Totally on cloud 917 right now....

[VINMAN]

Very cool Dave! Congrats!
No better way to show off your work!

[sand_man]

Well done, Dave! I think I had one of your knobs in my 930. It was always a welcome conversation centerpiece in my interior. In my 993, I have the aluminum/carbon-fiber knob. I'm not sure the 993 interior could pull off such a retro piece and I think I'd have to fab something to make a "917 knob" fit.

[island911]

Originally Posted by slodave

Totally mind blowing and completely awesome! A 917 Porsche in Gulf livery that is owned by Bruce Canepa was shown at Monterey this year after a complete overhaul..... It now wears one of my shift knobs!!!!

A bunch of you know that I make 917 inspired shift knobs for 911's and other cars. Even though the knob in the 917 below is not an accurate replica - I have made one out of balsa and birch that is identical to the original knobs, but I've never really posted a pic as of yet - I am thrilled beyond words that one of my shift knobs was inspiring enough to be used in a 917 restoration.

1969 Gulf Porsche 917 - Photos, History, Profile

Reading your post I'm thinking Why wouldn't it be on a 917? I expect that the 917 owner is pretty happy that such a quality build is so readily available.

Great title btw.

Maybe you should update your user 'Location' to Cloud 917. ...Cloud 917 Encino (?)

[stomachmonkey]

One of the guys that did the final restoration on that car is my "Uncle", Harro.

Harro is one of my moms oldest and closest friends.

I've known him since I was a baby.

He's one of the reasons for my P Car passion.

Harro is the son of the former head grounds keeper for Prince Ludwig. When his dad retired they gave him a ton of acreage in the woods adjacent to the Palace.

He's is a bit of a hillbilly. Absolute frikken genius and incredible engineer but would only take a bath like twice a year.

Mom would take my brother and I over to his place once or twice a week, just filed with cars, we'd play all day.

My 55' 190SL and my brothers 57" 220SE were dragged out of one of his barns nearly 50 years ago.

Harro was one of the factory works guys who built all the original 917's and these days spends all his time flying around the world restoring customers cars.

There's not much on those cars that was not hand made so the old timers that are still around are in high demand.

Pretty sure this is the car, Chassis Returns from Gunnars with the body fabricated and installed, Now to the Final Assembly Photo Gallery by Carl Thompson at pbase.com

There's a shot on page 12 that has your knob, least it looks like yours.

Harro flew in for my daughters Bat Mitzvah last year.

Anyway, knowing him I know he would approve most highly of your excellent craftsmanship Dave.

[intakexhaust]

Dave- Being a woodworker myself, can especially appreciate your work. I've seen those shift knobs of yours on a few cars. Well done! Best-

[stomachmonkey]

Better shot here.

That yours Dave?

[MattKellett]

Fantastic Dave, you must be thrilled.

That car won best of show in the concours too, 100 points I believe!

It's always great to hear good feedback on something you make, certainly makes my day when a customer is stocked with how a part turns out that I machine for them.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Did the blue and red dye project ultimately not work?

[joe payne]

Congrats Dave! You have some great looking knobs. Having one in Canepas car must feel great. Best wishes!

[gassy]

Really cool. Kudos.

[craigster59]

Way to go Dave! You've really turned the corner on your new venture!

[slodave]

Better shot here.



That yours Dave?

No. Not mine. Not the same 917. I believe the this one is one of my predecessors knobs.

[slodave]

Thank you, everyone!

Shaun, I don't have the time to devote to it at the moment. I can't really use the big tools in the shop during the day right now, as the house is on a time-of-use meter and mid day electric rates right now are really high. Running 220v saws, lathe, and dust collection will make for a hefty bill. I'm limited to light work from 5pm to 8pm. After 8 I can run the big stuff, but I have to close up shop around 9:30pm, since the shop is attached to my [parents house and they kick me out at 9:30. On weekends I can run the equipment all day. The normal shift knobs are selling like crazy right now and I'm constantly trying to keep inventory up. I got an order for 3o knobs yesterday that I have to crank out.

[Brian in VA]

Very cool, congrats Dave!

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Can't you charge the Tesla for free? Do that and then plug in all your power tools into the car and run them off of that. Sounds like good problems to have. Can you calculate electricity usage per knob day vs night? Looks like you have a business on your hands, would be interesting to see the delta.

Originally Posted by slodave

Thank you, everyone!

Shaun, I don't have the time to devote to it at the moment. I can't really use the big tools in the shop during the day right now, as the house is on a time-of-use meter and mid day electric rates right now are really high. Running 220v saws, lathe, and dust collection will make for a hefty bill. I'm limited to light work from 5pm to 8pm. After 8 I can run the big stuff, but I have to close up shop around 9:30pm, since the shop is attached to my [parents house and they kick me out at 9:30. On weekends I can run the equipment all day. The normal shift knobs are selling like crazy right now and I'm constantly trying to keep inventory up. I got an order for 3o knobs yesterday that I have to crank out.

[nynor]

dave, that is awesome. congratulations.

[slodave]

Thanks, again!

Shaun, it's going to take a few billing cycles to figure out the TOU metering and what can be run during the day. Until then, I have to keep things quiet during the high day rate, at least until the summer rates end. If only I could plug into the Tesla.

[rwest]

Dave,

Can't believe the lathe would use much juice. Maybe cut up the blanks at night, do glue ups during the day with some lathe work thrown in. Being busy is a good place to be.

Nice looking knobs for sure.

[slodave]

The lathe is a 3 phase, 3HP... Not your average lathe. It's made to turn huge bowls and platters. The shop has 7 shop lights as well. It's going to take a few more billing cycles with the TOU meter to figure things out. I manage.

I currently do the major resawing after 8 at the moment and wil do the glue ups after 5 the next day.

[onewhippedpuppy]

That's awesome Dave, congrats!