Heater Control Fan Speed Knob Reproduction Project

I have made the heater on/off switch for my CJ out of aluminum, painted it and it looks awesome.....If I had enough of an interest I probably could make a bunch....for a reasonable price.

Any interest?

 

Google "pointer knobs" and look at the pictures. There are hundreds of different types of knobs that could be adapted to this purpose. No one but you (and a few of your friends here) would know that it's not the original knob. Here's one that's pretty close to the original style: 407P2K1 RAYTHEON knob plastic Pointer 2051000433

 

Will take a pic or 2 and try to post them ..........................

 

GREAT video. I know about casting resin but haven't seen anyone use it to such good effect. Probably all due to that fellas production skills.

The only minor issue I see is no one is going to have a collection of 10 heater knobs to make the master mold with like he did. He needs to make 9 clones first, from a single mold and then use the clones to make the master. EDIT: And those clones need to be perfect. If and only if someone wanted to be able to do large batches of knobs, and with ease.

I agree with Maury about the sanded dowel technique--that could be for the "low end" knob for those who didn't want to bother with the set screw.
Also agree with NCRenII too. Wouldn't be too hard to fashion a 'half-moon' rod as a die for the hole in the knob. Could even be triangular or diamond shaped like the knob in the video.

Someone needs to get on this and it won't be me because I don't have a knob.

EDIT: put me in for two knobs.

 

You don't need 10 perfect knobs but 10 molds from one knob which can be as simple as putting a good knob down and spraying it good with pam. Place a short cardboard tube around it and fill with that weird color silicone caulk you can't use for anything else.

 

Here is the knob I cut from ABS black plastic pipe. I suggest this is the easiest method for anyone needing one or two. 3d printing is expensive and results in a part needing further finishing. I found it easier to cut, file, sand and polish. I have yet to drill and install. THe Shim is needed to clamp the knob to the shaft after the hole is drilled in back of plastic. If one doed not have a small tap for the set screw I'd recommend obtaining a set screw and self tapping sheet metal screw to run into the drilled pilot hole. Also in order to make the shim, cut a length of steel rod, or cut off a bolt or screw with an unthreaded portion of proper diameter and grind dow the shim shape and then cut off the required 5/8" length or so to use.

 

Very nice! Great write up and detailed schematic plans.

 

Thought I'd add this for those looking for the face plate restoration. Restore '63 wagon heater control cover

 

Here's another option:

Heater Panel Decal