Has there been any discussion on whether it's possible to replace the crystal on old shift knobs? Is it an actual lens or a layer of clear plastic molded into the body of the knob? I'm about ready to experiment with one.
JohnA
Has there been any discussion on whether it's possible to replace the crystal on old shift knobs? Is it an actual lens or a layer of clear plastic molded into the body of the knob? I'm about ready to experiment with one.
JohnA
”Lighting Resources for Hardcore Air-Cooled Porsche Enthusiasts”
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John Audette - Porsche Lighting Anorak
AC Shop: BEST-IN-CLASS Air Cooled 911 Lighting Parts => 911BestInClass.com
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I have pecked away at one. The crystal appears to be glued in. It is also harder than the surrounding black material, so if you try to lever it out, you damage the surround. Maybe you will have better luck...
Ravi
Early 911S Registry # 2395
1973 Porsche 911S in Light Ivory 5sp MT
2023 Porsche Macan GTS in Gentian Blue 7sp PDK
You may want to do a search on the bird (Pelican). There was a guy doing returns there. Don't believe the results were as good as factory but a definite improvement at a reasonable price compared to buying a reproduction.
71 914 3.0, 82 SC, ESR 376, RG 307
"The problem with the world is, the ignorant are cock-sure and the intelligent are full of doubt." Bertram Russell
...just a wild guess, but could you use/modify a windshield repair kit to fill and finish?
Bill
Bill
1969 911T - sold
2001 911 Turbo - sold
1996 911 C4S - returned
1982 911SC - gone
1960 356 Roadster - sold
I think it is really hard plastic. Polishing migth work.
I think the black part is Bakelight and the clear par is plastic or clear resin of some type. Interesting to see how they manufacture this piece.
David
'73 S Targa #0830 2.7 MFI rebuilt to RS specs
The main thing I'm wondering is how the lens is constructed - if it's a thin lens that can be removed, or if it's as you say some type of resin pour. Seems like the lens could be cut away with a Dremel or somesuch and replaced. If it's resin it might be impossible to remove it. I hate sacrificing an original to experiment, but I'm about ready to try.Originally Posted by RSTarga
JohnA
”Lighting Resources for Hardcore Air-Cooled Porsche Enthusiasts”
——-
John Audette - Porsche Lighting Anorak
AC Shop: BEST-IN-CLASS Air Cooled 911 Lighting Parts => 911BestInClass.com
AC Site: The Air Cooled 911 Light Resource => AudetteCollection.com
Instagram: Please Follow => AC Shop Instagram
John you can't remove the clear plastic insert without damaging the silver outline and shift pattern. I have a system I use to restore the knob as long as the shift pattern is OK and the real problem is the cracking and crazing of the clear insert. Post a picture of your knob and I will tell you if I can restore it for you.
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!
Here is a before and after picture of a knob I just restored:
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!
It is a matter of buffing the crazing out of the clear cap. As an experiment I have done this by hand as I was a bit timid of jumping in with a buffing wheel/compound. By hand was time consuming but it did allow me to see the gradual effects. With any polishing project I imagine that starting with a lighter buffing compound and testing is the way to go. Be careful to not distort the shape of the clear cap with a power machine.
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