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Wooden shift knob, how to refinish

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PS - for the Toyota conversions, this Fiat 124 Ferrari-style shift knob is great. Same size as original knob:

screenshot.1947.jpg
 
AUSMHLY said:
Now you're just showing off, making the rest of us jealous. That is, if I had a drill press. Again, jealous. LOL
Click to expand...
I have a drill press but chose not to use it as you would be sanding against the grain of the wood.
 
Posted on 10/24, it's now 12/25 and I've finally finished restoring the shift knob.
Before / after...

before top.jpgrestore top.jpgbefore side.jpgrestore side.jpg
 
The cloisonné didn't need restoring. A good cleaning was all that was needed.
I did however fill in the gap around the metal Healey insert, with baking powder and superglue. Kept building it up then sanded it smooth.
Now that the wood is flush with the perimeter of the metal insert, I sprayed the the entire knob, including the cloisonné with Varathane Spar Urethane.
Spray, sand, etc...10 coats to build up the layers. Now the top of the knob is as smooth as the rest of the knob. You don't feel the cloisonné.
Time consuming. Reward, the entire knob feels as smooth as glass.
 
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Bravo! Nice work... it looks wonderful!
 
Ausmhly,

Very nice end product, indeed! I do plan to use a clear two-part epoxy resin finish when it comes time for me to do mine, as I did for my dash. I'm very happy will the results and holds up very well.

Congrats on a very nice, professional job!

Paul
 
Here's some photo of the knob in the car.
IMG_2886.jpgIMG_2884.jpgIMG_2885.jpgIMG_2901.jpgIMG_2897.jpgIMG_2910.jpg

Sorry, some of the photos are sideways. They were all taken camera facing up. Uploaded to my computer correctly. Somehow, when uploading here, some of them post sideways. I've tried rotating, then uploading. BFC still uploads them sideways. Why?
 
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AUSMHLY said:
Here's some photo of the knob in the car.
View attachment 61781View attachment 61783View attachment 61784View attachment 61787View attachment 61788View attachment 61789

Sorry, some of the photos are sideways. They were all taken camera facing up. Uploaded to my computer correctly. Somehow, when uploading here, some of them post sideways. I've tried rotating, then uploading. BFC still uploads them sideways. Why?
Click to expand...

I bet the smooth, tactile experience makes you never wanting to take your hand off the shifter. Am I right?!
 
pkmh said:
I bet the smooth, tactile experience makes you never wanting to take your hand off the shifter. Am I right?!
Click to expand...

I get the joke, but it's a bad idea to rest your hand on the shift knob. I had a Healey mechanic tell me "It's good for business" when people do that.
 
Bob_Spidell said:
I get the joke, but it's a bad idea to rest your hand on the shift knob. I had a Healey mechanic tell me "It's good for business" when people do that.
Click to expand...

Well...I wasn't really joking, actually. Or at least what I have been trying to say is, the job you did is so good that the smoothness of the finish you created is inviting to the touch. (Yes, don't drive crazy or damage your car, that is a given :angel2:).

Paul
 
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