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TR6 Need help replacing TR-6 dash board knobs

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delisaj

delisaj

Senior Member
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Hello-

I am looking to replace some very worn and old dashboard knobs on my 1971 TR-6. The air flow knob just pulled off, but the other 3 --I have no idea. After a gentle tug, they won't come off. I think the repair manual said that you could just pull them off, but these area attached really well. I'd hate to break anything that is already in place, or have them come off again, and again once I replace them..

Am I over looking something ?? Any suggestions??

Thanks, John
 
This is a common question. If you look at the cable from which the knob is now removed, you will notice a little tab that is spring loaded on the underside of the cable. There is a corresponding hole in the knob that this spring loaded pin locks into when pushed into position on the cable. A very small screwdriver or nail will work to push the pin up into the metal end of the cable (hex shaft) enough to slide the old knob off of the shaft.

Note that these are on the bottom of the knob and not easy to see. There is no law against loosening the nuts on the plinth and turning the cable/knob so that you can actually see what you're doing without straining your neck or back.
 
Hey Paul--

Just took 15 minutes and did the job. Looks great. You saved me hours, I think.. Thanks so much for your expertise..

This is a great forum...

John
 
FYI when the knob still wont come off after the release pin is pushed, just crush it with a pair of channel locks...
it was trash anyway, so just try not to hurt the cable/switch in the process.
MD(mad dog)
 
As with most destructive methods of removing anything, it's imperative to wear safety glasses when doing so. That plastic can come (flying) off the cable shaft in very sharp pieces when crushed with the channel lock pliers. Good removal idea, especially for dumb PO's who glued the knobs on, just be safe when doing it.
 
John,

A few months ago I had to replace one of my dashboard knobs. It did not want to come off easily. Anyway, a tip from my own experience putting the new one on.. For some reason, the hole in the knob was ever so slightly smaller than the little spring-loaded tab on the post. I got around this by taking a very small drill bit and just took off a hairsbreath around the opening in the knob. The hole in the particular one you end up with may not have that problem but I figured I'd pass on my lesson to help save time and frustration. Sometimes it's the little things...
 
Thanks, all.

And yes, I agree, the holes in the knobs were ever so slighly smaller, so I had to take a small screw-driver and work the hole just a little bit, so that the tab would catch... (esp the choke knob.. that is one I wouldn't want falling off!!)

It's all about the little things, thanks for your help and advice..

John
 
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