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Mblizzard
I am lucky to have one of these in my cay! A work of art and extremely functional.

Sat on the shelf for a year or so because my wife would not let me install it until the car looked better! confused24.gif

If you can get one of these I would highly recommend it! Not that this a reason to buy it but at car shows numerous people have pointed out how cool the knob was.
VaccaRabite
IPB Image

First knob came off the lathe yesterday. Still several coats of oil needed to fill the grain. But. Yeah, I'm pleased with it.

Zach
mbseto
QUOTE(Vacca Rabite @ Sep 24 2017, 11:47 AM) *

Its important to point out here that this is WAY DIFFERENT from the race knobs made by Porsche in the 60s and 70s. ...


So not a replica, but an homage?
VaccaRabite
QUOTE(mbseto @ Oct 2 2017, 02:17 PM) *

QUOTE(Vacca Rabite @ Sep 24 2017, 11:47 AM) *

Its important to point out here that this is WAY DIFFERENT from the race knobs made by Porsche in the 60s and 70s. ...


So not a replica, but an homage?


Yup.
To the best of my knowledge, no one makes a replica. But I do know that one of my knobs is on a 917. So that's kinda cool.

I've thought about laying up some plywood and turning it to see how it would turn out. I don't know if there is a market for people who want unfinished plywood glued into their Porsches though.

Zach
VaccaRabite
Just an update.
I currently have 5 knobs on the finishing block, and 1 on the lathe waiting for me to have some time in the evening to turn it. I should have all the first run Rennshifter knobs off the lathe and in the finishing block by the weekend.

The press fit knobs take a little longer since I have to machine the delrin inserts. I may get a batch of the inserts made this weekend when the last Rennshifter knob comes of the lathe. Then its boring the arbor for the insert and waiting for epoxy to dry.

Zach
Cracker
Zach,

I have not received any paypal requests or PM's relating to the knob...was I supposed to do something beyond asking for one in this thread? They look great by the way!

Tony
ConeDodger
QUOTE(Cracker @ Oct 5 2017, 07:51 PM) *

Zach,

I have not received any paypal requests or PM's relating to the knob...was I supposed to do something beyond asking for one in this thread? They look great by the way!

Tony


Tony you're not on either list. Maybe Zach hasn't gotten it updated?
Cracker
Hmm? I posted immediately (after his post regarding a second run) on September 21st.

Tony

QUOTE(ConeDodger @ Oct 5 2017, 10:20 PM) *

QUOTE(Cracker @ Oct 5 2017, 07:51 PM) *

Zach,

I have not received any paypal requests or PM's relating to the knob...was I supposed to do something beyond asking for one in this thread? They look great by the way!

Tony


Tony you're not on either list. Maybe Zach hasn't gotten it updated?

VaccaRabite
Must have missed it. I'm adding you now Cracker.

When I have shipped some of the first run of knobs I'll start contacting the second run folks for payment. I try not to collect money too far ahead of when I think I'll have time to do the work.

Zach
ConeDodger
QUOTE(Vacca Rabite @ Oct 6 2017, 11:47 AM) *

Must have missed it. I'm adding you now Cracker.

When I have shipped some of the first run of knobs I'll start contacting the second run folks for payment. I try not to collect money too far ahead of when I think I'll have time to do the work.

Zach


I agree with not collecting any money till you're ready to produce. There's always that one guy who starts feeling like you should ship the day after you collect the money and starts a "when should I start panicking" thread... av-943.gif
VaccaRabite
Progress on the first run.
All the Rennshift knobs are off the lathe and on the oiling block.
IPB Image
I like this picture because it really shows how the coats of oil build luster. the knobs to the left have more coats, the knobs to the left have less.

IPB Image
I batched all the machining for the inserts. This is, far and away, my least favorite part of making these. It takes a lot of time, its critical, and the work is never seen once the knob is made.

IPB Image
Each one has to be cut to size, trued on the lathe. Machine groves into it. The groves give the epoxy a little more surface area to hold to. Center is bored out. And finally a bell is cut on one end. The bell is really important as it makes install over the crush ring easier.

IPB Image
All the inserts are epoxied in. Now I gotta wait for glue to dry. As humid as it is today, i'm probably done for the day.

Zach
SKL1
Just got my latest issue of 000- nice article about wood shift knobs!! Good timing as I think he'll be ready for run number 2 pretty soon!!Click to view attachment
bahnzai
Glad that I caught up on this thread. Besides seeing the awesome work behind the scenes, I see I needed to follow the next step smile.gif
I was aimlessly awaiting a PM (without me doing anything)....sometimes I have to read directions twice.
What a really cool process and real craftsmanship.
Thanks!
zaballosc
QUOTE(Vacca Rabite @ Sep 7 2017, 04:29 PM) *

These knobs.
IPB Image

Looks like the last time I opened the group buy was spring of 2014

Details:
Cost will be $75, which includes shipping in the CONUS. If you live outside the CONUS we will work something out.

I'll probably end up making 20-30 knobs and that may be it for a few years.

Knobs are about 50mm in diameter. They all all 100% hand made, by me, here in York PA.

Here is how it works.
  • If you want one, post up. I'll add your name to this post. If your name isn't in this post, you won't be on my queue. Feel free to bug me if you don't see it.
  • What shifter is it going on?
  • How many do you want?
  • Send me a PM with your email address, home address, etc. I'll respond with my paypal address.
  • I ONLY ACCEPT PAYPAL! Seriously, no checks.
Finish will be tung oil and wax, as in years past. I no longer offer the acrylic finish as it had cracking issues for some members in very cold climates. The oil and wax takes longer, but its a bullet proof finish.

The knobs are very light weight, and attach to your car with the standard crush ring. If you have a threaded shifter lever, I can do a spin on if you tell me.

I make each knob to order, and your name on the list is the order I make them. I try to turn them around as quick as I can, but each one takes a solid weekend to do, from the first turns on the lathe to the last buff on the buffing wheel.
UPDATE 9/8/17 - Enough interest shown to order materials, so today I ordered materials. Should be able to start making the blanks in about 10 days.
UPDATE 9/10/17 - the first run will be 18 knobs. If more people want in I'll add you to the wait list. If enough people warrent a second run this fall, I'll make it. Likewise, if people move out of the first run for some reason, the wait list will move in and take their slot.

The Queue:
1 mepstein - rennshifter - PAID
2 mepstein - ? - PAID
3 bigkensteele - stock - PM received - PAID
4 markhoward - rennshifter PM received - PAID
5 markhoward - rennshifter PM received - PAID
6 Rleog - stock - PM received - PAID
7 nditiz1 -stock - PAID
8 Freezin 914 - stock - PM received - PAID
9 ConeDodger - renshifter - PAID
10 echocanyons - rennshifter - PAID
11 wes - rennshifter - PM received - PAID
12 somd914 - stock - PM received - PAID
13 somd914 - stock - PM received - PAID
14 Java2570 - stock - PM received - PAID
15 Steve - Renn - PM received - PAID
16 11tentths - renn - PM received -PAID
17 dlee6204 - stock - PM received - PAID
18 Eddie 914 - ? -PM received

Second Run!
19 Jett - stock - PM received
20 wysri9 - stock -
21 SKL1 -renn - PM received
22 SKL1 -renn - PM received
23 mepstein - rennshifter - PAID
24 KeithVonLaws - Ren
25 KeithVonLaws -stock
26 bahnzai - stock
27 bahnzai -renn
28 Cracker -Stock -PM received

I would like 1 for a rennshift please
VaccaRabite
QUOTE(zaballosc @ Oct 11 2017, 09:11 AM) *


I would like 1 for a rennshift please

You got it.

You will be in the second run.

Zach
VaccaRabite
IPB Image

The first run Rennshift knobs are done. Buffed and waxed. I may buff on another coat of wax before I ship, but they look good now so I thought I'd post up a pic.

I also have 6 of the first run stock knobs off the lathe and in oil. 7th is done being turned but still needs sanding and oiling - so not yet off the lathe. Burning the candle at both ends a bit this week, but with the three day weekend and rainy nights it was time to make hay. Been in the shop every night after I get the kids to bed. I'm hopeful that by the end of the weekend all the first run knobs will be off the lathe. As humid as it is, the oil needs extra curing time before I can polish. Would be nice if this rain and humidity blew out.

Zach

Steve
Wow!! Look awesome!! Thanks for doing this!!
ConeDodger
That looks awesome Zach! wub.gif
wes
Talent!
Thanks smile.gif
somd914
Awesome, thanks for the pics and progress updates beerchug.gif
Shadowfax
Man those look nice. Would love one for my 911 but I just bought an OEM plastic knob headbang.gif
VaccaRabite
All of the first round knobs are now polished.
Some of them still need the wax buffed on. Shipping for first wave could happen this week.

The first of the second round knobs is also off the lathe and in oil.

I guess I really need to send the PM to the second wave crew and start collecting money.

Zach
ConeDodger
QUOTE(Vacca Rabite @ Oct 16 2017, 09:57 PM) *

All of the first round knobs are now polished.
Some of them still need the wax buffed on. Shipping for first wave could happen this week.

The first of the second round knobs is also off the lathe and in oil.

I guess I really need to send the PM to the second wave crew and start collecting money.

Zach


aktion035.gif
abes914
If there's still room, please put me on the list for one-regular shifter is what I have.

Thanks
VaccaRabite
There is room, I'll add you to the list Abe. Welcome aboard.

Zach
VaccaRabite
I have 6 slots left in Run 2 and then it is filled. Come and fill them. I don't know when I'm going to be making these again. Hopefully not another 3 years, but who knows.

Zach
DRPHIL914
would this fit on my Boxster?(97-stock shifter)
wysri9
QUOTE(Vacca Rabite @ Oct 17 2017, 06:39 AM) *

I have 6 slots left in Run 2 and then it is filled. Come and fill them. I don't know when I'm going to be making these again. Hopefully not another 3 years, but who knows.

Zach

Zach - those knobs look absolutely superb - indeed the bees knees! Happy to pay as soon as you let me know details. All I need now is the completed car to go around that fine knob....... biggrin.gif biggrin.gif biggrin.gif
SKL1
Awaiting the PM for payment details as well- they look great- can't wait!
VaccaRabite
QUOTE(Philip W. @ Oct 17 2017, 12:51 PM) *

would this fit on my Boxster?(97-stock shifter)


I have no idea.
Could you take the stock knob off and give me some measurements? Also take some pictures of the shaft without the knob and send them to me.

Zach
VaccaRabite
Payment PMs have been sent for knobs 19 - 30. Thanks all!

Shipping supplies were bought today for all the first round knobs. Goal is to ship them Friday.

Zach
Steve
piratenanner.gif
Jett
Great news!
bahnzai
PM replied and payment sent - 1 std, 1 rennshift
Thx!!
SKL1
Paypal sent for 2 rennshifter knobs.

Thx.
VaccaRabite
I did not get to mail off the Round 1 knobs Friday. A whole lotta life ended up getting in the way last week and I was unable to get back into my shop to put the final polish on them.

I'm printing up shipping labels today and hope to be able to put them in the mail this week.

Zach
VaccaRabite
Update:
All the Group 1 and 2 of the Group 2 knobs are packaged up and will be dropped at the post office for mailing at lunch today. Happy Halloween everyone!

I've gotten payment for about 1/2 of the existing group 2 orders. If you have not done so yet, please send in payment.

The remaining Group 2 knobs are all in cut blanks. I won't be working on them tonight due to taking the kids trick or treating. But I do hope to get all the bases turned and epoxied into place tomorrow night.

I've also decided to cut off this iteration of the group buy with my existing orders. perhaps I will reopen one in the spring, but I don't know. It will depend on my time.

Thanks all!

Zach
mepstein
I couldn’t be happier. Thanks Zach!
Mblizzard
QUOTE(mepstein @ Nov 3 2017, 07:54 AM) *

I couldn’t be happier. Thanks Zach!


Man he does good work!
bigkensteele
Got mine yesterday and love it! Went out to install it and realized that I don't have a crush sleave. sad.gif Double checked the package to make sure I didn't miss it. I guess I thought it would come with the sleeve. No worries - Mark sells them for $8.

Thanks, Zach!

EDIT: Found a crush sleeve that I bought with one of Mark's repro knobs years ago. Had a hard time getting it installed as it is a very tight fit, but it finally went on and looks great!

Click to view attachment
dlee6204
Got mine too! It looks fantastic! I can’t wait to install it


Thanks Zach
markhoward
Love mine! Thanks Zach!!Click to view attachment
Jett
We received ours... my wife called it a work of art!
Steve
Also love my knob!! Much better than the Momo shoe horn.
Click to view attachment
ConeDodger
No pictures, I’m pretty tired after 7 hours of driving. But I got mine and it’s beautiful! Thx Zach!
VaccaRabite
It makes me feel really good to see people happy with my work.

Thanks all of you.

The Second Run folks - your knobs are in progress. All of the blanks are based - which is to say that the delrin inserts are turned and put into the blanks. All the Rennshift knobs have the aluminum studs epoxied into place.

Zach
wes
Got mine over the weekend and i couldn’t be happier! As mentioned above very well done and yes art, old time real craftsmanship, thank you.
SKL1
Mine are being made now and hopefully shipped around turkey day- can't wait! As close to a 917 as I'll ever get...
Java2570
Thanks Zach.....definitely worth it. Beautiful work!

Click to view attachment
VaccaRabite
Just an update.
All the Group 2 knobs should get shipped soon after Thanksgiving. Plan is to make the final touches to the knobs after Thanksgiving since I'm off on Friday.

Zach
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