Auto Shift knob retrofit

[CB Coupe SEi]

OK, I'm thinking of changing my original tee handle side push button lever knob on my SEi to a Late model Accord leather trigger style. Does anyone know about or have tried such a task. I've had mine appart which seems pretty simple and seen many blowup diagrams on the 2012-13 Accord models. It's looks possible, I know, put the 5speed manual in. But i'm older and more into the comfort rather than performance. It would be great to here of anyone who has tried this.
Thanks

[CB Coupe SEi]

1989 Accord shift knob retrofit - a set on Flickr
Heres my attempt, I tried to post a longer description but lost it when loading, I'll do so again when I have time.

[Legend_master]

So you tried it, and it worked? I definitely think you are the first.

[CB Coupe SEi]

Yes, maybe it's kinda silly and not really that big of improvement. I saw the leather covered example on a ebay for sale ad and thought it looked close to the shaft size and diameter that we have in the 3gen. The 2013 leather ebay model was $65 plus you still need the front cover, screws and sliding escushion which has a more square hole. I chose to buy just the cheaper rubber covered model direct from my Honda dealer (only about $35 with all the parts) I used a heavy duty sissors to trim the escushion to our smaller size, no problem. You also have to buy the two larger screws which fasten it on. I had some issues with the install, first the original center pin works with a wheel on top, new one is flat. I cut it after carefully calculating the amount of travel needed at just where the shaft splits to accomodate the wheel (so as long as possible). I also used a pipe cutter to shorten the outer shaft by approximately 1/2". I had a issue with the lower center shaft pin not coming out (probably due to ware) so I left it in and drilling the holes was easy but I tried a bottom tap and ended up with rough theads. Rather than attempt any further drilling of the shaft I decided to drill three alternate holes in the new knob under the trigger cover, I bought some screws (same diameter as original screws) only allen headless, self threading through the new plastic and bound them into the outer shaft. It seems very solid, But time will tell. Ideally you would want to remove the center shaft before drilling and tapping as the 2013 design is made. Then install the two larger screws. I like the way it turned out, but it was a little risky as no way of going back unless shopping junk yards for automatics. Now, I may someday upgrade to the leather model. Good luck to anyone whom chooses this option and let me know if you need any further Info.

[Dr_Snooz]

Do you have enough pictures to do a How-To?

[CB Coupe SEi]

Heres the video link on which I came up with this idea. I'm probably going to take it a part in the near future so I'll do so then. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jX9BaB21-u8

Also see any honda dealers exploded view of our select lever assembly. The whole job would have gone a lot better if I was able to get the center shaft out.

[CB Coupe SEi]

Also remember our lever system has a slightly longer center rod travel so that's why I cut as close to the wheel as possible and had to ring off (pipe cut) and remove part of the outer tubing. It does seem possible that a person could get a shorter shift assembly by making even futher removal of both parts. However be careful as the center shaft does have some flat areas machined away so that the original screws did not interfear with movement.