Restoring Origional Shift Knob

[Arne]

The stock ones for all 240Zs were wood with the shift pattern, I think 260Zs were the same. No Datsuns ever came with onyx from the factory.

I'll bet that most of the people on this site have bought something from MSA (aka The Z Store) at one time or another.

[daddz]

Justin,

What you have there is an AMCO wooden shift knob (using their parlance from a Datsun accessory parts catalog). Those are fairly rare and if you don't want to restore it Mike McGinnis of Banzai Motorworks sells reproduction AMCO shift knobs which are much more durable than the AMCO. For example I bought an NOS AMCO wooden shift knob for my '77 280Z about two years ago and within a year and a half (only 1800 miles) the finish has detoriorated. In contrast the reproductions from Banzai Motorworks have stood up to five plus years of use (about 9000 miles) with no apparent deterioration.

His website is:

http://zzxdatsun.com

[DeesZ]

I agree, that looks like an AMCO aftermarket knob. In the '70s I sold aftermarket parts for a living, and sold thousands of these knobs which were made for almost any vehicle. Our local Datsun dealers also sold AMCO accessories. In addition to walnut, there was a "leather" covered one, too, which I think sold for an additional several dollars. Knobs were one of the first things added to a new car; they were viewed as an upgrade and a step up from stock - not to mention, inexpensive. It was the first thing I did to my new Z in 1972. You are also correct about the finish on the wood not being the greatest for durability. But, as with almost any piece of wood, it can be refinished. I suggest removing the majority of the remaining finish with a solvent (lacquer or varnish thinner, etc.), not using any sand paper so as to retain some of the age patina, hit it with a few drops of stain (Minwax walnut or something to your taste) rubbing it in evenly. and letting it dry. Perhaps a second coat of the stain, and let it dry well. Buff off all that you can, then hit it with 4~5 coats of tung oil or boiled linseed oil, using a very light abrasive cloth (Scotch-Brite pad, etc - not steel wool) between coats after the coats dry. Finally, several coats of a good furniture wax. That should provide a stunning and durable finish to the wood part. I just did that process to my stock knob about a year ago, It gets richer looking now the more I use it. As for the center piece, there's the problem, they are tough to restore... I've seen some with coins, etc. mounted in there as replacements. MSA is likely your easiest route for a good looking knob. I've bought from them with better than average results and excellent customer service. I also highly recommend Banzai - Mr. McGinnis is simply fantastic. Good luck.

[moonpup]

Originally Posted by: DeesZ

In addition to walnut, there was a "leather" covered one, too, which I think sold for an additional several dollars.

Is this the one you were refering to?

[DeesZ]

Yep, that sure looks like the one. There were also ones with a "Z", if I recall the AMCO product line correctly.

[DeesZ]

There are several up on eBay right now. I think one of them may be an AMCO, but I'm really not too sure about the others.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/75-Datsun-240Z-260Z-280Z-4-Speed-Shift-Knob-Vintage_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33703QQitemZ8077191999QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/DATSUN-Z-CAR-SHIFT-KNOB_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ34206QQihZ010QQitemZ200000334247QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1970-1983-datsun-240z-260z-280z-280zx-walnut-shift-knob_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33703QQihZ014QQitemZ330000396004QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

I really like the OEM knobs best, they are not as bulky.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Datsun-240Z-260Z-280Z-New-OEM-Woodgrain-Shift-Knob_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ10076QQihZ002QQitemZ4652238746QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

[agemeansnothing]

My brother has that shift knob in his 240 it is like brand new.

[=Enigma=]

Justin,

Personally I like the knob you posted over the alternative replacements. If I were you, I would give the resto your best effort.

Here's what try if it were me. This is untested.

Start by chiseling out the remaining paint as you suggested, then go get some Testers modeling paint and a plastic eyedropper. Use the eye dropper to fill the voids with paint and let it flow into all the areas. Use a toothpick to manipulate it if necessary. You can also use the toothpick to get the black into the lettering. Once done, mask off the wood part and spray several coats of clear to protect it. Probably better to stick with an acrylic to match the Testers paint.

[hls30.com]

One of the on-line Datsun roadster suppliers has original Amco shift knobs for sale at a great price.

Will

[Arne]

I'd like to tack on to this thread. I've got the original wood shift knob for my 240Z, and I'd like to restore it rather than replace it as the replacements (even from Nissan) aren't the same - the are fatter.

I need to refinish it, which is not the problem. But the plastic emblem with the shift pattern is cracked. Can that plastic emblem be replaced or repaired?

[hls30.com]

Arne,

All of the original knobs I have ever seen had metal emblems.

But, it can be replaced if you ca find one, Try "E's Miracles" for restoration-I think the website you (or someone up there) we selling cars on had a link...

Will

PS, no pic to see the damage?

[MikeW]

Arne,

All of the original knobs I have ever seen had metal emblems.

Really? Can you post a picture of a knob with a metal emblem? Mine is plastic like Arne's and is also somewhat damaged.