For those who have experienced fading/dulling leather on their 6MT shift ****, here's a cheap DIY fix.

I bought some of this black shiny leather dye:
and applied it the other day and it looks quite good. Nice shiny smooth appearance that matches well, and it appears to be fairly durable, even in this summer heat with sweaty hands.

I didn't need to rough up or scour the leather. I just followed the directions and sponged the dye on in a few coats. Works great as an inexpensive repair if you don't feel like buying a brand new OEM ****.

I'll try to get some pics up soon.

 

A pic of the shift **** after dyeing. The pic doesn't really do it justice, but it looks quite fresh and shiny now compared to the dull, rough, faded look it had before.

EDIT: Better pic from normal viewing angle ;-)

 

ive always wanted to somehow get red enamel and trace the shift pattern

 

If you had red accents or stitching elsewhere in the interior it would be nice, though it might look a bit odd without that.

 

It still looks bad. Worn ones should just be replaced.

 

I might replace it next spring, but it actually doesn't look bad in person and I'm OK with it for now. After 4 new Pilot Super Sports and a new head unit this year, I don't feel like dropping $150 on a new **** at this point.

 

Check ebay, you can usually find some in great condition for 30-40 dollars. You could also consider aftermarket, the momo leather is a great OEMish looking replacement.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/LEATHER-SHIF...24d7a7&vxp=mtr

Another inexpensive option is buy a used Lexus shift ****, they are pretty plentiful and classy. Sadly they are M8x1.25 (autos) and G35 is M10x1.25 (manuals). You can buy and adapter for a couple bucks or just take it to a local shop and ask them to drill/tap it for you.
Adapter
http://www.zenoverland.com/bikebits/VIC-MTA-003-A4.html
Lexus new IS shift **** (one of my favorites)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/OEM-LEXUS-LE...7f7eca&vxp=mtr
The Lesux GS F sport is another classy looking one
http://img.jugemcart.com/PA01010/865.../l_1460586.jpg

 

I have to agree with Buddie. Without seeing the before pics, I am sure it looks "better" but it still doesn't look good.

That red-stitched, black leather Momo for $32 shipped off ebay looks like a sweet deal.

 

LOL. I guess my pics really aren't helping my case here, so I may have to take some more, but it really looks quite a bit better than the pics show, at least from a normal distance.

The Momo one with the red stitching looks terrible IMHO, and doesn't match anything in the interior, so wouldn't do that, and while the Lexus GS F one is alright looking, it's for an auto tranny, and I have a 6MT.

I would only replace with OEM 6MT ****, and the ones I've seen on eBay are in worse shape than mine.

 

Auto vs Manual doesnt make a difference. New cars have gotten rid of the button for autos (now electronically locked by brake pedal), the only difference between an auto or manual shift ****, is the diameter of the hole.

***** are purely visual change, therefor open to personal opinion. Personally I like several from lexus because they are unbranded, simple and cheap. You could also swap out to a G37 ****, they fit as well.

 

Understood, but I still think the OEM **** is the best choice. Besides the looks, the weighting of the **** is important and I've tried other aftermarket and Nismo ***** in prior cars that just didn't feel right. I might consider the G37 6MT **** when I decide to replace it. That one looks pretty decent.

 

i also think oem looks best. the first gen in particular

 

This Lexus shift **** that Buddie linked to is so simple, elegant, luxurious, and sporty all at the same time.

How can you not like this? LOL




I don't need a shift pattern to tell me where the gears are, and prefer the smooth face.


But hey, as long as you like yours, that's all that matters.

 

That is one of my favorites, just simple and classy. Plus best part, is that they can be had on ebay for 40-50 bucks. All it takes is a simple M10x1.25 drill and tap.

 

I just use a Sharpie....