallino.com/ferrari/ Good Stuff and small company | ||
| Mike Charness (Mcharness)
New member Username: Mcharness Post Number: 47 Registered: 8-2002 |
John: regarding the 355 Challenge pedals you saw on my webpage at www.mlcpartners.com/ferrari/308peds.htm ==================== Prices for the pedals from Ferrari of Atlanta are $45 each for the brake and clutch pedal covers, and $57 for the accelerator, but then as a Ferrari List/Chat member you can ask for a discount that brings it in the $135 range for the set by the time you include the special screws and nuts. The 355 pedals will fit 308's, 328's, 348's and 355's (drilling required). Mounting wasn't difficult, just a little tedious to get the holes drilled (two for each pedal), since the existing pedals on my 308/QV are thicker steel than I would have thought! The pedals are mounted with countersunk allen bolts that have the same finish color as the pedals themselves. They're flush with the pedal surface, and then there are rear nuts that don't show. The curve of the aluminum pedal pads wasn't exactly the same as the original pedals on my car, but when you tighten down the allen bolts, the aluminum molds itself to the proper fit. Mike | ||
| Mike Charness (Mcharness)
New member Username: Mcharness Post Number: 46 Registered: 8-2002 |
Dave: You'll like the new knobs when we get them, then. I'm having Voodoo make them without clearcoat. Should be a quick/easy replacement for your stock knob, and low cost too. | ||
| John Delvac (Johndelvac)
Junior Member Username: Johndelvac Post Number: 76 Registered: 11-2001 |
Mike - Did the petals go on easy and about how much are they? Your's look great! I want one of those carbon fiber knobs when they are ready. I don't want to be accused of sitting in my car polishing my knob! Ha! | ||
| Dave (Maranelloman)
Member Username: Maranelloman Post Number: 372 Registered: 1-2002 |
The clearcoat on my 550's shift knob is scratched in several places. I can't figure out how, as I do not wear a ring on my right (shifting) hand. My only conclusion is that it is crappy clearcoating. | ||
| Mike Charness (Mcharness)
New member Username: Mcharness Post Number: 45 Registered: 8-2002 |
I do like the 355 Challenge style pedals. I went with a set from the Ferrari dealer. Titanium is nice, but I would guess it will take a lot of YEARS for me to have ANY wear showing on the factory Aluminum ones. You can see pictures of them on my 308/QV at www.mlcpartners.com/ferrari/308peds.htm And of course the Aluminum knob goes GREAT as an accent against those pedals (though it's not installed in that picture). I'm also working with a composites manufacturer who is going to take sized-down knobs from Voodoo and cover it them with resin-impregnated Carbon Fiber or Carbon Kevlar, so you'll have the weight and vibration dampening of the aluminum, but the look and feel of CF or CK -- John, that will take care of your "hot hand" problem! :-) I hope to have prototypes of the CF/CK knobs in a few weeks. If the project works out, they will also be offered by Team Voodoo. Mike | ||
| Mike Charness (Mcharness)
New member Username: Mcharness Post Number: 44 Registered: 8-2002 |
I wanted an Aluminum polished knob sized to match the Aluminum knobs on 355's and 550's, that would thread on like the stock knobs on GT4/308/328/348/TR's, and that wouldn't cost an arm and a leg like getting one from Ferrari. I've been working directly with Bob Krueger from www.TeamVoodoo.com and he's agreed to manufacture Aluminum sphere shift knobs properly sized and threaded for Ferraris. He's currently manufacturing a small lot now; you might want to check out their website in the meantime. Bob is committed to NOT charge Ferrari owners more for their knobs just because they're fitted to a "Ferrari" -- they'll be priced comparable to his other knobs (which are very reasonable), adjusted if necessary for manufacturing costs specific to the Ferrari neckless "sphere" and/or shift pattern engraving. Bob can be reached via email at [email protected] I approached Bob because his stuff has a great reputation for quality, and it turns out he is also a Ferrari lover himself. Mike | ||
| John Delvac (Johndelvac)
Junior Member Username: Johndelvac Post Number: 74 Registered: 11-2001 |
I have a Momo polished alumn shift ball I bought in Maranello. I don't know if it's clearcoated but I suspect it is not. It gives a much better feel to shifting my 328. However, if the sun shines on it it will burn your hand, A brushed finish may be better. I've had it a year & a half & never had to polish (except removing burnt skin - ha!) What do you guys think of the replacement petals? | ||
| Norm Plaistowe (Normp)
Junior Member Username: Normp Post Number: 79 Registered: 11-2001 |
Seems like you guys are spending too much time polishing your knobs!! There is the option of using titanium, we had a thread on these guys some time ago- http://www.titaniumcavallino.com/ferrari/ All the best....Norm | ||
| Steve Smith (Steve308)
New member Username: Steve308 Post Number: 33 Registered: 2-2002 |
My 308 has been fitted with an aluminum shift ball with no coating. It needs A LOT of polishing - like after every long drive - but that's not really any great hassle and it looks superb. | ||
| Mike Charness (Mcharness)
New member Username: Mcharness Post Number: 43 Registered: 8-2002 |
Dave: Thanks for the feedback. I'd wondered if the clearcoat would "wear". I imagine that it could be scratched too if someone was wearing a ring on that hand. Italian Car Parts probably resells the knobs from STCorsa (www.STCorsa.com). I have one of them, but it's just a couple of months old. No wear for now, but... I'm having some 46mm Aluminum knobs made that do NOT have coating, just polished. I'm also having knobs made in Carbon Fiber and Carbon Kevlar, just for some variety. Mike | ||
| david handa (Davehanda)
Junior Member Username: Davehanda Post Number: 202 Registered: 5-2001 |
Clearcoating is not foolproof. I have on my 328 a clearcoated aluminum shift knob from Italian Car Parts (purchased by previous owner) and the coating has worn off (two years/3,000 miles use). I suppose I could repolish and try another type of clear coat...but I don't really care that much. | ||
| Mike Charness (Mcharness)
New member Username: Mcharness Post Number: 42 Registered: 8-2002 |
Are the aluminum shift knobs on 355's, 456's or 550's "clear-coated" or just plain metal polished aluminum that will eventually have to be repolished? |