revilla Posted June 7, 2013 Share Posted June 7, 2013 Keep taking the skin off my left index finger knuckle on the sharp edge of the bottom of the dash where it is turned in under the chassis rail when changing gear! It not that the gap between the gear knob and the dash is particularly tight, more that it's just close enough that the angle I seem to hold my hand at when gripping it just lines my knuckle up on the panel edge. The edge of the metal is bl**dy sharp. I think a bit of attention with a small file is in order to take the bite out of it. I was thinking of just putting a length of plastic tape over it. It would be pretty much invisible being under the chassis rail, but unless someone can recommend some kind of tape that stands a chance of staying put on a pretty permanent basis when my knuckle rubs it, I think filing it sounds more promising. Anyone else have the same problem and anyone come up with a better solution? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Lef Posted June 7, 2013 Share Posted June 7, 2013 😬 Nope Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
revilla Posted June 7, 2013 Author Share Posted June 7, 2013 @Andy Lef - Cheers for that, I will have a good look in a mirror to see if that is the problem 😬 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stationary M25 Traveller Posted June 7, 2013 Share Posted June 7, 2013 Is your knob too big ?? 😳 😬 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
revilla Posted June 7, 2013 Author Share Posted June 7, 2013 Well I haven't received any complaints! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Klunk Posted June 7, 2013 Share Posted June 7, 2013 Do you have the angled or straight gearstick? Can you shorten your gearstick? Alternatively remove left index finger, problem solved!.... Well that problem anyway. 😬 Regards, Giles Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
revilla Posted June 7, 2013 Author Share Posted June 7, 2013 Aha! Do I spy a serious suggestion hidden somewhere amongst the p*ss-taking? I believe I have the straight gear lever. What is the angled one like (please, if anyone says "bent" I'll have to move this to "Shining Wit")? Would it move the gear knob significantly further back away from the dash? If so, might be worth thinking about thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Klunk Posted June 7, 2013 Share Posted June 7, 2013 Well it is friday 😬 here Regards, Giles Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stationary M25 Traveller Posted June 7, 2013 Share Posted June 7, 2013 You are just teasing him ..... out of stock ! Mine has to be in the middle of the hole in the tunnel top. If I bent the gear stick, it wouldn't move far enough to be able to select all the gears. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mort Posted June 7, 2013 Share Posted June 7, 2013 This? Or something similar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stationary M25 Traveller Posted June 7, 2013 Share Posted June 7, 2013 Or these ? 😬 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mankee Posted June 7, 2013 Share Posted June 7, 2013 If you have the Quaife/Caterham rose-jointed gear stick in the "normal" position, you can switch it to the "quick" position to shorten the throw and avoid fist/dash interface. You could also try drilling the hole the gear knob a little deeper or cutting/modifying the shaft down to sit the gear knob lower. I did all of the above as well as fit a Quaife nylon knob, which is lighter than a Caterham alloy knob, shorter and gives a few mm of extra room to prevent dashboard boshing when reaching for 3rd or 5th. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob_r Posted June 7, 2013 Share Posted June 7, 2013 Look cool, wear gloves Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the.vet Posted June 7, 2013 Share Posted June 7, 2013 I had problems with bleeding knuckles when my shaft was too long! I removed the extention piece and knuckles have since recovered! Search the archives for 'knob issues' for my original post. Cheers :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DJ. Posted June 7, 2013 Share Posted June 7, 2013 I found the standard gearlever was a bit short, so made one with a 45 degree bend to move the knob up and forwards and inch or so. If the standard knob is screwed right down the thread there should be masses of clearance. Have you tried loosening the locking grub screw and just winding it down the thread until it stops? Duncan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
revilla Posted June 10, 2013 Author Share Posted June 10, 2013 Well I took a file to the sharp edge and rubbed it off. Other than that it appears not to be a problem with the length or shape of my Knob but more the way in which I grasp it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul jacobs Posted June 10, 2013 Share Posted June 10, 2013 Quite so, it is always better to palm your knob from the side. For the 1st -2nd change or 2nd - 1st, twist the palm around so it is facing the nearside of the car, and either pull back with hooked fingers or push forward with the heel of the hand. for 2nd - 3rd cup your knob with the palm facing your body and push forward with the heel of your hand, 4th - 5th cup knob with palm facing towards you and pull back etc etc etc. The idea is to always have hand pressure in the plane in which your knob is traveling. It's not rocket science but it's amazing how few people do it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now