Dashboard knobs (1 Viewer)

[2021 LC200]

Has anybody come by some aftermarket dashboard knobs made out of (real...) aluminum to replace the four knobs for Volume, Tune, High/Low and MTS/Crawl? They look nice, they just do not feel very nice or solid...

 

[fullybalanced]

You’re right I’d like to see some real aluminum knobs too

 

[Tex68w]

I've found on both our LX and now the LC that the center portions of the knobs scratch easily. I'd be interested in an alternative as well.

 

[CharlieS]

If you really want something find a machinist with a nice CNC setup and have something made. Get out your wallet though. In my experience, one off projects are costly. Making extras and defraying the costs might be worthwhile.

My son showed me this 3D scanning tool he has. Maybe they can scan the knob, pull it into CAD and modify it to your liking, then CNC machine it.

Just trying to brainstorm. I'm perfectly happy with my cheap plastic knobs. They get the job done.

 

[Lester did that]

If you really want something find a machinist with a nice CNC setup and have something made. Get out your wallet though. In my experience, one off projects are costly. Making extras and defraying the costs might be worthwhile.

My son showed me this 3D scanning tool he has. Maybe they can scan the knob, pull it into CAD and modify it to your liking, then CNC machine it.

The work is the CAD drawing. If the shop has a CNC and you go with some type of aluminum and a minimal amount of cutting and etching the price would come down. Most of the work is milling the hole in the back with the flat to accept the post that the knob is attached to. A smaller shop might be able to accommodate this one without breaking the bank too hard for custom metal work. I would estimate them to come in around $800-$1500 in alum for the four large knobs shown in the picture. The price swing is because it depends on the level of detail and finishing required. Drawings are a great place to start.

Milling any metal can get expensive. Did a job last year and the custom bronze door pulls for a dressing room came in at $2700 a piece. There where 12 of them... That is not including patina, finishing just the raw pulls.

I know a few guys that do side jobs. Something like this they might be interested in doing. Weekend work and they might have scraps laying around that would work. No promises but if you PM me a CAD file and PDF I could pass it along and see if there is any interest. If not I could put you in touch with the best metal workers on the planet.

 

[2021 LC200]

The work is the CAD drawing. If the shop has a CNC and you go with some type of aluminum and a minimal amount of cutting and etching the price would come down. Most of the work is milling the hole in the back with the flat to accept the post that the knob is attached to. A smaller shop might be able to accommodate this one without breaking the bank too hard for custom metal work. I would estimate them to come in around $800-$1500 in alum for the four large knobs shown in the picture. The price swing is because it depends on the level of detail and finishing required. Drawings are a great place to start.

Milling any metal can get expensive. Did a job last year and the custom bronze door pulls for a dressing room came in at $2700 a piece. There where 12 of them... That is not including patina, finishing just the raw pulls.

I know a few guys that do side jobs. Something like this they might be interested in doing. Weekend work and they might have scraps laying around that would work. No promises but if you PM me a CAD file and PDF I could pass it along and see if there is any interest. If not I could put you in touch with the best metal workers on the planet.

Thanks for all the info. I understand the offer and the significant price given the work involved. I guess I have to move on from this "dream".

Or find something like this, maybe a bit better looking and which fits of course...

Knob - Aluminum, Set Screw, Notched Tip, 1.25" Diameter, Color: Aluminum | Reverb

1.25" diameter knurled aluminum knob, 'positive grip', notched tip indicator, fits ¼" shaft. With set screw. Multiple color options available. Product MeasurementsItem Height: 0.63 in.Diameter: 1.25 in.Shaft Diameter: 0.25 in.

reverb.com

Or one of these

Amazon product ASIN B07TZR9T45

Amazon product ASIN B087M2QCC2

https://www.amazon.com/mxuteuk-Aluminum-Potentiometer-Electric-KNOB-03-30BK/dp/B07TTQPRZ1/ref=pd_di_sccai_11?pd_rd_w=Dct0N&pf_rd_p=c9443270-b914-4430-a90b-72e3e7e784e0&pf_rd_r=6G1QB3X8PWJR4FND8DKK&pd_rd_r=724215e9-532e-4cd8-9019-69dd0e7094df&pd_rd_wg=faVru&pd_rd_i=B07TTQPRZ1&psc=1

I know, closer to OEM would be nice. Or maybe best to just forget about it...

 

[04UZJ100]

You could find one the right diameter that is machined out completely on the backside. Then remove and glue the plastic connection portion to it.

This seems like a fairly easy project for a college student who needs to scan, model, and modify a 3D extrusion and build a CAD file for it....??

 

[2021 LC200]

You could find one the right diameter that is machined out completely on the backside. Then remove and glue the plastic connection portion to it.

This seems like a fairly easy project for a college student who needs to scan, model, and modify a 3D extrusion and build a CAD file for it....??

Looks like these aluminum amplifier type knobs could fit straight on. Just need to get your head around the different look. The heavier feel is likely better.

As part of this, does anybody know how to take off the OEM knobs? Is it just a straight pull? Eric Sarjeant, do you know? Or somebody who has access to the 16+ FSM?

 

[04UZJ100]

Looks like these aluminum amplifier type knobs could fit straight on. Just need to get your head around the different look. The heavier feel is likely better.

As part of this, does anybody know how to take off the OEM knobs? Is it just a straight pull? Eric Sarjeant, do you know? Or somebody who has access to the 16+ FSM?

Straight pull.

 

[2021 LC200]

Straight pull.

Ok, good deal. Have you tried this before? No issue with (damage to...) the potentiometer/switch?


This full aluminum black one with set screw on the side is growing on me, at least for the 4H/L and MTS/Crawl.

 

[HighRanch]

Here is an option to get a 3D printed knob made....http://www.bh3dprinting.com/product-category/100serieslandcruiser/

 

[2021 LC200]

Here is an option to get a 3D printed knob made....http://www.bh3dprinting.com/product-category/100serieslandcruiser/

Yep, as long as it is not an arm and leg...

But would love to see BH3D make a move on this for a reasonable price.

 

[HighRanch]

Yep, as long as it is not an arm and leg...

But would love to see BH3D make a move on this for a reasonable price.

Maybe you can rally a group to secure a lower price...not sure what the interest would be.