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Thread: Original vs. Repro 901 Shift Knobs

  1. #1
    Lighting Specialist jaudette3's Avatar
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    Original vs. Repro 901 Shift Knobs

    As with so many other early parts, there's a lot of confusion about original 901 shift knobs and reproductions. And, as with so many early parts, there are reproductions and there are reproductions. Some are earlier than others and very close to originals. Others are cheapies. Others are new very nice ones. I have found the main difference between all repros that I have seen and originals to usually be three things:

    (1) The originals are noticeably thinner at the bottom than the repros and the edge is more rounded vs. the flat edges on the repros.

    (2) The originals I have seen have been more of a matte black than a glossy black, but maybe that's due to patina.

    (3) The originals had flattish numbers and most of the repro's have numbers that are somewhat rounded.

    To further complicate things, a a fellow forum member has pointed out to me, the upper vertical part of the "5" was straight on knobs know to be original, but may be a bit slanted on knobs that could be reproductions or originals.

    Here's one I believe to be an original:

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    Here's one I know to be a later reproduction:

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    I've seen knobs with thin bottoms, flat numbers and straight and slanted "5's". But I've never seen a repro without a fat bottom.

    I hope that helps.

    We need to cut a little slack sometimes because the differences between original parts and reproduction parts produced at different times can be very fine indeed.

    JohnA
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  2. #2
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    +1 makes me think that the one I just sold was an original. One other point on the 2 original knobs I had, down inside the knob (so underneath the shift pattern) mine both had sort of a nipple. I have never seen a repro but did these have that nipple on the inside top also? Here is a picture from underside of the 2 I had. The one on the right is for sure original and one on the left I believe is a like new original. If you look close you can see both rims are rounded (also thin) and there is a nipple inside top on both. Maybe I should have kept the one I sold to John but it was too nice to put in my car!Name:  IMG_0498.jpg
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    Last edited by mfitton; 01-12-2013 at 07:02 AM.
    Mike Fitton # 2071
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  3. #3
    Lighting Specialist jaudette3's Avatar
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    The inside of the repro I have is very different from the originals.

    Name:  image.jpg
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    And good angle to see how wide and flat the rim is.

    Might be a great way to check before offering one for sale.

    JohnA
    Last edited by jaudette3; 01-11-2013 at 06:53 PM.
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    John,

    Look at the shape of the '1' in the two photos you have posted. They are also distinctly different. I wonder if that difference is consistent? I will have a look at the knob in the '71 later today.
    Brian

    '71T
    R Gruppe #299

  5. #5
    Lighting Specialist jaudette3's Avatar
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    Interesting Brian, they've very different. And to further complicate things, the "1" on the original I posted here is more similar to the "1" on the three knobs posted for sale yesterday than it is to the repro posted here. Looks like we're up to three versions. It would be nice to see the inside of the ones posted for sale yesterday and compare with the two here.

    I'm obviously a hopeless geek. But the detective work is fun.

    JohnA
    Lighting Resources for Hardcore Air-Cooled Porsche Enthusiasts”
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  6. #6
    Senior Member kentf14's Avatar
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    I wouldn't be surprised if there were some production variation over the years. Absolutes are hard to come by. I'm still not convinced that the ones sold yesterday were original.
    I'd also like to see the quality of the new Dansk repop for $25
    http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/...9%2C%20Each%20
    Last edited by kentf14; 01-12-2013 at 06:46 AM.
    E911SR & RGRUPPE
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  7. #7
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    John,

    IMO, the three knobs sold as NOS, look like the repro knob you posted up and the cracked original look like the knob that Mike posted in the same thread. The top of number one that 'points' left is pointed on the repro but blunted on the originals (I think).

    (one of three, sold as NOS, but repro IMO)


    (original posted by Mike)


    http://www.early911sregistry.org/for...01-shift-knobs
    Brian

    '71T
    R Gruppe #299

  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by kentf14 View Post
    I wouldn't be surprised if there were some production variation over the years. Absolutes are hard to come by. I'm still not convinced that the ones sold yesterday were original.
    I'd also like to see the quality of the new Dansk repop for $25
    http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/...9%2C%20Each%20
    For $25 I think we know the answer to that! Can anybody comment on the Dansk with firsthand knowledge?
    Mike Fitton # 2071
    2018 911S Carrera White
    2012 991 Platinum Silver ( Gone)
    1971 911T Targa Bahia Red (Gone to France)
    1995 911 Carrera Polar Silver (Gone)

    No Affiliation with City of Chicago!

  9. #9
    Lighting Specialist jaudette3's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by mfitton View Post
    For $25 I think we know the answer to that! Can anybody comment on the Dansk with firsthand knowledge?
    Just ordered one. I'll report back.

    JohnA
    Lighting Resources for Hardcore Air-Cooled Porsche Enthusiasts”
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  10. #10
    Senior Member JT912's Avatar
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    Picture of the Dansk from PP.

    Dansk 915 Knob
    John Thompson

    1966 912. My first car. Bought it Nov. 25, 1988. Still have it.

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