I am currently having a gear knob badge cast in aluminium as my rubber one perished and looked a bit cheap, so knowing a pattern maker I thought what the heck I'll get one made I'll tell you how it comes out. I think the metal surround instead of a leather gaiter for the manual gear shifter is a great Idea. You could easily cut one out of stainless to be in keeping with the rest of the car I am sure it would look the part!.