Got my leather shift knob today but it came with very Ikea-like instructions which don't make it obvious how to remove the shifter surround and I don't want to chance breaking it. Anyone who's already done the install care to share how it went?
Shift knob install tips?
1 - 13 of 13 Posts
another tip is to use a screwdriver and slowly (very gently) pry the trim away from the HVAC bezel. It comes out really easy with slight pressure from a long flat screwdriver. I have had my bezel out a few times and once I figured out how it comes out, it is really easy.
I assume you have to remove the knobs?
nope, the knobs stay intact. Check out my install pics: Fiesta Modifications - a set on Flickr
I have had the trim around the shifter off 3 times since these pics were taken. Always trying new things with the car, concerning the 3M wrap. The first attempt did not work out so well, so it has been redone since the pics.
I have had the trim around the shifter off 3 times since these pics were taken. Always trying new things with the car, concerning the 3M wrap. The first attempt did not work out so well, so it has been redone since the pics.
Have you had the upper bezel off? I still want to pull mine off and paint it.
The one around the radio? If so, I have not had that off. I have seen a number of Fiesta's in Europe that have had the bezel around the radio painted or wrapped. It can look really good if done right! 
The white "tuner" Fiesta that is on the Ford show tour has many of the interior bits painted white and it looks great.
The white "tuner" Fiesta that is on the Ford show tour has many of the interior bits painted white and it looks great.Very cool, I like what you've done with the 3M Carbon-fiber film. Did you use any tools in removing the shifter bezel or did you just pull up gently at the bottom above the sync emblem and work your way from there?
the wrap looks much better now since I redid it.
I started by pulling up the trim around the base of the shifter near the Sync logo. The black trim (what is covered in film on mine) is heat staked to the textured trim peice. Don't pull on the black trim since it needs to come out with the larger textured part. Once the bezel is loose around the shifter, slowly start pulling it towards the back of the car. It should now be loose around the tray in front of the shifter. I then suggest taking a long, thin screwdriver and gently prying out the area between the dash and black HVAC trim. It took two spots on one side and just a single spot on the other side to remove the bezel around the HVAC controllers. The knobs all stay in the car. You will need to unhook the switches for the heated seats and ambiant lights if you have them.
To install, push the trim towards the front of the car, which will locate and secure the bezel assembly. After that is in place, start working at the tray and go around the HVAC area and press the trim into the dash. It will snap into place.
I started by pulling up the trim around the base of the shifter near the Sync logo. The black trim (what is covered in film on mine) is heat staked to the textured trim peice. Don't pull on the black trim since it needs to come out with the larger textured part. Once the bezel is loose around the shifter, slowly start pulling it towards the back of the car. It should now be loose around the tray in front of the shifter. I then suggest taking a long, thin screwdriver and gently prying out the area between the dash and black HVAC trim. It took two spots on one side and just a single spot on the other side to remove the bezel around the HVAC controllers. The knobs all stay in the car. You will need to unhook the switches for the heated seats and ambiant lights if you have them.
To install, push the trim towards the front of the car, which will locate and secure the bezel assembly. After that is in place, start working at the tray and go around the HVAC area and press the trim into the dash. It will snap into place.
Joined
·
421 Posts
I managed to do mine by only half way removing the console bits, I left everything above the little cubby attached.
![]()
![]()
![]()
Got my leather shift knob installed and much to my surprise I didn't like it all that much. It sits quite a bit higher than the stock knob which slows shifts down and it's pretty big. I decided to go back to the stock knob for the time being while I look at what other options there are.
1 - 13 of 13 Posts
Join the discussion
Join now to ask and comment!