Vantage gearknob change to the DBS type questions?

[Rapid rental]

Hi all, any idea where I can get a decent priced gearknob, I looked online and was absolutely shocked at the prices being charged for one? Also is it a DIY type job to fit, any help much appreciated.

[Bincenzo]

They are barkingly expensive. Keep an eye on AstonMartinbits.com as they sometimes have used ones. Same goes for eBay, although it's likely that they'll be scratched as they are prone to rings making a mess of them. Relatively straightforward to fit, I think, although I had mine done at BR whilst it was in. Or, just buy a V12V or DBS, in which case you'll get one for free!

[Murph7355]

Another item where the original was better IMO.

The metal one looks like something Anne Summers would sell to garner custom from The Terminator.

[Jibberingloon]

Or get the standard one retrimmed in alcantara

Its a simple DIY swap over, and takes about 30mins

This is what i did

[Rapid rental]

That looks very nice and certainly worth considering.

Jibberingloon said:

Or get the standard one retrimmed in alcantara

Its a simple DIY swap over, and takes about 30mins

This is what i did

[northernmedia]

Yeah that looks really rather good.

[Jibberingloon]

Problem is once you have done the Gear Knob you have to do the Steering wheel

[northernmedia]

I have one on mine, love it.

[V8V Pete]

Jibberingloon said:

Problem is once you have done the Gear Knob you have to do the Steering wheel

I already have the alcantara wheel and seat inserts so it's a no brainer really. Can you share with us who you got it done by?

[Bobajobbob]

I'm quite happy with the original knob shape but am not enamoured by the cheap plastic invert on the top. I'd love to replace it with a nicely carved piece of aluminium or even better a pop up lid with a button underneath to activate my fuse 22 switch. I would pay handsomely for someone to make me one!

[DB9VolanteDriver]

Here's one without the cheap insert (but no button)...

[Markv8v]

I have to say I loved mine made gear changes feel solid.

Only draw back I had was when it was a little cold.

Mine is for sale if you are interested as I have changed to a sport shift vantage long story but will really miss the DBS gear knob.

Regards

Mark

[Bincenzo]

Rapid rental said:

That looks very nice and certainly worth considering.

Jibberingloon said:

Or get the standard one retrimmed in alcantara

Its a simple DIY swap over, and takes about 30mins

This is what i did

I'd swap that for my DBS knob in a heartbeat, granted mine is scratched to buggery, but I personally think the DBS knob sits too high and makes for a very awkward movement. I see AMBits have one at £300 ish and I already have alcatntara inserts and wheel. Anybody fancy a swap?!?

[speedracer800]

Rapid rental said:

Hi all, any idea where I can get a decent priced gearknob, I looked online and was absolutely shocked at the prices being charged for one? Also is it a DIY type job to fit, any help much appreciated.

I've got a couple new DBS knobs available. Still in the package from Aston Martin in perfect condition. Shoot me a message if you're interested, I'm confident I'll best any others price.

I also have a lightly used piece available in very good condition.

[Rapid rental]

Thanks for all the help on here, I now have a gearknob thanks to Mark.
Next question is what is the procedure to fit it, any ideas or pointers please?

[divetheworld]

Rapid rental said:

Thanks for all the help on here, I now have a gearknob thanks to Mark.
Next question is what is the procedure to fit it, any ideas or pointers please?

Remove carpeted battery cover.
Remove aluminium strip across battery compartment (careful because the edges are sharp and leather is soft!)
Remove armrest. If old type (lowline) screws at the back do it. If new type (highline) then you need to loosen screws under rubber mat of cup holder. Do not remove them, simply loosen. Lift armrest at rear slightly and pull back, disconnect AV/power plugs. The armrest will come off.
Remove two screws at the back of the gearstick mounting plate and draw back.
Place microfibre cloth or towel between the front of the plate and the centre console at the bottom. Trust me, this will save your ass.
Lift plate and disconnect plugs.
Push down hard on gearknob and twist.
Lift off the whole thing.
Undo screws holding the gearstick surround and remove.
Swap stuff over and put back in reverse order.

Piece of piss.

[Rapid rental]

Thats great many thanks for taking the time to give me a step by step guide, why the microfibre cloth though, is something likely to drop down?

[divetheworld]

Rapid rental said:

Thats great many thanks for taking the time to give me a step by step guide, why the microfibre cloth though, is something likely to drop down?

The front edges of that metal plate are sharp as hell. It can, and probably will either scratch the HVAC panel or the side leather. It's sods law...
Put the cloth round the front of it to protect.

[Rapid rental]

Fantastic tip, many thanks.

[Rapid rental]

Disaster, the insert has chipped when being removed by the polisher. We both thought it was plastic but its actually glass and stuck in with a really tough 3m type pad, which has also taken the shift pattern off the glass inset as well,as if the chip wasnt bad enough.

Any ideas where I can get one of these inserts please?