This is genius!!!
Dash Knob Refurbish-How To (4 Viewers)
- Thread starter DomSmith
- Start date
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Anybody know the size of nut that holds choke, warm and vent cable to dash? And are all cables supposed to have small chrome bezel?
I will answer my own question in case anyone else looks for this info in the future.
The nut used to hold cable tight to the dash is M11.
Knowing this is an odd size I searched M11 on ih8mud and learned that driveshaft nuts are same size. So I found one laying around, tried it and it works.
The nut used to hold cable tight to the dash is M11.
Knowing this is an odd size I searched M11 on ih8mud and learned that driveshaft nuts are same size. So I found one laying around, tried it and it works.
You can use a 17mm wrench to loosen then nut and then loosen them by hand afterwards. Just make sure to hold on to the nut as you feed the cable out so it doesn't fall behind the heater. Also make sure you put the beauty ring on and thread thru the nut with the indented side towards the dash to make it easier to thread back on.
thenative1
SILVER Star
Great project!
Dom,
Thanks VERY much for this tutorial. It was basic, easy to execute, and very satisfying. I did five knobs (I am going to ignore all the knob polishing jokes 'cause, while awesome, are just too easy) and they all came out great. The face of the cigarette lighter knob was slightly pitted so took some extra ooomph and has the tiniest paint left over on the face but you have to use magnification to see it and if someone is looking at my Troopy that closely and it's not me, we've got other issues.
I posted the pix of the progression and tools I used below. In getting them initially clean, I found that a small metal pick and plastic spudging tool (I use mine to do repairs on really fine electronics) was very helpful.
Next phase is I'm going to try and do the same process to the knobs that don't unscrew while leaving them mounted on the dash.
BTW, beyond finding them on eBay, does anyone know of anyone (I know there used to be a MUD member who did it but has since closed) who casts/fabs blank knobs or knobs with custom icons?
Best,
Evan
Dom,
Thanks VERY much for this tutorial. It was basic, easy to execute, and very satisfying. I did five knobs (I am going to ignore all the knob polishing jokes 'cause, while awesome, are just too easy) and they all came out great. The face of the cigarette lighter knob was slightly pitted so took some extra ooomph and has the tiniest paint left over on the face but you have to use magnification to see it and if someone is looking at my Troopy that closely and it's not me, we've got other issues.
I posted the pix of the progression and tools I used below. In getting them initially clean, I found that a small metal pick and plastic spudging tool (I use mine to do repairs on really fine electronics) was very helpful.
Next phase is I'm going to try and do the same process to the knobs that don't unscrew while leaving them mounted on the dash.
BTW, beyond finding them on eBay, does anyone know of anyone (I know there used to be a MUD member who did it but has since closed) who casts/fabs blank knobs or knobs with custom icons?
Best,
Evan
I got similar results with white finger nail polish and non-acetone based remover...best of all super low cost 
shipmag
Hagler Technology LLC. Aka Shipmag
Got some black plastic dip
Spray paint from Napa was going to clean knobs with simply green to get old oxidation off then spray them with plastic dip spray paint to
Make them look new and shinny any thoughts. Got sharpie paint pen extra fine at hobby lobby red and white. Looking for feed back on the plastic dip spray paint.
...via IH8MUD app
Spray paint from Napa was going to clean knobs with simply green to get old oxidation off then spray them with plastic dip spray paint to
Make them look new and shinny any thoughts. Got sharpie paint pen extra fine at hobby lobby red and white. Looking for feed back on the plastic dip spray paint.
...via IH8MUD app
The first thing I did in the process was to buff the plastic knob on my 8" stationary buffer that I use for buffing stainless, aluminum and chrome. I use a really soft buffing wheel with a white compound. It takes about 3 minutes per knob to get a really glossy finish. Then I use a duplicolor white touch up paint with the built in brush and slop it on. I then take a clean thin rag (like an old worn out t-shirt) and pull it really tight on my finger. Wet the tip of the rag with 3-M brake cleaner and carefully wipe off the excess . Don't press too hard as to leave plenty in the recess. I even buffed the red knob just so it wouldn't look neglected. The outer area of all knobs is really shiney. I did not attempt to gloss up the center area but probably could with a dremel .
shipmag
Hagler Technology LLC. Aka Shipmag
Would it work if i could find a buffing wheel for my 4 inch portable grinder with a mild rouge or will it spin too fast? Would a drill mounted in a vise be better?
I would think about anything to spin a small soft buff would work. Do a test area on the bottom/ backside of the plastic to see if it shines.
Just finished this project last week. Worked out fantastic!
I have no use for the Red & White paint pens anymore. If anyone wants them for free, just drop me an IM and I will mail them out to you.
Dom - Thanks for the great post!!!
Blake
EDIT: Pens have been claimed!
I have no use for the Red & White paint pens anymore. If anyone wants them for free, just drop me an IM and I will mail them out to you.
Dom - Thanks for the great post!!!
Blake
EDIT: Pens have been claimed!
Last edited:
shipmag
Hagler Technology LLC. Aka Shipmag
Did mine using a dremel high speed vurns a flat spot but takes it off quick slow speed doesnt seem to cut it. Used plastic resin from Norther Tool. The idea with brake cleaner was a good one but you want to wipe the knob with the tight tee shirt with the tee shirt just damp not wet otherwise runs into the letter cracks. Also trimming the pen is not a good idea makes too much ink flow wish i would have not trimmed the pen its going in the trash but im done.
Did mine a couple of days ago, the lazy way - I didn't remove them - I did them in place and - I wasn't trying for perfection - just wanted to be able to read them again - and being colorblind, I did it all in white - using a white Sharpie.
Just slopped white on, used MEK on a soft cloth to wipe off the slop - repeated until I was happy with it - not the best picture (I'm not the pro photographer that Blake is) - next step is to get them all 'aligned'
here it is:
Just slopped white on, used MEK on a soft cloth to wipe off the slop - repeated until I was happy with it - not the best picture (I'm not the pro photographer that Blake is) - next step is to get them all 'aligned'
Danny,
The picture is actually pretty good........for someone using one of these! LoL
The picture is actually pretty good........for someone using one of these! LoL
Danny,
The picture is actually pretty good........for someone using one of these! LoL
View attachment 879342
Looks like a good fix for old knobs. My only question is what is Simple Green. Living here in Aust I have never heard of it and was wondering what our equivalent would be.
- Thread starter
- #78
Well I had a bit of time spare and after reading this thread thought that I would give it a go and clean up my dash knobs. Now I didnt have any simple green to thought what else is slightly abrasive, TOOTHPASTE. Gave them a rub down and then filled with some of my touch up paint for the boat.
