Picking up my first Mazda on Saturday!

[A1Dan]

It's a 59 reg 2.2d TS2 Estate.  Thought I'd say hello!

Don't know if his is the forum for this but I've got a question already...

While the inside is generally pretty tidy, the previous owner must have had very rough hands, as the gear knob is very worn (is this common with the 6?).  I'll be looking to get a new one, so would be grateful on any advice on:

a) What to get and where (Straight replacment from Mazda or a 3rd party one - nothing silly / flash thanks, nice leather will do!).

b) What's involved in changing?  I always presume this should be easy as pie, but I looked into it for an old Alfa Romeo I used to own and gave up as you practically had to take the gear-box apart!

Thanks!

[DaVe]

Hi,if its just the knob bit it will unscrew to be honest I thought they all did?, you might find one with these guys,
 

www.as-cars.co.uk

Dave

[A1Dan]

Thanks Dave.  They probably do screw off on every car ever made that isn't an Alfa Romeo, to be fair!

[Farnsworth28]

Welcome to the club mate.

Hope you enjoy your new motor.

Farnsy

[DavidN]

Thanks for the web link Dave - very useful. I've been looking for a sport gear knob for ages to replace my  TS specimen - but prices seem to be stratospheric, even second hand.

[DaVe]

Thanks for the web link Dave - very useful. I've been looking for a sport gear knob for ages to replace my  TS specimen - but prices seem to be stratospheric, even second hand.

No probs I have had stuff off these guys before on ebay, shame I don't live a bit closer but they are 3 hour drive from me.  Also if you have a problem Artur (polish guy will try and help all he can).

Dave

[A1Dan]

Got the car on Satruday, all good so far... still not found a decent gear knob for a edcent price though.  Why are all the ones on ebay so garish and nasty, who wants a novelty luminated skull for a gear knob?

I've got another quick question - the cap for the coolant reservoir is missing, and I've got one on order from my local dealer.  As I've not drivne it more than a few miles yet, this hasn't concerned me so far.  But the cap hasn't turned up at the dealer yet, and I'm off on a long motorway journey tomorrow.  Will this be a potential problem, and if so would it be a good idea to stick some gaffer tape over it or something for now?