JHM Weighted Aluminum Shifter Knob

[Matt@JHM]

Tonight we went from thought to drawing to prototype to final project.

First, I made the part out of delrin plastic. It turned out great, and was able to test it on the car for feel and looks. All the pictures were taken from my camera phone, sorry.





I actually REALLY like the black knob, i'm going to get mine anodized. And it might even been an option once we make these available for purchase.

We tweaked the design slightly and threw some aluminum in the lathe. It came out awesome.



We wanted to add some weight, so I took some 1" 12L-14 steel aka "leaded" steel. It has a higher content of lead (safe amount) and thus making it heavier.



I pressed in this into the aluminum, and it added a lot of weight.



But this wasn't enough. I fired up the CNC mill and started programming a JHM to engrave onto the top of the knob. This was the final touch to a fun little friday project.



Jason and I were amazed at how much better the shifts feel with this weighted aluminum knob. Thanks for reading

Coming Soon.

Update:

Hey guys, we worked our ass off today! We made a few different knobs, and are not completely sure which ones will be popular or not - so help us out!

We painted and resurfaced some of the engraving patterns and we are going to test them for durability through out the week. Group buy may start as early as next weekend. We need to decide options. Here are the pictures:
































Give us your input!

[Nebone]

What engraver? Don't look like a laser one because there would be need to polish out the marks.

Good work

[Matt@JHM]

What engraver? Don't look like a laser one because there would be need to polish out the marks.

Good work

I use a small single flute countersink tool - run it at 4-5k rpms and run a slow feed. It leaves no burr.

Thanks

[im sofa king]

I wish I had your job That looks amazing and I look forward to eventually using your products, only hear good things

[t1demont1]

I want one! ive been looking for a nice weighted shift knob.

[BlkdoutS4]

looks nice, cant wait to add it to the JHM SS. keep up the good work!

[Fink_tha_Audi]

I want one already, they're freakin' hot!!!!

[ludoboy]

well done

[Matt@JHM]

I wish I had your job That looks amazing and I look forward to eventually using your products, only hear good things

Haha, it isn't fun and games alll the time Thanks.

I want one! ive been looking for a nice weighted shift knob.

Glad to hear, i'll keep you updated.

looks nice, cant wait to add it to the JHM SS. keep up the good work!

Thanks, it's going to an excellent compliment to the JHM SS.

I want one already, they're freakin' hot!!!!

Haha, maybe i'll me making these sooner than I planned. Tons of interest.

well done

Thanks.

[twofaze]

Possibility of a group buy?

[mike-2ptzero]

Looks good Matt.

BTW you guys hitting up Bug-o-rama next weekend?

[jaybquick@JHM]

This is definitely coming soon. After driving my car, this is the best add on for our shifters. It makes the shifts easier and less notchy.

The one in my car actually brings the knob up 3/4" putting the shifter in a better position to really bang the gears. So we will probably make a stock height knob and a tall knob option (for those who want their knob up). Plus possible anodizing, knurling(for grip) etc.

Look for a PRESALE for these really soon. That way we can have them paid for up front and get everyone the exact style they want.

Oh, and I will get some better pics up soon and weigh the darn thing.


Thanks again for all the interest.

MATT for the FTMFW. We have been talking about doing this for over a year.

[Fuzz_Duster]

count me in! I got a carbon shift knob, and it makes everything feel super notchy, and feels akward with such a solid shifter.

[Eurotuned_A4]

how much these going to run? i definately want one. been wanting to upgrade for a long time.

[justanaudi]

same here. i almost bought an apr shift knob till i saw this post.....

[Calabria]

Whats the weight diff between this and OEM knob?

[D's Avant]

Looks AWESOME... I will take one in black when they are ready.

[Matt@JHM]

Looks good Matt.

BTW you guys hitting up Bug-o-rama next weekend?

Thanks, the bug-o-ramas are always fun - but I probably won't make it.

count me in! I got a carbon shift knob, and it makes everything feel super notchy, and feels akward with such a solid shifter.

Right on, the weight really helps.

how much these going to run? i definately want one. been wanting to upgrade for a long time.

Not sure on a definate price yet, but it looks like everyone wants them anodized which will bring the price up a bit. I am hoping bellow $100 fully anodized with engraved shift pattern. Plain and simple will be cheaper. JUST GUESSING!!

Whats the weight diff between this and OEM knob?

We are getting a gram scale, info coming soon.

Looks AWESOME... I will take one in black when they are ready.

Black is very popular so far... thanks for the kind comments.

[pac1085]

why not make the final version out of delrin instead of aluminum? so it doesnt burn you in the summer and get to cold in the winter, like the old rob knob

either way, nice piece

[Matt@JHM]

why not make the final version out of delrin instead of aluminum? so it doesnt burn you in the summer and get to cold in the winter, like the old rob knob

either way, nice piece

I guess we could consider it, but it will be lighter and may just feel cheap. Maybe i'll pop another one out, add some weight to it and drive it around for a bit.

[xraycer2012]

I'd definitely buy one. Drove an A4 with your ssk in it and now I can't drive my car anymore. I never realized just how sloppy the stocker was. Now I can't wait til I order an ssk from you guys in a few weeks. The new shift knob would be the perfect finishing touch. Black FTW JHM FTW

[Matt@JHM]

I'd definitely buy one. Drove an A4 with your ssk in it and now I can't drive my car anymore. I never realized just how sloppy the stocker was. Now I can't wait til I order an ssk from you guys in a few weeks. The new shift knob would be the perfect finishing touch. Black FTW JHM FTW

Awesome man, the A4 trio setup (shifter, linkage/bushing upgrade) for the b5 a4 is by far the best upgrade from stock.

More pictures:



^^ We gave this one a brushed aluminum finish.



The final engrave is going to be a 6-speed/5-speed pattern with a small JHM underneath.

[aaronamerica]

The final engrave is going to be a 6-speed/5-speed pattern with a small JHM underneath.

I'd defenitly get that

[solowb5]

I want one in plain aluminum for sure!

[xraycer2012]

I'd defenitly get that

me too. I almost wrote that JHM should put the shift patterns on the knob in my first post. Can't wait til they're released.

[Jared71482]

I guess we could consider it, but it will be lighter and may just feel cheap. Maybe i'll pop another one out, add some weight to it and drive it around for a bit.

Make the plastic one hollow and slide a chunk of the leaded steel inside... use a good epoxy to secure the 2 together.

[Burntaudi]

How about one made of stainless steel. I used to have aluminum UUC and loved it. I then upgraded to a solid stainless steel one that made a hugh difference. The stainless one weighed almost a pound.

[1poynt8tee]

I've been waiting for a good looking weighted shift knob to put on the Audi. Looks like I found a winner. Shift pattern or JHM engraved, Anodized black or not, I HAVE to own one of these.

[aaronamerica]

I've been waiting for a good looking weighted shift knob to put on the Audi. Looks like I found a winner. Shift pattern or JHM engraved, Anodized black or not, I HAVE to own one of these.

I was thinking the samething, I get tired of my current shift knob with these allen screws, they keep coming loose lol

[DuviVr6]

yep this looks fricking nice!

[jaybquick@JHM]

We plan on making them custom made to order with many options. including shift pattern being engraved on, anodizing for aluminum, aluminum or delrin, knurled or not for grip, etc. That way we can make everyone happy and see what is most popular. You never really know until people actually buy.


Here is a pic of a delrin one Matt did on his own time over the weekend. And yes it is weighted.

[quatrroking]

I want one now how long until they are available

[jaybquick@JHM]

I want one now how long until they are available

If all goes well we will have finalized designs by the end of the week and pictures of all our available options.

Then hopefully this weekend if not next week we will have them up for sale in our online store at a Low introductory price. Once we have at least 10 orders (being that all will basically be custom) we will begin making them and shipping them out as ordered. So realistically 2 to 4 weeks they should start going out.

Barring we don't get burried with other crap.

[BrokeDown[20V]]

The final engrave is going to be a 6-speed/5-speed pattern with a small JHM underneath.

Can't wait to get my hand on one.

[le91688]

How much they gonna cost?

[bronz]

i want aluminum one to match my brushed aluminum trimthat im working on :)

[jaybquick@JHM]

How much they gonna cost?

Not sure yet. But shouldn't be any where near $100. We will have a LOW intro price for a couple months to get a feel for the most popular options.

[jaybquick@JHM]

Got some weights today.


Stock knob = 2.8oz or 80 grams
Our Prototype Aluminum Weighted knob = 9.4oz or 266 grams.

It is over 3 times the weight of stock. It is amazing what 6.6 oz added weight will do.


We will update you guys more as we progress and iron out options. Once again thanks for all the interest.

[Matt@JHM]

Jason noted above the weights of the aluminum and stock knobs, but here are the pictures to back up the data:

Stock Knob Weight:



80 Grams = 2.8 ounces
_____________________________________________

JHM Weighted Delrin Knob:



221 Grams = 7.8 ounces
_____________________________________________

JHM Weighted Aluminium Knob:



266 Grams = 9.4 ounces
_____________________________________________

We are very pleased with our results. These knobs will provide a great shifting experience when paired with our solid shifters. We are aiming to keep the prices as low as possible so everyone has the opportunity to get a great-looking, and effective shift knob that is designed specifically for this car!

Releasing very soon - stay tuned.

[DND]

How about making one a little rounder looking like the stock design and wrapping it in leather? (I'm actually serious)