DIY Network

Carbon-Fiber Interior: Shift Knob and Brake Handle From "Tricked Out" episode DTRK-201

	Media Watch the video of the SEMA show highlight from this episode.

In this episode of Tricked Out, the interior of a 1997 Honda Civic is dressed up with the coolest in carbon-fiber accessories. In this final segment, the car gets more carbon fiber upgrades. Andrew replaces the factory shift knob and e-brake handle with new carbon-fiber versions.

Materials used in this episode:

In addition to standard auto-mechanic's tools (wrenches, ratchets, extenders, screwdrivers, nut-drivers, torque wrench, etc.), tools and materials used in this episode include:

Dash overlay kit
Headliner
Cargo cover
Shift knob
Emergency-brake handle
Panel-removal tool
Grease and wax remover
Fine-grain sandpaper (optional)
Spray paint made for fabric and vinyl (optional)
Fasteners
Adhesive promoter
Masking tape
Rubbing alcohol
Paper towels
Hacksaw or rotary tool
Cordless drill and screwdriver attachment

Safety Alert: Always wear eye protection and ear protection, and follow proper safety precautions, when working with power tools or pneumatic tools. Also wear eye protection any time you are working underneath a vehicle.

Safety Alert: As a standard safety precaution, always disconnect the vehicle's negative battery cable before you begin work on any electrical or mechanical components.

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DIY Difficulty Rating for This Project: We gave this a difficulty rating of 3 on a 5-point intermediate-level scale. Experienced gear-heads should have no problem.

Materials used in this segment:

Carbon fiber emergency brake handle
Carbon fiber shift knob
Hacksaw or rotary tool
Screwdriver

Shift Knob and E-Brake Handle

• Before you begin the project, disconnect the negative cable from the car's battery to prevent damage to your electrical system.

• The shift knob is easy to replace (figure A)ca. Loosen the set screws and pull the old knob up and off the shift lever.

• Drop the new knob in place and tighten the setscrews securely (figure B).

  Figure A

  Figure B

  
  

• To replace the emergency brake handle, cut off the old boot and then the original handle cover using a hacksaw or rotary tool (figure C).

• Once the original handle is slit up to the top, use a panel removal tool to slide it up off of the end of the lever.

• Slide the new handle into place making sure to align the release button.

• Tighten the setscrews to lock it into place (figure D).

• Slide the new boot over the handle and tie it at the base of the new handle to hold it in place.

  Figure C

  Figure D

  
  

$470 Headliner
$225 Cargo cover
$200 Dash overlay kit
$30 Gear shift knob
$30 E-brake handle
$25 Brake boot

Total = $980

Important: Included in this summary are the steps in this automotive procedure as shown in the episode. These steps are general guidelines that are applicable to most vehicles. With any particular vehicle, there may be procedures, specifications, settings, tolerances, components, etc. that are specific to that vehicle. There are also variations according to the type and brand of upgrade-kit you select. Always consult your vehicle's service manual when undertaking significant automotive repairs, and read and follow the manufacturer's directions and precautions that come with your kit or replacement parts.

RESOURCES :

Special Resources for Tricked Out episode 201

Vibrant Performance
Website: www.vibrantperformance.com

Topshop Co.
Website: www.topshopheadliners.com

DragonAutomotive.com
Website: www.dragonautomotive.com

Sport Compact Bolt-On Performance Guide: Import Cars (Sport Compact Bolt-On Performance Guides)
Author: Joe Pettitt
Order this book from Amazon.com.
Voyageur Press (October 2000)
ISBN: 1884089526

Honda & Acura Performance Handbook (Performance Handbooks)
Author: Mike Ancas
Order this title from Amazon.com.
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Publisher: Motorbooks International
ISBN: 0760306699

Honda/Acura Engine Performance: How to Modify D, B and H Series Honda/Acura Engines for Street and Drag Racing Performance
Author: Mike Kojima
Order this title from Amazon.com.
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Publisher: HP Books
ISBN: 155788384X

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by the editors of Sport Compact Car Magazine
Order this title from Amazon.com.
November 1999
Publisher: HP Books
ISBN: 1557883246