right this isnt a big job and with very minimal skills needed most can do this :)

  • you will need a hacksaw
  • stanley knife
  • possibly a 10mm(IIRC) spanner/socket.i'll explain later as to why
  • a new gear knob,omp are easier with the adapter
  • an omp adapter unless you are not using one!

whats an omp adapter?
omp make an adapter specifically for the cinq which allows you to fit an omp gearknob to the car but retain the reverse selection method.
you can get the adapter from the likes of demon tweeks but be aware you may have to wait while they order one in.
now these fit directly with OMP gearknobs.if you use another brand the threads may not fit.
i had a sparco and it didnt fit.

okay so lets get started


now some of the pictures im using are courtesy of newboi however he does all the work with the gear stick assembly fitted.
i found it easier to remove the assembly for cutting.
the choice is yours.
so 1st cut the leather covering of the gearknob off.underneath is solid plastic so you can cut into it with the stanley,hacksaw etc just take car not to slip.
Gearknob1.jpg
and once cut back you see this.unclip the gaitor clip if you need more access
Gearknob2.jpg
so at this point you can see the full assembly.now here i undid the reverse cable nut and unhooked the cable.this allows you to remove the full shaft for cutting. however it can be cut in situ as well.the choice is yours.
gearknob.JPG
ive marked the appoximate cutting point here.(1-2cm approx)
so once you have cut away the plastic you can offer up the OMP adapter.this has threads so you can 'screw' it onto the gearshaft.
if you removed the housing then refit it and reconnect the reverse cable.
Gearknob3.jpg

now with the omp adapter fitted you can see how the gearknob will fit
Gearknob4.jpg

now screw the gearknob on ensured its securely fitted and the shaft nor adapter do not move.
Gearknob5.jpg
heres a fitted OMP gearknob and adapter


Gearknob6.jpg
here it is with the gaitor refitted.tidy up the car and ensure you can select all gears including reverse.
make sure the gearknob assembly is secure and wont move.

now what if you are not using an OMP adapter?


well what i did was fitted a sparco gearknob directly to the centre metal shaft.this requires you to cut more plastic away and screw the 3 grub screws onto the centre shaft.
heres what i did

  • 1st cut of the original top of the plastic gear knob/shaft assembly
  • 2nd cut the remaining plastic shaft of just above the reverse cable holder
  • 3rd now what you can do is mount the new knob directly on the metal centre shaft using the supplied grub screws.
  • 4th remove the gearknob again if you trial fitted and take the upper plastic shaft you previously cut and measure how much you need to cut off ,to allow the shaft to sit under the gear knob(whan fitted to the metal shaft above the plastic shaft) with enough room for the collar.
  • 5th remember the collar needs to sit under the gear knob while you screw in the grub screws.
  • 6th once you screw up the ornamental gear knob surround you will find you have approx 1cm play in the shaft and cant select reverse!!(no problem)
  • 7th place a cable tie at the bottom of the shaft(or jubilee clip Etc) and make sure the shaft is flush with the base of the gear knob and the reverse cable assembly is pushed down as far as you can get it once you put your cable tie etc in place

so doing this you have to push down on the actual gaitor collar area to select reverse.bit of a bodge but it works

below shows the sparco knob fitted.
i actually shortened the central gearshaft and as you can see fitted a different gear gaitor

fitted.jpg
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