How to on taking those throttle and heater handles off
 

I want to replace those 30+ year old red heater and black hand throttle knobs that are on the levers set between the seats of my 1973.5T.

The problem is it seems like they are on for good and using too much force can break the levers or the entire unit the levers are mounted to.

Has anyone ever removed and replaced these? Are they glued or pressed on?

From what I can see, without removing the seats, a small hack saw could get down deep enough lsawing engthwise to split them in half.

Appreciate any feedback

Bob



:confused: :confused:

On the early cars they just screw on and off.

If you're trying to replace them because they've faded, do a search here on the Board. There was a guy a couple of years ago that had good success dying his red ones using common Rit dye.

Heater Knobs
 

If yours are the same as on my '83:

-I took some rubber coated pliers (or tape over then end of the pliers), close them on the metal behind the knob and gently tap the knobs off by tapping on the pliers with a hammer.

I did the Rit Dye thing. Worked great until I decided to clear coat and heat dry in the oven. I now have blobs of nice red heater knobs.

If you do a title seach for heater knobs you will find the thread describing the rit dye process.

Mine were not only faded but had small cracks throughout the surface. Not a big deal until you try to wipe some white paint in the heater symbols. The paint gets in the small cracks making it impossible to get the symbols sharply painted.

Good luck, Gordo

Re-Dyed Knobs
 

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1136557206.jpg

Red Rit dye, in a small pot of boiling hot water, drop the knobs in for 10-15 minutes, rinse well and let dry. The knobs should be like new, deep red but may need a second dip. Once satisfied with the re-dye, restore the white graphics with Testor's Gloss White enamel model paint. applied with a small brush into the graphic recesses. Allow to dry slightly and with a small rag moistened with a little paint thinner wipe off any paint on outer surface. Allow to dry completely and repeat as the white will take a couple of coats to become opaque.

The photo above is of the knobs before.the re-dye,I can't seem to find the after file...

I like the dye method. I also have a black knob for my hand throttle. The knobs shown sure ressemble what I have, but the location of mine (on both sides of the brake lever) seems like a tough location to twist, turn and pry off.


Thanks Everyone

Bob
73.5T