6-speed gear knob. What fits, and how to replace?

Cloth Ears

A2OC Donor
I’m getting my A2 converted to the 6-speed box at WOM in a couple of weeks. I’d like to change the gear knob to match, but keep as close to the original style as possible. My original has lost flakes of the chrome beading off the top edge anyway, so a new(er) knob will restore some cosmetics, too.

In the olden days, the knob just used to screw onto a thread on the top of the gearstick, but an experimental twist of mine didn’t suggest that is still the case. So is it an unusual fitting, or will a wide range of VAG knobs do the job, and how do I refit? If I can get one before the car goes to WOM, I’ll ask them to do it, obvs.
 
I’m getting my A2 converted to the 6-speed box at WOM in a couple of weeks. I’d like to change the gear knob to match, but keep as close to the original style as possible. My original has lost flakes of the chrome beading off the top edge anyway, so a new(er) knob will restore some cosmetics, too.

In the olden days, the knob just used to screw onto a thread on the top of the gearstick, but an experimental twist of mine didn’t suggest that is still the case. So is it an unusual fitting, or will a wide range of VAG knobs do the job, and how do I refit? If I can get one before the car goes to WOM, I’ll ask them to do it, obvs.
I found this advice on this forum when researching this:

“My gearstick is for an A3 and fits fine ( 5 speed ) but the gaiter had to be swapped over. So If the design of the A3 knob is to your liking, swap a leather gaiter from an SE or sport onto the A3 stick. The crush clip that holds the gear knob onto the stick can be teased out and recrushed or replaced with a new one. Alternatively either use a narrow jubilee clip or sturdy tie wrap to secure the knob.”
 
It's possible to just replace the 'emblem' from a donor 6 speed gearstick per this write-up by Timmus

Cheers Spike
 
I’m getting my A2 converted to the 6-speed box at WOM in a couple of weeks. I’d like to change the gear knob to match, but keep as close to the original style as possible. My original has lost flakes of the chrome beading off the top edge anyway, so a new(er) knob will restore some cosmetics, too.

In the olden days, the knob just used to screw onto a thread on the top of the gearstick, but an experimental twist of mine didn’t suggest that is still the case. So is it an unusual fitting, or will a wide range of VAG knobs do the job, and how do I refit? If I can get one before the car goes to WOM, I’ll ask them to do it, obvs.
Morning,

If you're wanting a factory looking finish you can simply swap the 5 speed on top of the gear knob for a 6 speed on from an Audi A6 C6. this is exactly what I done in the Project OEM here, which Tom @timmus spent some time on working out what fits best.

This is what was purchased:
1631179796244.png


The badge is removed by prising it off using a trim removal tool or taped up small flat headed screwdriver.

Here's what the gear knob looks like with the badge removed which is from the Project 250 thread:
1631182103013.png

The badge is simply pushed into place.

Here's the OEM A2 with the A6 badge fitted:
1631182328367.png


Hope this helps deciding whether to go fr an A3 knob complete or just the A6 badge.

Kind regards,

Tom
 
Thanks all, I’ve plumped for an A3 knob that looks pretty similar to the existing. Should arrive after the weekend so I can compare then. Still time to source an A6 knob if it doesn’t look right.
 
Thanks all, I’ve plumped for an A3 knob that looks pretty similar to the existing. Should arrive after the weekend so I can compare then. Still time to source an A6 knob if it doesn’t look right.
Hello again,

Let me know how you get on as I know there is 3x C6 A6's in the breakers yard next to my work. Cannot remember if they're automatic but one of them must be a manual 6 speed.

Kind regards,

Tom
 
Another alternative is an Audi TT 6 speed aluminium, dimpled gear knob, but requires a bit of fettling to make it fit!

Sent from my SM-N960F using Tapatalk
 
Is it OK if I PM you regarding the conversion? I am tempted to have it done, but I would like to hear from you in terms of sourcing the actual gearbox and your experience with WOM (once it's fitted).

Many thanks
 
Sure. Happy to. Note that mine doesn’t go to WOM until the week after next, so I won’t have anything to say until closer to end of the month, but yes, happy to help. I can tell you now that WOM were helpful in telling me what type of gearbox to look for, and there were a few options on eBay so hopefully there’s usually some choice. Breakers seem to ask £400-450 for them, from what I can see.
 
Is it OK if I PM you regarding the conversion? I am tempted to have it done, but I would like to hear from you in terms of sourcing the actual gearbox and your experience with WOM (once it's fitted).

Many thanks
I have been running an MYP in my Tdi75 for a couple of years. Closer gate so nicer gearchange, with a shorter throw. Despite being from a more modern car, the gearchange is still not as smooth as the petrols.
6th is best used above about 55mph, and really makes for a quieter drive on the motorway. My Tdi75 is remapped and I think it may struggle had it not been.
Fuel consumption is about the same, it's the relaxed drive that I like most.
If you want to know about the conversion by WOM, ask @Cenick as I believe they have converted his Tdi this week.

Sent from my SM-N960F using Tapatalk
 
@2work and @dj_efk have both done a good few miles having had his modification done and being lovely gents might well give you the benefit of their experience @gangitano85
I have the same upgrade, using the PTU gearbox - WOM were exemplary throughout and I have all the tools and knowledge so you don't make expensive mistakes trying it on your own. It's one of those jobs that looks simple and all seems to fit, and works until a few miles later when some things start to go wrong. Principally to do with the starter motor.
 
I have the same upgrade, using the PTU gearbox - WOM were exemplary throughout and I have all the tools and knowledge so you don't make expensive mistakes trying it on your own. It's one of those jobs that looks simple and all seems to fit, and works until a few miles later when some things start to go wrong. Principally to do with the starter motor.
I think the the default position with more or less anything mechanical A2 related is get WOM on it just as for anything electrical it’s get @timmus on it. Simples ?
 
I have been running an MYP in my Tdi75 for a couple of years. Closer gate so nicer gearchange, with a shorter throw. Despite being from a more modern car, the gearchange is still not as smooth as the petrols.
6th is best used above about 55mph, and really makes for a quieter drive on the motorway. My Tdi75 is remapped and I think it may struggle had it not been.
Fuel consumption is about the same, it's the relaxed drive that I like most.
If you want to know about the conversion by WOM, ask @Cenick as I believe they have converted his Tdi this week.

Sent from my SM-N960F using Tapatalk

Not picked it up yet Rob, collecting Saturday morning


Sent from the future
 
Sure. Happy to. Note that mine doesn’t go to WOM until the week after next, so I won’t have anything to say until closer to end of the month, but yes, happy to help. I can tell you now that WOM were helpful in telling me what type of gearbox to look for, and there were a few options on eBay so hopefully there’s usually some choice. Breakers seem to ask £400-450 for them, from what I can see.
I got mine for just under £225 delivered (made an offer on Ebay, got additional 10% discount through complete savings, paid £50 for 48h pallet delivery). From memory 45000 mile PTW out of a Golf Bluemotion that was a rear-3/4 write-off. CAYC stop-start starter motor for £30 quid. New bottle of quantum gear oil. Getting it fitted as well as a complete rear suspension refresh (including bush replacements and brake drum rebuilds) cost me £595 done my my local workshop in total if I remember correctly, and it has been a really good conversion.
 
The other specialists that do a fantastic job and know A2s are DS Motorsport near Coventry - They did mine and they really know their onions.
 
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