WRX Shift Knob Remixed for Reverse Lockout Shifters

thingiverse

Huge thanks go out to WillsWorld for creating the original design. I just made some easy mods to adapt this part for newer shifters with reverse lockout. UPDATE: The model has been printed and test fitted, and it's like a glove. Inserting the letters requires finesse and a bit of brute force not to break the R and X apart - be patient and clear any wisps or stringing in the knob and letters to make it easier. UPDATE 2: As of January 2019, this shift knob printed in PLA has been in my car in the Florida sun for over two years with no warping or softening. I have 20% window tint all around, but it gets hot in my car, and there's been no issue. I'm shocked - I thought I'd have to reprint it in ABS or ASA by now. I made this with 10 perimeters and 50% infill, and it seems to have worked. I recently purchased a brand new, shiny 2017 WRX. Months back, I saw Joel Telling, the 3D Printing Nerd, print and install this shifter in his 2006 WRX, and I decided to try it myself for something unique. After failing to source the necessary hardware locally, I ordered on Amazon and reviewed the files before printing. And I noticed something was off - the original design wasn't intended for vehicles with reverse lockout features. The one where you have to pull up on a ring under the shift knob to access Reverse would essentially disable Reverse because there needs to be a recess for the plastic bushing above the ring to pull up into. So I went outside and took some caliper measurements of the shifter setup in my 2017 WRX (same generation as 2015+), and apparently, the original design isn't compatible. I had to make some mods to adapt it for my newer shifter with reverse lockout features. The updated design is available now, and I'm excited to share it with you all. I've included some print settings that worked well for me, including a Monoprice MakerSelect i3 v2.1 printer, .12mm resolution, 50% infill, and no supports or rafts. UPDATE 12 November: Printed shift knob, received all hardware, test fitted, and drove 500 miles round trip from Tampa to Miami with no issues. Lockout mechanism works with no interference, and the knob is solid. Note that the Nylock nut needs to be super-glued into its recess in the bottom half of the unit or the knob may be slightly loose when screwed into place. Post-printing, I sanded my finished print with 220 and 400 grit sandpaper for a smooth finish. Not polished, just smooth. Also left the lettering looking like one piece with the knob - very slick. Sanding the flat parts of the two halves with 220 grit ensured a flush fit.