I need to refurbish the worn gearshift **** on my 996. Not planning on replacing it at this time, but instead, doing a cosmetic refresh.



A few questions:
1. I assume the lettering and shift diagram should be all black. Has anyone attempted to repaint these? Mine are partially worn.

2. The Space Grey leather on the top and sides of the gear **** is worn. Will a dye be durable enough to withstand constant handling? What products have you used that are durable and a good color match?

3. The shifter boot/skirt just needs some sort of leather treatment/protectant. What products work well here?

Thanks!

I know Tim just re-dyed and repaired his shift **** in his new 996 cab. Perhaps he can direct you to the products/process that he used...

I'm pretty sure the numbers and the shift diagram are not black. Mine looked like yours and was
just dirty. I just used a toothbrush to clean them out

I'm in the same boat sort-of, the shiftknob on my car was dinged up so I bought a replacement from Ebay. The old **** did have R-1-2-3-4-5-6 in black paint of some kind but the new one isn't painted and I would like to do just that, have the shift pattern in black-not the aluminum color. So I am looking for advice about what is best to add black to the numbers and letter. If you come up with anything please let me know and I will do same.

I have a graphite grey interior. I refinished my steering wheel. It came out great. Like new. I also refinished the shifter. That didn't come out so great. Color match was good, but it already started peeling and looking bad. I should have just bought a new one. Will do so as a holiday present to myself.

Eww. You mean that "black paint" is just dirt and hand grime? It really looks like paint. Anyone else with a factory shifter? Are your numbers black, or plain aluma-look silver?

I just did mine. Although it was grey.

You can either get some dye online or use shoe polish. Clean the surface thoroughly with a degreaser. Scrub with a magic eraser and scuff slightly with a scotchbrite type pad. Tape off your metal portions then dye it. Mine is holding up great

I got my Dye here: leatherworldtech.com

Here is my thread on this: https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...hing-else.html

I just bought a new Carbon Fibre **** and boot - it then looks brand new!!!

It's so much easier to buy a replacement ****/boot - I did just that and went with a shorter carbon look and love it