#shift knobs

I mean, the whole front console looks just like my clio's (except the wheel bc mine is newer and pointy instead of round) until the air controls in the center. And then BOOM, ugliest shift i've ever seen in a sportscar

Here's a closeup for the benefit of the viewing audience:

So, we have the shift knob itself on the top, and below it what I assume is the reverse lockout collar (for the unaware, while in some cars you need to push the shifter down to engage reverse, others lock you out of it with a little collar under the shift knob you are to pull up). Under those there is an alcantara shift boot - or should I say Alcantara, since it's the brand name of the material sold by Alcantara S.p.A., Italian company producing it since the 70s. That's right, they pulled a Velcro™ on ya. Under all that, the console itself, whose poor shot at a nicer finish makes it clash with the rest of the interior and whose need to place the shifter high enough to be reachable results in it looking like it was placed on an upside down bowl. So much so that I assumed the console was actually what OP found so unsightly. But a check with him contradicted me - he really was referring to shifter and boot.

I think I can see why. Now, an Alcantara®™ shift boot and a polished spherical shift knob is not an uncommon arrangement for sporty cars.

But as you can see, usually shift boots have much more of a pyramidal shape to them with any sagging or bunching being at the bottom - seen especially clearly in the mr__grip shift boot I got my very own Golf (and yes, I got the shift knob to match the boot to boot :D)

As you can see, shift boots usually taper no a very narrow top, sometimes not even getting to the shift knob and leaving part of the shift rod exposed, as seen to a bit of an exaggerated extent in my application.

[Wanna know how bad my shifter needs an overhaul? That's not neutral, that's first.]

Whereas in the Clio V6, when the boot gets to the collar, there's still so much boot left that it just bunches up around it, which combines with the collar and the knob's unflattering lower crease to create the impression that someone put a warm sweater on an old lamp post.

But hey, it could always be worse. Check out the Mercedes Sprinter.

Oh, right. This isn't the Tumblr of old.

There.

Aftermarket Shift Knobs - How to Get the Right Finish For Your Vehicle

 The appearance of your vehicle can be greatly enhanced with the addition of shift knobs. Whether you have a truck, SUV, minivan or even a coupe, the ability to easily change the sound of your vehicle's transmission is a very popular upgrade for owners. For this reason, aftermarket car parts are very popular. Many enthusiasts choose to shop for shift knobs by style and finish, choosing a knob that best compliments their vehicle. You will find many shift knob options available, so your selection will come down to which fits most comfortably in your hand and also matches your existing interior. Choosing the right shift knob will give your vehicle the distinct impression you are trying to achieve.

 Drivetrain enthusiasts will most likely enjoy automatic shifters with the aftermarket shift knobs. These types of shifters use a set of gears in the gearbox instead of just one, making manual transmissions more difficult to engage and disengage. With an automatic transmission, there is only one gear and therefore it is much easier to shift gears from either the left or right side of the stick. A manual transmission requires that you shift gears both ways, requiring you to use both of your hands to engage and disengage the gears. This can make some drivers difficult to shift gears, requiring them to use both their feet or another part of their body in order to change gears.

 The easiest aftermarket shift knobs to install on a vehicle are ones designed specifically for installation on the Ford Focus or Mustang. Fit these models properly and you will instantly turn your vehicle into an instant classic. There are a number of manufacturers that specialize in producing these for Ford vehicles, such as K&N, Strada, Adtech, Access, and so on. These are just a few of the manufacturers available for Ford Focus and Mustang vehicles. As you look around for shifter replacements, keep in mind that some aftermarket brands may not fit certain vehicles, such as the Focus and Mustang, and that you should definitely consult a car shop before purchasing one.

 Some aftermarket shift knobs are made for use on a specific makes and model of vehicle. For example, there are a number of manufacturers that produce a clutch-style knob for aftermarket cars. These are best used on a Ford Focus or Mustang, as the Ford Focus has different interior and exterior pieces than a Mustang. They are also quite difficult to install, as they require the use of special needle-nose pliers in order to fit the shift knob to its corresponding hole in the vehicle's shifter boot.

 It is important that the aftermarket shift knobs you buy make complete and perfect contact with your vehicle's transmission. If the aftermarket knob does not have a standard connection point, ensure that you drill that hole and utilize special cable couplings to attach it to your shifter boot. This will help the aftermarket knob and the transmission to mesh well and remain secure. However, if you are unsatisfied with the default connection points, or if your vehicle has factory-quality shift knobs, then it is recommended that you install aftermarket gear shift knobs to customize your vehicle. In fact, some enthusiasts prefer to use five-star rated aftermarket products so that they can be assured of an optimal blend of performance and aesthetic appeal.

Automatic Shift Knobs | Sneed4Speed