Shift Knob Pattern Button...

[DeesZ]

The other thread on shift knobs got me looking at several I have sitting around... I have several '70s vintage 240Z shift knobs, all of which would benefit from having a new shift pattern plastic button on the top. It seems that cracking is a very common problem. Can anyone provide a lead with respect to where replacements for these "buttons" can be found? I've looked high, low and in between, but obviously not at the right place. The factory parts manual I have doesn't break the knob down to component parts.... Since the new knobs being sold have them, I'd assume they are still in production somewhere, but where?

Any ideas?

Picture of three in less than great shape attached.... They are not as bad in person as the picture makes them look... the lighting somewhat magnified the issue.... but I'd sure like to get some correct replacements.

[Arne]

As far as I could find after a bit of searching, no replacements are available. The emblem discs from the current production knobs are visually different (different font, mostly), but even those are not available separately.

I decided to live with a single small crack in mine, rather than go with the larger current knob with the incorrect type-face. It may not be perfect, but it is original and correct.

[hls30.com]

I am just working out the details, it will not be too much longer then the replacement emblems and replacement bases will be available.

They are dead ringers-once I get the paint just right, but the bases will be an aluminum threaded insert, highly polished and depending on price, anodized clear to protect the shine.

Several of the reproduction items I have been working on will be coming out very soon!

Will

[WW2Winger]

Will, how about a 5-speed knob and pattern? Will that be available as well?

[rdefabri]

I decided to live with a single small crack in mine, rather than go with the larger current knob with the incorrect type-face. It may not be perfect, but it is original and correct.

Same here...of course mine is now "free wheeling" (stripped threads in the base - covered in separate thread). Will's aluminum base would have come in handy when the factory originally manufactured these

[zbane]

How about making your own new clear covering? Anyone remember Makit and Bakit kits? As I recall, the clear crystals melted clear. If you were to remove the cracked clear coating, one would think that you could carefully fill/cover the metal button with the clear crystals, put the metal disc in the oven, and melt away. The only problem I could foresee would be that it would melt flat and not have the crown (if they have a crown, that is).

Edited September 27, 2008 by zbane

[Arne]

The factory emblem is plastic all the way through. Good idea, though. I'd considered trying to find something to clear-coat mine to hide the crack.

[Oiluj]

I am just working out the details, it will not be too much longer then the replacement emblems and replacement bases will be available.Will

Will,

Sign me up for a 240-4speed emblem!

[hls30.com]

The 5 speed emblem I have to get one of, but it will be done too.

In checking the base aand the 12 or so original 4spd knobs I have, , there is some variation on the lower diameter of the wood, meaning the base may be slightly smaller or larger(just lie the chromed plastic original).

Will

[vercingetorix]

Will,

Sign me up for a 240-4speed emblem!

Me too! As soon as they're ready I'm in.

[CarCrazy24]

Me too! As soon as they're ready I'm in.

+1 for the 4 Speed

[soundmasterg]

I am just working out the details, it will not be too much longer then the replacement emblems and replacement bases will be available.

They are dead ringers-once I get the paint just right, but the bases will be an aluminum threaded insert, highly polished and depending on price, anodized clear to protect the shine.

Several of the reproduction items I have been working on will be coming out very soon!

Will

Will,

Where do you get the emblems and the aluminium threaded insert? I'm going with a BW T5 and a Summit racing shifter in my '72 240Z, and the shifter uses a Ford thread, which is bigger than the Datsun 8mm thread. I believe the Ford thread is 14mm, though I could be wrong. I don't like any of the offerings for a Ford shifter knob and was thinking of making myself something out of wood to fit the shifter shaft, but with a Datsun emblem. If I could find the threaded insert in the correct size and thread, and a Datsun emblem to slap on the top of the shifter, I'd be in business.

(Or if you could make one, that would be very cool too!)

Thanks,

Greg