TheSamba.com :: View topic - any interest in custom aluminum dash knobs?

Fri Sep 02, 2011 3:47 pm

For fun I tooled up my hand turret lathe to make aluminum dash knobs. I'm really pleased with the result, and if there is interest I'll make more, powdercoat them ivory, and make wiper button knobs to match. If you're interested, please check the poll above so I can get an idea whether or not to spend the time.

I patterned these on a plastic WW knob (left).

Fri Sep 02, 2011 4:47 pm

Those are sexy knobs just as they are. What would you have to have for a set?

Fri Sep 02, 2011 6:04 pm

I did them +15 years ago.....now Mr Rip off has them from China.

Good luck... :roll:

PS: I f you want to buy my lot of special bronze bushing, tooling and jigs for adding those to window cranks....PM and let's talk.

Fri Sep 02, 2011 6:10 pm

Nice work, congrats.

Fri Sep 02, 2011 6:11 pm

Nice looking knobs but they would get too hot in the Arizona sun.

Fri Sep 02, 2011 6:31 pm

This week in Billet!

Sat Sep 03, 2011 9:54 am

Sorry guys, these aren't made from "billet" they're made from 7/8" round stock. To me a billet is something else. Does that hurt my advertising chances to not be willing to say that they're "billet?" :-)

werksburg, I looked around trying to find another source for these and didn't find any... Where is the source for chinese-made?

Sat Sep 03, 2011 11:40 am

Machined round stock is Billet machined.

http://s221.photobucket.com/albums/dd117/werksberg/Vintage%20Billet%20products/

Mr Rip off? You have not been around long with VW's..... Mr. Bug / Empty pants!

Sat Sep 03, 2011 1:25 pm

werksberg wrote:
http://s221.photobucket.com/albums/dd117/werksberg/Vintage%20Billet%20products/ Is that Bill's car?

Sat Sep 03, 2011 2:19 pm

Bruce wrote: werksberg wrote:
http://s221.photobucket.com/albums/dd117/werksberg/Vintage%20Billet%20products/ Is that Bill's car?

Yes, a buddy of mine.

Sat Sep 03, 2011 6:11 pm

I think they are pretty neat and would ad a custom touch, however, the most popular recent VW trend of patina (rust) and stock may not support the idea. With the VW stock Nazi's good luck selling those. Most VW owners/drivers like simplicity, and of course are very....frugal.

:-k Maybe set them outside and let them weather and "patina", and they will sell like hot cakes.

Sat Sep 03, 2011 11:37 pm

Interesting, though what I'd really like to see these made out of is brass. 8)
Actually this gives me an idea. I'd like to try making some funky knobs in my schools machine shop. What threads are the stock knobs?

Sun Sep 04, 2011 3:40 pm

how about making some for the '68 up guys?

Sun Sep 04, 2011 4:24 pm

Lets see one powdercoated

Sun Sep 04, 2011 6:09 pm

IMO: buy a full set and powder coat or anodize them as set to your color choice as when a maker does, it rarely is the right shade of color to the buyer.

Sun Sep 04, 2011 8:58 pm

Very nice work! :)

Mon Sep 05, 2011 10:00 am

I know I would like a set if they were priced fair 8)

Mon Sep 05, 2011 10:03 am

werksberg wrote: IMO: buy a full set and powder coat or anodize them as set to your color choice as when a maker does, it rarely is the right shade of color to the buyer.

I agree, as they will tarnish without anodizing protection. And with the detailed ridge work so fragile, not easy to polish after they do.

Nice work, though! See it through.

Mon Sep 05, 2011 3:05 pm

Since they are machined from bar, they will hold their shine better than if they were cast.

I know the owner of this car:

He doesn't have the time to spend polishing them. At the worst, you might have to give them a 15 min buff job every 3-4 years.

Mon Sep 05, 2011 7:06 pm

KTPhil wrote: werksberg wrote: IMO: buy a full set and powder coat or anodize them as set to your color choice as when a maker does, it rarely is the right shade of color to the buyer.

I agree, as they will tarnish without anodizing protection. And with the detailed ridge work so fragile, not easy to polish after they do.

Nice work, though! See it through.

Just using them, they self polish....