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914World.com _ 914World Garage _ Considering a run of shifter knobs
Posted by: VaccaRabite Jan 29 2024, 01:14 PM
Hey all, I'm considering a run of 917 style shifter knobs, which I've not done in about 5 years.
These would be different from the ones I have made in the past.
I bought a bit of European birch plywood, and I plan to make them from that. The shipping cost more the then lumber, and the lumber wasn't cheap.
In the past I have always used either maple and mahogany or maple and dark walnut for these knobs. And then finished them with several oats of oil and wax.
This time around they would be very (hopefully very very) similar to the knobs made by the Porsche race teams for their 917 cars. Right wood. Right finish. Wrong car. 
The knobs were known as "balsa" shift knobs, but were actually made from birch ply and glued onto the shifter rod.
My plan is to turn and smooth them, and fit them with the delrin inserts I make (instead of glueing the knob to your shift rod). But otherwise they will be very much like the originals - no finish save the oils from your hands.
The wood is a furniture grade euro ply - its not the rough crap from the local home depot.
I've not got the wood yet, and I need to order more delrin rod for the inserts. But before I do that, is there even any interest in this, or am I the only one that thinks its a cool idea?
As far as I know, no-one else is doing these this way, everyone is making them similar to how I was doing it, though I've yet to see someone making the inserts I developed for use with the stock crush rings.
These would definitely be a little more racey and raw. I don't know, maybe I'm the only one that thinks it would be cool.
I should also point out, these could also be finished in oil and wax for a bit of refinement and would likely look awesome. But I kinda want to make them as close to the actual deal as I can this time, and see how it goes.
Let me know what you think. And I'll make up a test knob when the wood gets to me.
Zach
Posted by: mepstein Jan 29 2024, 01:26 PM
I’ll take a couple. Maybe more. 
I epoxied (actually it was JB weld) a stainless steel bolt upside down into one of your wood knobs and used it on my rennshifter. Worked great.
Posted by: technicalninja Jan 29 2024, 01:49 PM
I'm interested as well.
How much $?
Want it pre-paid?
I'd bolt mine for a rennshifter like mepsetin.
Posted by: bahnzai Jan 29 2024, 02:48 PM
I would be in again. I have one from your last run on my RennShifter and love it. Would like one for the 911.
Thanks!!
Posted by: BillJ Jan 29 2024, 03:28 PM
I wood be completely on board (hahahah).
Posted by: Steve Jan 29 2024, 03:49 PM
I will take one. Can you make it 8mm for the newer Rennshifts?
JWest also makes these for the newer Rennshift (8mm) for $80.00 but I don't think the quality is at your level.
Posted by: BillJ Jan 29 2024, 04:00 PM
Also ii have the older rennshift. Are they ready to install onn that?
Posted by: mb911 Jan 29 2024, 04:51 PM
I would buy a bunch and put them on my website if you are interested?
Posted by: Front yard mechanic Jan 29 2024, 05:38 PM
Wood eye wood eye ! hair lip hair lip hair lip
Posted by: rfinegan Jan 29 2024, 05:45 PM
Hmm, how may people know this job punch line?
Wood eye wood eye ! hair lip hair lip hair lip
Posted by: SKL1 Jan 29 2024, 05:55 PM
I'd be interested in a couple but I have no idea if my rennshifts are the new or older type!
How can I check??
Posted by: Literati914 Jan 29 2024, 05:57 PM
Hey all, I'm considering a run of 917 style shifter knobs, ..
Zach
I was always gonna have one of these, but figured I'd wait 'til getting a better shifter. Don't know when that'll happen, so yeah I'd be interested in one for the stock shifter in the mean time.
.
Posted by: OrangeBones Jan 29 2024, 07:05 PM
I’m in for one that fits the JWest as well Zach.
Posted by: VaccaRabite Jan 29 2024, 08:24 PM
I did not know that JWest had changed the profile of his shifter arms. The lever used to be the same diameter as the stock unit, letting you use a stock shift knob and crush ring.
On mine the threaded section is 3/8th coarse IIRC. I often make these with threaded rod for the Rennshift (thats how the one is attached in my personal car.)
Let me get the first sample made and we can start talking more specifics. Right now I'm thinking $65 Shipped CONUS. ($50 for the knob, $15 for shipping, etc.) But I have not yet priced out the delrin or other supplies for years now and it may have doubled in price while my back was turned.
Zach
Posted by: Jett Jan 29 2024, 08:35 PM
Ill take two
Posted by: MikeK Jan 29 2024, 08:49 PM
I wonder why the factory used a wood know instead of something off the shelf?
Posted by: Freezin 914 Jan 29 2024, 10:12 PM
I have one you made a while back, may need another!
Posted by: Nate W Jan 29 2024, 10:16 PM
I’d like to get one, thanks for taking the time to make these
Posted by: Maltese Falcon Jan 29 2024, 10:22 PM
Hmm, how may people know this job punch line?
Wood eye wood eye ! hair lip hair lip hair lip
Posted by: peteinjp Jan 30 2024, 07:17 AM
I did not know that JWest had changed the profile of his shifter arms. The lever used to be the same diameter as the stock unit, letting you use a stock shift knob and crush ring.
On mine the threaded section is 3/8th coarse IIRC. I often make these with threaded rod for the Rennshift (thats how the one is attached in my personal car.)
Let me get the first sample made and we can start talking more specifics. Right now I'm thinking $65 Shipped CONUS. ($50 for the knob, $15 for shipping, etc.) But I have not yet priced out the delrin or other supplies for years now and it may have doubled in price while my back was turned.
Zach
The profile is the same- can use the crush washer. The pitch is changes to M8.
Pete
Posted by: Jamie Jan 30 2024, 10:17 AM
Hey all, I'm considering a run of 917 style shifter knobs, which I've not done in about 5 years.
These would be different from the ones I have made in the past.
I bought a bit of European birch plywood, and I plan to make them from that. The shipping cost more the then lumber, and the lumber wasn't cheap.
In the past I have always used either maple and mahogany or maple and dark walnut for these knobs. And then finished them with several oats of oil and wax.
This time around they would be very (hopefully very very) similar to the knobs made by the Porsche race teams for their 917 cars. Right wood. Right finish. Wrong car.
The knobs were known as "balsa" shift knobs, but were actually made from birch ply and glued onto the shifter rod.
My plan is to turn and smooth them, and fit them with the delrin inserts I make (instead of glueing the knob to your shift rod). But otherwise they will be very much like the originals - no finish save the oils from your hands.
The wood is a furniture grade euro ply - its not the rough crap from the local home depot.
I've not got the wood yet, and I need to order more delrin rod for the inserts. But before I do that, is there even any interest in this, or am I the only one that thinks its a cool idea?
As far as I know, no-one else is doing these this way, everyone is making them similar to how I was doing it, though I've yet to see someone making the inserts I developed for use with the stock crush rings.
These would definitely be a little more racey and raw. I don't know, maybe I'm the only one that thinks it would be cool.
I should also point out, these could also be finished in oil and wax for a bit of refinement and would likely look awesome. But I kinda want to make them as close to the actual deal as I can this time, and see how it goes.
Let me know what you think. And I'll make up a test knob when the wood gets to me.
Zach
As a woodworker/woodturner I have experience with Dymondwood, short in supply since the plant burned several years ago. This laminated resin infused Baltic Birch material makes excellent shift knobs, and a variety of colors can allow laminations color matched to car color schemes. Another similar material named DymaLux may now be more readily available.
Posted by: VaccaRabite Jan 30 2024, 01:06 PM
As a woodworker/woodturner I have experience with Dymondwood, short in supply since the plant burned several years ago. This laminated resin infused Baltic Birch material makes excellent shift knobs, and a variety of colors can allow laminations color matched to car color schemes. Another similar material named DymaLux may now be more readily available.
I tried this stuff about 10 years ago. I turns beautifully and polishes up amazing. But it is NOT UV stable. Back in the day my WRX was the test bed for a lot of knobs I made, and all of the resin impregnated plywood I tried cracked badly within a week to a month. I tried several different times with different craft plys from different plants. I finally got one I thought had been a success but then it started cracking just after 1 month. I still have a bunch of the stuff in my shop, and will occasionally make things like pens and ornaments from it. Its great stuff so long as you don't keep it in the sun.
At the time I actually talked to the Dymondwood people about it and they confirmed that their product was not intended where it would be in a warm and UV heavy environment. I recall bow makers were also having issues with it when people would leave their bows in the car between shooting sessions. Then they would draw it one day and the bow would come apart dramatically.
THAT SAID - most people keep classics in the garage, and my WRX was an outside car. It might work fine. But I'm not going to try it again.
At the time I also tried to find a marine version of the same, but no one was making it. That may have changed over the past decade.
This is the same reason I stopped doing the CA finish I was using for a bit. I sent some to Europe and got word that the finish was delaminating from the wood given the much colder climate. The wood contracted and the CA finish didn't, leaving voids between wood and finish, ruining the knob. I made new ones at no charge for everyone that had an issue and got my lunch eaten. Since then, I've only offered the oil and wax finish. Takes longer to apply, but looks nicer in the end IMO.
Posted by: Jamie Jan 30 2024, 06:36 PM
As a woodworker/woodturner I have experience with Dymondwood, short in supply since the plant burned several years ago. This laminated resin infused Baltic Birch material makes excellent shift knobs, and a variety of colors can allow laminations color matched to car color schemes. Another similar material named DymaLux may now be more readily available.
I tried this stuff about 10 years ago. I turns beautifully and polishes up amazing. But it is NOT UV stable. Back in the day my WRX was the test bed for a lot of knobs I made, and all of the resin impregnated plywood I tried cracked badly within a week to a month. I tried several different times with different craft plys from different plants. I finally got one I thought had been a success but then it started cracking just after 1 month. I still have a bunch of the stuff in my shop, and will occasionally make things like pens and ornaments from it. Its great stuff so long as you don't keep it in the sun.
At the time I actually talked to the Dymondwood people about it and they confirmed that their product was not intended where it would be in a warm and UV heavy environment. I recall bow makers were also having issues with it when people would leave their bows in the car between shooting sessions. Then they would draw it one day and the bow would come apart dramatically.
THAT SAID - most people keep classics in the garage, and my WRX was an outside car. It might work fine. But I'm not going to try it again.
At the time I also tried to find a marine version of the same, but no one was making it. That may have changed over the past decade.
This is the same reason I stopped doing the CA finish I was using for a bit. I sent some to Europe and got word that the finish was delaminating from the wood given the much colder climate. The wood contracted and the CA finish didn't, leaving voids between wood and finish, ruining the knob. I made new ones at no charge for everyone that had an issue and got my lunch eaten. Since then, I've only offered the oil and wax finish. Takes longer to apply, but looks nicer in the end IMO.
My go-to finish for such applications is MinWax Wiping Poly, fast and easy to apply and very durable. Use it on a lot of my turnings.
Posted by: r_towle Jan 30 2024, 09:20 PM
I would be honored to get a couple of these!
Posted by: Spoke Jan 30 2024, 10:57 PM
I'm in for one. I have a nice Porsche crested shift knob now so not sure I'll put it on the shifter. If I don't install it I'll put it on the shelf next to my 1:24 Gulf Porsche 917K model. Either way I'm in for one.
Posted by: GBX0073 Jan 30 2024, 11:41 PM
Count me in
Posted by: v82go Jan 31 2024, 06:05 AM
Me too
Posted by: rick 918-S Jan 31 2024, 06:49 AM
For those that weren't around or don't remember what these cool knobs and pens looked like 
Posted by: VaccaRabite Jan 31 2024, 08:45 AM
For those that weren't around or don't remember what these cool knobs and pens looked like
The first knob I ever made. Literally turned on a drill press using files and sandpaper because I did not have a lathe yet. 15ish years ago...
I would go on to make several hundred of these with only minor changes. My drill press, reloading press, several wine stoppers, etc all have these knobs on them that I considered seconds and refused to sell, but were still too nice to not use. This particular knob lives on a shelf in my wood shop to remind me where I started.
But this is very different from what I'm going to make. These were the maple and mahogany knobs. I'll get pics of what the new ones will look like in a bit when I get the wood in.
Since we were talking about the Dymondwood...
The stuff was a dream to work with. This was my favorite of the knobs I made with it, and I still have it, though it ended up cracking badly over the couple weeks that I had it on my car. Broke my heart as I had people in the Subaru crowd lining up to get them and I had to pull the plug on the whole operation due to the UV issue.
Zach
Posted by: Jamie Jan 31 2024, 09:16 AM
For those that weren't around or don't remember what these cool knobs and pens looked like
The first knob I ever made. Literally turned on a drill press using files and sandpaper because I did not have a lathe yet. 15ish years ago...
I would go on to make several hundred of these with only minor changes. My drill press, reloading press, several wine stoppers, etc all have these knobs on them that I considered seconds and refused to sell, but were still too nice to not use. This particular knob lives on a shelf in my wood shop to remind me where I started.
But this is very different from what I'm going to make. These were the maple and mahogany knobs. I'll get pics of what the new ones will look like in a bit when I get the wood in.
Since we were talking about the Dymondwood...
The stuff was a dream to work with. This was my favorite of the knobs I made with it, and I still have it, though it ended up cracking badly over the couple weeks that I had it on my car. Broke my heart as I had people in the Subaru crowd lining up to get them and I had to pull the plug on the whole operation due to the UV issue.
Zach
Source some Cocobolo if you can find it, beautiful and durable, so naturally oily no finish needed!
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Posted by: abes914 Feb 3 2024, 12:09 PM
I am in for a couple please. I have one already installed in my car from 5 years ago and still looking good. The new one will be a belated gift to a 914 friend and hoping to get his car running soon, and another one for inspiration to get out of the office and ride the car more.
Posted by: Freezin 914 Feb 3 2024, 12:27 PM
For those that weren't around or don't remember what these cool knobs and pens looked like
I’m with Rick on this one, “If you know,…….you know.”
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Posted by: Stratfink Feb 4 2024, 01:50 AM
I’m in as well…
Posted by: echocanyons Feb 4 2024, 04:27 AM
I am also in as well.
I love the one that you made and I would like another for my other car
Posted by: cholland_ Feb 4 2024, 03:40 PM
Also interested.
Posted by: VaccaRabite Feb 6 2024, 06:40 AM
Wood has arrived. I need to clean all the VW Bus parts off my table saw (that I'm apparently just using as a table...) and I'll be able to buzz out a blank for the test knob. Maybe today if I can find time and all my glue has not frozen. :-/
Zach
Posted by: BillJ Feb 6 2024, 01:07 PM
One question for which the answer wont change my decision: possible to do the blonde and black in lieu of the brown? I know this opens pandoras box of color requests and if you say no way thats cool. Will still gladly add it to the race car. In fact i want two as i have another car in the works right now.
Posted by: VaccaRabite Feb 6 2024, 01:38 PM
One question for which the answer wont change my decision: possible to do the blonde and black in lieu of the brown? I know this opens pandoras box of color requests and if you say no way thats cool. Will still gladly add it to the race car. In fact i want two as i have another car in the works right now.
I'm doing something a little different this time around. Let me get the POC made and photographed and see if you want it. Similar but different.
Zach
Posted by: BillJ Feb 6 2024, 02:05 PM
Sounds good. Highly doubt i wont like it and want 2.
Posted by: Freezin 914 Feb 6 2024, 05:44 PM
Would like to thank you in advance for even considering doing another run……..
Thank you!
Posted by: TMM914 Feb 6 2024, 08:05 PM
Count me in for pair!
Posted by: barnfind9141972 Feb 7 2024, 10:29 AM
Count me in as well, for one at the very least! I’ve been waiting for you to make a run, can’t wait!
Posted by: SLKWrx Feb 13 2024, 09:41 AM
I'd be down for a pair of them.
Posted by: VaccaRabite Feb 13 2024, 11:00 AM
Got sidetracked by a trip to Texas and working on the Rabbit. I'm hopeful to make time to cut these out soon.
Zach
Posted by: BillJ Mar 27 2024, 03:39 PM
Hey there! Checking in
Posted by: VaccaRabite Mar 28 2024, 06:44 AM
I'm currently spring cleaning. At the moment the table saw is still being used as a shelf for all the VW Bus parts. Totally lame! Wood stock is still in the box leaning against the saw.
Zach
Posted by: BillJ Mar 28 2024, 08:56 AM
These knobs arent going to make themselves. 
Posted by: jhynesrockmtn Mar 28 2024, 10:44 AM
I would be down for two
Posted by: DRPHIL914 Mar 28 2024, 10:46 AM
These knobs arent going to make themselves.
im in for one too.. time to
Posted by: technicalninja Mar 28 2024, 01:24 PM
I'm still in for two hopefully!
Posted by: oldschool Mar 29 2024, 08:39 PM
Hey Buddy I still have the one I got for my old 914......Can I use for the boxster 2000
or do I need a different set-up?
Posted by: VaccaRabite Mar 31 2024, 07:15 AM
Hey Buddy I still have the one I got for my old 914......Can I use for the boxster 2000
or do I need a different set-up?
No idea. If it uses a 15mm shift lever you should be fine. If its threaded.... I don't know anything about the Boxster shifters. I want to say that I made one back in the dat for a Boxster, but I don't recall the details.
Zach
Posted by: VaccaRabite Apr 18 2024, 11:47 AM
The past month has been ROUGH.
Overcommitted calendar as always while I try and balance kids and family and me.
And then we added cancer, death and a funeral to someone I consider a parent and mentor (often referred to as my outlaw dad). We got him in the ground earlier this week, and I've been looking for a project to take my mind off.
These knobs fit the bill.
I made up 2 blanks, machines a bunch of the delrin inserts, bought fresh epoxy and started making. The original knobs were glued on to the shift levers, but I don't thing that will work for most of us. While I'm trying to make these as close to the "real" thing as I can, I think I have to diverge a little here for the sake that these aren't "disposable" race cars.
I have a larger block that will make about 18 more knobs clamped up, but these two will be the prototypes.
I realized I needed to make a new friction fit attachment for the lathe, so I did that first today, and then mounted and turned the first knob.
After turning a gave is a rudimentary sanding and put it on the 914.
Off the bat I see a few things I want to change. I want to take about 5mm off the face and reshape it - right now its just slightly more oblong then I want. If the knob is 48mm wide, then I need to trim the height down to about 45mm to get the profile looking how I want it.
But, overall I'm happy with it. Bear in mind this has NO FINISH on it what so ever.
That's how the original ones were made. This is also the correct (I think - as correct as I could find and get imported in) baltic birch ply. I have no idea what the Porsche race shop would have used at the time, or if the wood even would have been graded in 1960s as it is now - probably what was on hand. I did splurge and get a furniture grade product. I went that way as builder grade ply often has breaks and voids that are not acceptable in finished goods.
This knob is also a few MM smaller in diameter then the ones I have made in the past, around 48mm instead of 50mm. I may take it down another MM when I turn the face down a little.
If I add some oil I expect it will darken up a little. The second knob will be a test of that. Unprotected wood will also darken naturally on its own pretty quickly as the oils from your hands work into the wood.
Assuming I make a run of these, an oil and wax finish will likely be an option - like my prior knobs - with a slight upcharge. My goal with these is to make them simple and sell them pretty cheaply - somewhere around $50 plus shipping I think but I've not done all the math on that yet. Putting a finish on adds about a week to production. And it gets away from the "because racecar" vibe that I'm aiming for. But I do understand that I'm kinda weird, and people tend to like nicer things.
So anyway. No fancy mahogany and maple. Its European plywood. No fancy time consuming finish. Lower price.
You guys are my market research. Am I off my rocker?
Zach
Posted by: DRPHIL914 Apr 18 2024, 12:02 PM
no complaints here, i might have you make mine with no finish or stain, i could do that to my desired color and finish with oil or Varthane or what every - something with a UV protectant like marine varnish.
PHil
Posted by: BillJ Apr 18 2024, 12:16 PM
Mines going on a race car so vibe is perfect. I have the rennshift though so how would i mount?
Posted by: technicalninja Apr 18 2024, 12:28 PM
Me too!
Posted by: VaccaRabite Apr 18 2024, 12:47 PM
I did a quick reshape and am happier with the form.
I did not burnish at all this time so its a little blonder. But wanted to give folks an idea of how they compare with my past runs.
new unfinished knob next to an example from my last run. Its smaller. The original "factory" knobs were small. I'm trying to recreate that.
better shape. Also note the dark spot. Its plywood, there will be places where there is bark in the ply. 
The classic knob that I used to make.
Everyone and their brother makes some version of this knob now.
For those asking about how to mount on a Rennshift - the pics of the knob in my car are on a Rennshifter. You can use a threaded rod (like I have on the old style) or the regular crush ring/felt/paper friction fit. Using the friction fit makes the overall height of the Rennshifter about 1.5cm shorter then that threaded rod mount.
Zach
Posted by: mepstein Apr 18 2024, 01:14 PM
I dropped a stainless steel metric bolt in mine ( upside down obviously) and used some JB weld to hold it in place. The bolt head spaces it perfectly from the edge and keeps it at 90 degrees. A stainless steel washer under the knob keeps the wood from damage.
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