Frequently Asked Questions
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What are oversized threads and when should I order them?  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.  Please contact us if you have any questions whether you should purchase oversized threads.

I want a shifter with a specific color (or color combination), is this possible?  Yes.  The shifters shown on the web site are only a sample of what we have to offer.  Most shifters 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.

How do the shifters light up?  Most of the gearshift knobs offered by Central Manufacturing Company light up at night with the use of a 14-volt light bulb which is included with the knob.  The light-up system we use consists of the 14-volt light bulb (about the size of a piece of rice), a "hot" wire, and a "ground" wire.  The light bulb is threaded into the center of the shifter by use of a "wormhole" constructed through the shifter, 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.  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 mould tiny mirrors at the bottom of the shifter which provides indirect light to the pewter figurines.

Do all the shifters light up?  No.  Some shifters 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 shifter for more information.

How durable are the shifters?  The shifters are extremely durable.  The casting resin we use has excellent compressive qualities and is impact and scratch resistant.  The shifters will actually bounce when dropped onto concrete from a height of 6 feet!  Like any material, the shifters 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).

Will the shifter colors wear or scratch off?  No.  The colors are actually made from the same base material as the rest of the shifter and are inlaid into the shifter.  We never "paint" the colors onto the shifters; We BUILD the colors INTO the shifters!  The only exception to this rule is the skulls.  For the skulls, we recess the highlights so that the colors will not wear off.

What are the shifters made of?  All shifters are made from high quality casting resin.  They are extremely durable and scratch resistant.

Will the shifter fit my specific vehicle?  Yes, we guarantee that our shifters will fit your vehicle, as long as it is a standard transmission.  Just provide us with the specifics of your vehicle (make, model, year, etc.) or the specifics of your existing shifter and we will match it!  We also offer a top button system to replace the shift knob on some automatics.  Contact us for details.  We even fit the unique shifters found on the following automobiles: PT Cruiser, Ford Bronco, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Corvette, Pontiac Firebird, and Chevrolet Camaro.  There is an additional charge for Chevrolet Corvette, Chevrolet Camero, and Pontiac Firebird shifters due to special thread patterns.

How do I mount the shifter?  Each shifter is mounted differently, depending on your vehicle.  Our mounting instructions (provided with purchase) are geared towards your specific setup.

I want to replace my old knob but cannot get it off, what can I do to remove it?  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 do I connect the light-up system?  We recommend wiring the light-up system (provided with purchase of light-up shifter) into the parking lights.  Once the parking lights are turned on, the shifter will light-up!  Other optional are available.  For instance, you can wire the system right into the fuse box and use a toggle switch to turn the light on or off. 

Once the shifter is installed and connected to the power supply, how can I hide the light bulb wires?  We recommend black or silver tape or specialty automotive conduit.

Do I have to use adhesive to mount the shifter?  Yes.  For safety reasons, we REQUIRE the use of adhesive to mount the shifter.  We also recommend using a "jam" nut if applicable.