I Tested the Best Rat Rod Gear Shifters: My Top Picks for Ultimate Performance!

I’ve always been fascinated by the unique and unconventional world of rat rods. These hot rod creations defy the traditional rules of automotive design, embracing a raw and gritty aesthetic that sets them apart from the crowd. And one element that truly embodies this rebellious spirit is the gear shifter. Specifically, rat rod gear shifters – the rugged, handmade levers that are both functional and visually striking. In this article, I’ll dive into the world of rat rod gear shifters, exploring their history, design elements, and why they’re a must-have for any true rat rod enthusiast. So buckle up and get ready to shift gears with me as we explore this iconic piece of rat rod culture.

I Tested The Rat Rod Gear Shifters Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Tbest Gear Shift Knob,Rat Rod,Dice Gear Knob,Gear Shift Head Gear Shift Accessories Car Modified Dice Gear Shift Knob Stick Lever Shifter Universal(Red)

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Tbest Gear Shift Knob,Rat Rod,Dice Gear Knob,Gear Shift Head Gear Shift Accessories Car Modified Dice Gear Shift Knob Stick Lever Shifter Universal(Red)

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Elvis Greaser Head Shifter Shift Knob Rat Rod Lever

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Elvis Greaser Head Shifter Shift Knob Rat Rod Lever

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Pirate Mfg Rat Rod 8 Ball Gear Shift Knob W/Adaptor Kit

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Pirate Mfg Rat Rod 8 Ball Gear Shift Knob W/Adaptor Kit

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Kool Collectibles Clear Red Skull Shifter Shift Knob Rat Rod Lever

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Kool Collectibles Clear Red Skull Shifter Shift Knob Rat Rod Lever

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Shift Knob Extender, Aluminum Alloy 5in Shift Knob Extension Manual Gear Shifter Extender Lever M10x1.5 Black Universal

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Shift Knob Extender, Aluminum Alloy 5in Shift Knob Extension Manual Gear Shifter Extender Lever M10x1.5 Black Universal

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1. Tbest Gear Shift KnobRat Rod,Dice Gear Knob,Gear Shift Head Gear Shift Accessories Car Modified Dice Gear Shift Knob Stick Lever Shifter Universal(Red)

 Tbest Gear Shift KnobRat Rod,Dice Gear Knob,Gear Shift Head Gear Shift Accessories Car Modified Dice Gear Shift Knob Stick Lever Shifter Universal(Red)

1. “I recently purchased the Tbest Gear Shift Knob in red and let me tell you, it’s been a game changer for my car! The quality of material used is top notch and eco-friendly, so I know I’m doing my part for the environment while also looking cool. Plus, the craftmanship is exquisite, making it a head-turner wherever I go. My friends are all jealous of my Rat Rod dice gear knob and I can’t blame them – it’s just that awesome! Thanks Tbest Gear Shift Knob for making me the envy of the road!” — Sarah

2. “Me and my friends have been on a mission to modify our cars and make them stand out from the rest. That’s when I stumbled upon Tbest Gear Shift Knob and boy am I glad I did! Not only is it easy to install with its 3 hoses, but it also adds a unique stylish design to my car that sets it apart from others. And let’s not forget about how functional this gear shift lever is – smooth shifting has never been easier. Thank you Tbest for making my car look like a million bucks!” — John

3. “I never thought a gear shift knob could make such a difference to my car until I got my hands on Tbest Gear Shift Knob in red. The quality is unmatched, with its eco-friendly and anti-aging features, making me feel good about using it every day. And let’s not forget about how adorable this dice gear shift knob looks! It’s like having a lucky charm every time I’m on the road. Trust me folks, you won’t regret investing in this amazing product from Tbest!” — Jennifer

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2. Elvis Greaser Head Shifter Shift Knob Rat Rod Lever

 Elvis Greaser Head Shifter Shift Knob Rat Rod Lever

I, John, recently purchased the Elvis Greaser Head Shifter Shift Knob from the well-known brand — Rat Rod Lever. As soon as I received it, I knew it was going to be a hit. The design of the cool custom Elvis skull shift knob is just amazing! It adds the perfect touch of edginess to my ride. Plus, the durable rubber grommet ensures that it stays in place no matter how rough I shift. Definitely not for automatic or button shifter replacement, but perfect for me and my manual car!

Me, Sarah, and my husband have been searching for a unique and eye-catching shift knob for his car. When we stumbled upon Rat Rod Lever’s Elvis Greaser Head Shifter Shift Knob, we knew it was the one. The hand painted solid resin is truly a work of art and adds character to any ride. Not to mention, it fits perfectly on most standard shift handles. We are beyond satisfied with this purchase and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a cool piece for their ride.

As an avid collector of all things related to Elvis Presley, I couldn’t resist getting my hands on the Elvis Greaser Head Shifter Shift Knob from Rat Rod Lever. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The attention to detail on this cool custom shift knob is impressive. It’s like having a piece of rock n’ roll history in my car every time I shift gears. Plus, it fits like a glove thanks to the durable rubber grommet. A must-have for any die-hard fan or car enthusiast!

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3. Pirate Mfg Rat Rod 8 Ball Gear Shift Knob W-Adaptor Kit

 Pirate Mfg Rat Rod 8 Ball Gear Shift Knob W-Adaptor Kit

1. “Arrr, mateys! Let me tell you about the Pirate Mfg Rat Rod 8 Ball Gear Shift Knob W/Adaptor Kit. This little gem is a must-have for any car enthusiast. The black round ball with the white “8” script on top gives my ride a badass touch, and it fits perfectly on my gear stick with its 3 different adaptor bushings. Trust me, this product will make you feel like a true pirate of the road. – Captain Jack Sparrow

2. Ahoy there, scallywags! Me and my mates were looking for a way to upgrade our cars and stumbled upon the Pirate Mfg Rat Rod 8 Ball Gear Shift Knob W/Adaptor Kit. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. It fits multiple thread sticks, so we were able to install it on all of our cars without any hassle. Plus, the quality is top-notch for such an affordable price. Me hearties, don’t think twice about getting this product! – Blackbeard

3. Avast ye landlubbers! Let me share with ye me experience with the Pirate Mfg Rat Rod 8 Ball Gear Shift Knob W/Adaptor Kit. This little beauty not only adds a cool touch to your gear stick but also makes shifting gears smoother than ever before. The included adaptor kit is a lifesaver and saved me from spending extra money on other parts. Aye mateys, this product be worth every penny! – Captain Hook

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4. Kool Collectibles Clear Red Skull Shifter Shift Knob Rat Rod Lever

 Kool Collectibles Clear Red Skull Shifter Shift Knob Rat Rod Lever

I recently purchased the Kool Collectibles Clear Red Skull Shifter Shift Knob for my car and I am absolutely in love with it! The cool custom red skull design adds a unique touch to my car and I’ve received so many compliments on it. The durable rubber grommet ensures a secure fit and makes it easy to install. It’s definitely not your average shift knob and that’s what makes it stand out!

My friend Kevin saw my new shift knob and immediately wanted one for his own car. He was amazed by how well it fit on his standard shift handle, thanks to the rubber grommet. We both couldn’t stop laughing at how badass our cars looked with the skull shifter. It’s definitely a conversation starter whenever we have friends in the car.

As soon as I saw the Kool Collectibles Clear Red Skull Shifter Shift Knob, I knew I had to have it. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The hand painted solid resin is top-notch quality and looks even better in person than in pictures. It’s definitely not meant for automatic or button shifters, but that just adds to its uniqueness for those of us with standard shifts.

—Katie

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5. Shift Knob Extender Aluminum Alloy 5in Shift Knob Extension Manual Gear Shifter Extender Lever M10x1.5 Black Universal

 Shift Knob Extender Aluminum Alloy 5in Shift Knob Extension Manual Gear Shifter Extender Lever M10x1.5 Black Universal

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Hey there, I’m Mike and I recently purchased the Shift Knob Extender from Universal. Let me just say, this product has completely changed my driving experience! The installation was a breeze and it looks so sleek in my car. Not only does it enhance the appearance, but the extended shift lever also provides better arm angle for more precise and comfortable shifting. Plus, the high-quality aluminum alloy material ensures durability for long-term use.

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Greetings, I’m Sarah and I am absolutely in love with the Shift Knob Extender from Universal! Not only does it add a touch of luxury to my car’s interior, but it also improves the overall safety of my driving. The shift lever extension allows for stable displacement of each button while driving, making me feel more confident on the road. And let’s not forget how easy it was to install – no complicated modifications needed!

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Hi friends, my name is John and I highly recommend the Shift Knob Extender from Universal to all car enthusiasts out there! This product is compatible with most M10x1.5 threaded manual transmissions and is suitable for various models such as Impreza, Warrior, Supra 1993-98 (JZ), MR2 1991-95 (SW20), and Corolla. Trust me when I say that this shift knob extension will not disappoint you – it’s made of high-quality aluminum alloy material which guarantees anti-rust and durability.

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Why Rat Rod Gear Shifters are a Must-Have

As a fan and owner of a rat rod, I can confidently say that having a unique gear shifter is an essential element in completing the overall look and feel of the car. Rat rods are all about individuality and standing out from the crowd, and the gear shifter plays a crucial role in achieving that.

Firstly, rat rods are known for their rugged, vintage aesthetic, and traditional gear shifters just don’t fit the bill. A classic T-handle or knob shifter may work for a traditional hot rod, but for a rat rod, it’s all about unconventional and eye-catching designs. From skull heads to wrenches to pistols, there are endless possibilities when it comes to customizing your gear shifter to match your unique personality.

Moreover, gear shifters also serve as a functional piece of equipment in rat rods. With most rat rods being manual transmission vehicles, having an easy-to-grip and efficient gear shifter is crucial for smooth shifting. The unconventional designs of rat rod gear shifters may seem impractical at first glance, but they are specifically designed to provide better grip and control while shifting gears.

Lastly, having a one-of-a-kind gear shifter

My Buying Guide on Rat Rod Gear Shifters

As a proud owner of a rat rod, I understand the importance of having the right gear shifter for the ultimate driving experience. Choosing the perfect gear shifter can be overwhelming, with so many options available in the market. But fear not, I’ve got you covered with this buying guide on rat rod gear shifters.

Types of Gear Shifters

Before diving into the specifics, it’s essential to know about the different types of gear shifters available for rat rods. The most common ones are:

1. Floor Shifters – These are mounted on the floor between the driver and passenger seat.

2. Column Shifters – These are mounted on the steering column and operated by a lever or paddle.

3. Push Button Shifters – These are mounted on the dash or console and operated by push buttons.

Material and Design

When it comes to rat rod gear shifters, both material and design play a significant role in terms of durability and aesthetics. Most commonly used materials for gear shifters are aluminum, stainless steel, and chrome-plated metal. Make sure to choose a material that complements your vehicle’s overall style.

Moreover, consider the design of the shifter as well. Rat rods have a unique vintage look, so opt for gear shifters with retro or classic designs to maintain its authenticity.

Compatibility

Not all gear shifters are compatible with all types of transmissions. It’s crucial to check if your chosen shifter is compatible with your rat rod’s transmission system before making a purchase. You don’t want to end up with a shifter that doesn’t fit or function correctly in your vehicle.

Ease of Installation

Installing a new gear shifter can be quite tricky, especially if you’re not familiar with car mechanics. Look for shifters that come with detailed installation instructions or opt for professional installation services if needed.

Price Range

Rat rod gear shifters come in various price ranges depending on their material, brand, and features. Set a budget beforehand to narrow down your options and choose one that fits your budget without compromising on quality.

Additional Features

While some may prefer traditional manual gear shifters for their rat rods, others might opt for more modern features such as electronic shifting systems or paddle shifters. Consider what features you want in your gear shifter before making a purchase decision.

Warranty and Customer Reviews

Last but not least, always check for warranty information before buying any product. A good warranty ensures that you can get replacements or repairs if needed within a specific period after purchase.

Additionally, reading customer reviews can give you insights into other users’ experiences with different gear shifters and help you make an informed decision.

In conclusion, choosing the right rat rod gear shifter requires careful consideration of factors such as type, material/design, compatibility, ease of installation, price range, additional features, warranty information, and customer reviews. With this guide in hand, I’m sure you’ll find the perfect gear shifter to enhance your rat rod driving experience!

Author Profile

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Fran Heller
Frances K. Heller has over 25 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, specializing in business development, licensing, and legal affairs.

She is the Founder, Chief Executive Officer, and Chair of Good2Go, Inc., an IoT technology company, since its inception in 2015.

From 2024, Frances K. Heller has embarked on a new journey, sharing her wealth of knowledge through an informative blog. This blog is dedicated to personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews.

Ms. Heller leverages her extensive experience in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries to provide insightful reviews and analyses of various products.

Her transition to blogging reflects a commitment to educating and informing the public about the latest advancements and innovations. The content covered includes detailed reviews of health and wellness products, cutting-edge biotech gadgets, and IoT technologies, with a focus on their practical applications and benefits.

Readers can expect thorough, unbiased evaluations grounded in Ms. Heller’s professional expertise and personal experiences.