Hi Guys

I modded my original shifter to turn it into a short shifter. I had the short shift from the TT fitted and I did not think the TT shifter was too much of a difference to the Original Skoda shifter.

So I removed the shifter from the top of the gearbox. Then I proceeded to mill out the base of the pin that had a burred at the end (to make it harder to mod). The pin is then knocked out with a hammer and punch. The Shifter then was fitted to a vice on a mill and the original milled surface where the pin is located was machined further in towards the pivot point where it's fitted to the gearbox. The triangular ridge was also machined finish.

Then I made a line between the center of the the hole left by the removed pin to the center of the hole where the bracket is mounted to the gearbox. I then center punched the point on the line furthest from the original hole left by the pin so that there was a few mm of material left for support. Then a 8mm hold was drilled. The pin measures 8.13 mm so it was pressed into place. then a 2mm hole was drilled in through the side of the bracket and in through the pin and a 2.5 mm roll pin was fitted for extra security. Although I didnt think it really needed it.

I then machined the small raised piece leading towards the counter weight at the end of the shifter flush to the same level as where the pin is mounted.

I then fitted it to the car and made sure it didn't foul anything and worked fine. It felt as good and as short at the nuespeed short shift I had fitted to my old mk V GTi. So I'm happy and a few euro better off.

I only have 2 pics of the shifter fitted.

P.S I also sprayed it black just did dont ask why:rofl:

JC

Edited 18 January, 200917 yr by jcdub
Photos didn't attach

Thanks for info all looks good

Why did you spray it black?

Thanks for info all looks good

Why did you spray it black?

After machining the shifter I thought it looked a neater finish in black.

I have it on for the day now and have done all city driving and it works perfectly. I'd say a 30% reduction in shift travel.

I could modify other Irish forum members original 6 speed shifters for around €50. Just over 2 hrs work.

Could do a part exchange with one already modded and so no......

Nice to hear all the info - looks like a neat job from the pics.

I'm fortunate to have a modest machine shop at home, including a mill, lathe, welders,etc.

I still went ahead and did this: http://briskoda.net/technical-guides/guide-diy-fabia-vrs-short-shifter-mod/70642/

It can be done by anyone with hand tools, and works a treat, reducing the throw in both axes.

Another idea that a pro like yourself might try it replacing the spring/rubber connectors to the shift linkage with solid rose joints - it's supposed to give a more positive feel albeit with more vibration.

Cheers

Bas

Nice to hear all the info - looks like a neat job from the pics.

I'm fortunate to have a modest machine shop at home, including a mill, lathe, welders,etc.

I still went ahead and did this: http://briskoda.net/technical-guides/guide-diy-fabia-vrs-short-shifter-mod/70642/

It can be done by anyone with hand tools, and works a treat, reducing the throw in both axes.

Another idea that a pro like yourself might try it replacing the spring/rubber connectors to the shift linkage with solid rose joints - it's supposed to give a more positive feel albeit with more vibration.

Cheers

Bas

I thought about that, but after having the neuspeed shifter on the MKV GTi I knew what I needed to do to shorten the shift. And I knew what it would feel like.

I think the solid rose joints would make the shifts feel too coarse with the mod I did, but it might be fine with the orignal shifter

J

Another thought: the nylon bushings in the OEM setup are loose and kinda cheap-looking. A properly-machined 2-piece bushing insert made out of proper bushing plastic may make it smoother a tad?

I'm encouraged by your post and solid work to go ahead with getting the OEM knob copied in bronze... I feel a new project coming on....

Cheers

Bas