What are oversize threads?
What are oversize threads?
Some manual transmission shift posts are made with oversized threads (e.g. 16 mm) which are larger in diameter than normal threads. The oversized threads are typically found on select vehicles, including Chevrolet Corvette, Chevrolet Camero, Pontiac Firebird, and Pontiac Grand Am.
Can I order special colors?
Can I order special colors?
Yes. The shift knobs shown on this web site are only a sample of what we have to offer. Most shift knobs can be designed with a variety of colors. All you need to do is provide us with your desired color and we will design the shifter to your liking. For unique colors or color combinations, please contact us for availability.
What are the knobs made of?
What are the knobs made of?
All shifters are made from high quality casting resin. They are extremely durable and scratch resistant.
How durable are the knobs?
How durable are the knobs?
Our shift knobs are extremely durable. The casting resin we use has excellent compressive qualities and is impact and scratch resistant. The knobs will actually bounce when dropped onto concrete from a height of 6 feet! Like any material, the knobs do have limitations such as: they will scratch if rubbed with abrasive materials such as heavy grit sand paper; they will crack if subjected to extreme pressures such as high impacts; and they will crack if they are mounted with excessive force (over-tightened).
Do all the knobs light up?
Do all the knobs light up?
No. Some knobs were not designed to light up. For example, the abstract design series is made completely of opaque colors and will not light up. Please check the details of each knob for more information.
Do I have to use adhesive to install the knob?
Do I have to use adhesive to install the knob?
Yes. For safety reasons, we REQUIRE the use of adhesive to mount the shifter. We also recommend using a “jam” nut if applicable.
What are the different types of Automatic Shift Levers?
Automatic Shift Levers
One of the most prevalent questions we receive is “Does your shift knobs fit automatic shift levers?” and the answer is yes. We are proud to offer our top button system to replace OEM knobs for automatic shift levers. The top button system (named ATB) is made of machined aluminum in our shop and is molded directly into our shift knobs. The example below show our pearl flame on red (#FL3-P2-REG) shift knob outfitted with our top button system. The top button system is compatible with most Flameball shift knobs. See individual shift knob pages for availability.
Automatics w/ No Button
Our shift knobs are designed to fit all manual, column, and automatic shift posts (as long as the shift knob does not have a button). Just provide us with the make, model, and year of your vehicle and we will provide you with the appropriate shift knob and mounting hardware. An additional cost may be required for special thread patterns or non-typical shift posts.
Automatics w/ Top Button
We have developed the Flameball Top Button System to work with automatic shifters that have a top button. Our top button system is made of aluminum and is molded directly into our shift knobs for an additional cost of $45.00 (USD) each.
Automatics w/ Side Button
Our Flameball Top Button System was designed to replace both top button and side button shifters. The top button system is made of aluminum and is molded directly into our shift knobs for an additional cost of $45.00 (USD) each.
What are the different types of Manual Shift Levers?
Manual Shift Levers
We offer multiple thread types and mounting hardware to fit your specific manual shift lever. How do we do this? By machining our own hardware out of solid brass and aluminum rods using a DSMA screw machine.
To determine your vehicle’s thread type or mounting configuration, match your shifter with one of the configurations shown below. If you are not certain which configuration best fits your vehicle, just provide us with the make, model, and year of your vehicle and we will match it for you using our extensive thread database and 30 years of experience!
Standard Threads
Each standard shift knob we offer is molded with 1/2-20 brass threads built-in and comes with a second brass adapter to fit your specific vehicle. The image to the right shows our brass threads molded flush with the bottom of the shift knob. When applicable, the brass threads and adapter are provided free with the purchase of a Flameball shift knob.
Spline Mount (No Threads)
Some vehicles possess smooth or splined shift posts that do not contain threads. For these types of vehicles, we manufacture the machined aluminum mounting hardware with set screws as shown to the right. When applicable, the mounting hardware and installation kit are provided free with the purchase of a Flameball shift knob.
Oversize Threads
Some vehicles possess oversized shift posts or special thread configurations. For these vehicles, an additional $5.00 (USD) will be charged for each shift knob to cover the costs of the additional production time. Our current list of known special thread configurations includes the Chevrolet Corvette, Chevrolet Camero, Pontiac Firebird, Pontiac Trans Am, and Pontiac Grand Am. For example, the threads shown on the right were recessed to accommodate a Corvette shift post.
How do I mount a Threaded Shift Lever?
Mounting Instructions: Threaded Shift Levers
WARNING! Central Manufacturing Company is not responsible for damage caused to the shift knob, factory shift assembly, or vehicle electrical system as a result of improper installation. Please read carefully before proceeding with installation.
- Remove current gearshift knob from shift lever.
- Use solvent to remove grease and dirt from shift lever.
- Select appropriate brass insert (supplied if needed).
- Place LOCTITETM blue adhesive on all threads, including the inside and outside threads of the brass insert, and the shift lever threads.
- Screw lock nut and shift knob onto the shift lever.
- Do not over tighten knobs on long threaded shift levers. LOCTITETM adhesive and lock nut will hold knob in position.
- Allow adhesive to dry overnight.
How do I mount a Non-Threaded Shift Lever?
Mounting Instructions: Non-Threaded Shift Levers
WARNING! Central Manufacturing Company is not responsible for damage caused to the shift knob, factory shift assembly, or vehicle electrical system as a result of improper installation. Please read carefully before proceeding with installation.
- Remove current shift knob from shift lever.
- Loosen set screws on shift knob.
- Select the appropriate nylon bushing (supplied) and insert it into the shift knob.
- Slide shift knob with nylon bushing onto shift lever.
- Tighten set screws evenly all the way around the knob (hand tight).
How do I remove a knob?
Knob Removal
Some knobs simply pull off; some screw off; some are glued on; and some are even secured with a “jam” nut. In rare cases, the knob must be removed with the use of heat or a cutting device. In these instances, we recommend contacting a qualified professional mechanic to remove the existing knob. Heating or cutting devices can cause bodily harm if not used properly.
How does the light system work?
About Light System
Most of the gearshift knobs offered by Central Manufacturing Company, Inc. light up at night with the use of either the 14-volt light bulb (which is provided free with the purchase of each knob) or the upgraded LED lighting system. The light bulb and LED are very small – each about the size of a piece of rice. Simply slide the light bulb (or LED) into the shift knob, connect the “hot” wire to a power supply, connect the “ground” wire to the chassis, and your ready to go!
Wiring the System
The light bulb (or LED) is threaded into the center of the shifter by use of a “wormhole” constructed through the shifter (see right and below), the “hot” wire is connected to the vehicles power supply or other DC power source, and the “ground” wire is connected to the vehicle chassis (see detailed instructions). Our optional LED system has a connector at the base of the knob to ease the process.
How the Light System Works
With the use of our light-up system, the light passes through the shifter’s translucent colors and creates the unique effect of a glowing shifter. At night the shifter will glow the same color as the shifter. For some shifters such as our pewter series, we cast tiny mirrors (see right) at the bottom of the shifter which provides indirect light to the pewter figurines.
LED Upgrades
Our new Ultrabright LEDs produce almost twice as much light as our light bulb system with a fraction of the power. The pure white light also gives a true representation of the colors at night, unlike the light bulb which produces a “yellow” light that distorts the colors (especially the blues and purples). This durable LED system is power surge protected and comes with an optional cigarette lighter plug which is also fuse protected with an LED indicator. See the accessories section for more information on our LED upgrade options.
Make Installation a Snap!
We offer three different wiring harnesses to ease the installation process. For more information on each of these harnesses, please see the accessories section.
What do the knobs look like at night?
Knobs at Night
With the use of our light-up system, the light passes through the knob’s translucent colors and creates the unique effect of a glowing shifter. The night time glow is the same color as the knob’s translucent color.
Example Light-Up
Most of our gearshift knobs light up at night with the use of either the 14-volt light bulb (which is provided free with the purchase of each knob) or the upgraded LED lighting system. See the example to the right of our #FL3-P2-REG knob at night.
Example Light-Up of Top Button System
Our automatic top button system was designed with our light-up system in mind. The aluminum was machined with “worm” holes to allow our light bulb (or LED) to slide into the knob. The automatic knob light-up just as bright as the original knob. See the example to the right of our #FL3-P2-REG-ATB knob at night.
