So I, like a lot of people couldn't stand the chrome shift **** and surround. I've only had the truck a few weeks now, but I just had to throw some paint on today. I used DupliColor Metalcast Smoke, which I found at NAPA for $7.69.

In progress:




Followed the directions to the best of my abilities. After disassembly, I washed the parts in soap and water, then after they were dry I wiped them down with a prep wipe. Two light coats and one medium wet coat.

Final Result:




I'm pretty happy with the final product - definitely will appreciate not getting an eyeful of sunshine reflecting off the shiftknob. It actually matches a little too well with the rest of the dash and console. I kind of wish I would have gone with a darker color (although I didn't really know what the Metalcast Smoke would look like until it was done). I'll keep it like this for now, and maybe mist it with some black later on.

It was a really easy job, but I'm willing to answer any questions about it.....

 

I know you don't want to do the extra work, but it might be worth giving it a couple more coats, then some clear. Too bad you didn't get a chance to do this in summer. The heat in the cab would have been great to cure the paint!

 

How the heck did you get it to come apart? On the bezel I couldnt get the overdrive wiring unhooked and I wasnt sure if the shifter button just pops off or if there is a clip? If you could write up the removal process it would be greatly appreciated! Nice work tho, it looks great!

 

good job, want to do mine black to match the rest of the console

 

Looks good! The metalcast paint works great

 

Looks nice, but as far as I can recall ...
... you are the first one I've seen so state.
Maybe I just haven't taken notice?

Wonder how a Darker grey bezel with a still chrome cap and button would look?

I also like that newer style pistol grip looking shifter setup, but guess need a new top and maybe more, not sure if it's only for 6 spd or what?

 

Looks nice, kept the sheen yet killed the eye distracting chrome. Good job!

 

Thanks for the comments guys! I've seen lots of complaints about the shifters but maybe I am the first one to tackle the problem.

Shifter was pretty easy to remove actually. First step is to remove the button. Mine is hinged at the top, so I inserted a very small screwdriver right above the button and pried it off. Then theres a small torx screw holding the shifter on the shaft. Remove the screw and pull off the two pieces of the shifter. The O/D button connector was tough to remove. The whole connector will slide off its mount (pull it back towards the rear of the truck). On the underside of the connector is a retaining clip. Use a small screwdriver to disconnect it, them push the O/D button and about 3" of wiring up through the shifter surround.

I really don't think I need anymore paint, definitely don't want any clearcoat. I like the texture it has, its very similar to the rest of the console.

 

Awesome job! I dig, but seeing how long it took me to get the floor shifter functional in my STX, and the fact that I like the chrome because it matches my air bezels and radio dials, I think I'm sticking with stock for now.

But after I've had the truck for another ten years--this is definitely a possibility. Thanks!

 

Yeah, after some thought ... I went and sat in the truck today and considered the possibilities. If something were to happen, say a scratch .... to the xchrome, yeah .... a dark grey semi gloss would look great in there on the bezel. Wouldn't show all those smudges so clearly that always seem to appear either? I think I'ld leave the button / cap chrome .... maybe?

There was a time when 10 years .... I'ld have laughed. Have had the '77 since '86 now, so "you never know" would apply!

 

I can't imagine owning a vehicle for over 4yrs, but with the way this economy is going, it might happen this time around...

 

Well, my plan is to do well at my salesman's position at Ford and it will allow me to purchase a 2015 year model FX SuperCrew truck, and I'll just keep my STX for going to town. Because at 114K, if I keep it as my primary, she will need a rebuild within 5 years.

Sorry to thread jack, OP. The more I'm looking at that, the cooler it looks lol After all, everything else on my STX is PTM, so why not that, too?

 

Paint turned out nice....

Needs some clear coats though....

 

OP, you are a genius!

Can't tell you how many times I turn a corner and the "chrome" on the top of the shifter or the around base bounce the sun directly into my eyes and blind me.

 

Thanks! Maybe I'll add this quote to my sig....

After living with this mod for the last couple of weeks, I'm still very happy with the results.

I might add some satin clear at some point just to make it more durable, but I might also decide to sand it down and paint it black later.