Custom Made Gear Knob Potential any interest?

[Knowler]

Gents,

As some of you know i have been looking to replace the tatty fake leather gear knob on my recently bought S Series... i had an original Aluminum Chimaera knob but the gauge was too large so have been trying to find a similar replacement... I have sourced a direct UK discreet seller/manufacturer who is either willing to give us a club discount on the knob below but has also said that given the right volume he would be willing to make an S series version of the original Aluminum TVR knob or a custom made version of our choice...

So dare i say it.... let me know your interest and let me know what style and type you'd prefer... if we can come to an agreement on one then he will manufacture it and send one for proof...

This is the one he has now available and can be bought cheaper if we have volume...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/150899970483?ssPageName=...

R

[Knowler]

Loach1 said:

I'm interested in a gearknob that looks like the OEM Griff/Chim aluminium ball, but with the right gate pattern on the top. The correct thread would be a bonus too. Without the gate marked on the top, it would scream 'aftermarket', which isn't a look that I personally like. I could get it laser marked at work I suppose....

Something like these:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TVR-Genuine-Gear-Knob-/1...

Yes that's exactly what i was looking for.... anyone else?

[Knowler]

lewdon said:

marking shows reverse in wrong position for an S.

That's the point... it will also be the wrong thread... there are none with the right gearing layout or thread currently available so the firm i've contacted is willing to make one if we can get enough interest to make it viable....

[Knowler]

That's 3 of us... anymore....???

[Knowler]

Scoobimax said:

Yup interested with the caveat of cost (any indictaions of minimum numbers needed and approximate cost, delivered)?

Cheers,

Max

Thanks so thats 4 now...

I asked the very same but he hasn't come back to me with that yet.. normally replies in the evening... so expecting something tonight...

[Knowler]

Ok that's 5 of us.....

[Knowler]

Right then Guys here's the sketch...

The chap i have connected with used to supply parts to the TVR Racing Tuscans and so has said that if we send him a sample he can make anything we want, guaranteed!.

On that basis if we want bespoke knobs, with S Series specific gearing shown on top then he could do them and they would be around £20 each, but we would need to place a minimum order 40 pieces with 50% deposit up front. I a happy to cover the upfront but need you all to say yes.. at the moment.. i have 6 interested parties...

So two actions: 1) who wants a S Series version of the classic TVR knob in aluminum
2) Have any of you been searching for a aluminum part and never found it? Then this is your chance to get it made...

[Knowler]

Julesprivate said:

I'm sure I should know this but how does the handle come off the handbrake?

The button twists off and the sleeve is rubbery plastic so should just twist and pull off... let me know if you have something different...

As for the handbrake.. if you want an ally handbrake then the "Bargain" one pointed out to you is the OEM and a steal at that price, i just bought one for £40 before this was listed damn it!!!!! ;-)

[Knowler]

Ok Chaps i now have 10 yes's for the gear knob...with the following requests for additional parts...

Wiper and Indicator Stalks
Heater Panel and Knobs
Blower, Light knobs
Instrument dial surrounds
Air vents dash and side

Anything i missed???

I will need at least another 10 to make this viable so if your up for one let me know before the weeks out and if you've got in roads to the TVR Club and other forums see if you can drum up any interest.. i am tempted to work with this guy and start manufacturing these but will need a bit more interest to take the plunge...

[Knowler]

GadgeS3C said:

Are you a TVRCC member? If yes it'd be worth sticking this on the S forum on the TVRCC site. PH is far more active but you might find one or two more customers there.

Hi, no i'm not... i'd thought about it then got used to using PH instead... do you know anyone who is who might do this for us???

[Knowler]

Deadfast said:

I'm in for the gear knob. Have already got the handbrake.

Vents, indicator stalks, roof catches, etc, would also be interested subject to pricing. Thanks for looking into this.

Not a problem at all...

Ive just sent off the following list of requested parts to see what he can do.. at the moment we have 15 for the gear knobs.. i think if i can get another 5 then we can make this a go-er...

Wiper and Indicator Stalks
Heater Panel and Knobs
Blower, Light knobs
Instrument dial surrounds
Air vents dash and side
Stainless Steel petrol cap lockable if poss
gater for gear stick
roof catches

i will keep you posted but please keep showing your interest as i need to make the minimum order quantity

[Knowler]

GadgeS3C said:

I is and I've done it.

Have added link to this thread but will also pass on interest if people aren't on PH.

Thanks again for organising this!
Gary

Legend!! thanks for that... and no problem... glad to be able to... lets hope we get the interest we need now....

[Knowler]

Gents,

If numbers stay the same then the cost will rise by approx £5-10 meaning the knobs will be about £25.. this is obviously due to lack of volume the more we ask for the less each unit will cost... are we all still happy to go with this?

I am also able to offer dash knobs as well subject to me be able to find an spare original plastic one he can work from... (if any of you have one please let me know). These would be less i'd estimate £20 a set of 3... and would be engraved with the respective icon..

I can also offer the dash heater panel plates if there is any interest?

So last call for interest and i will firm up the order list, send it out and work with the chap to firm up production...

Rich

[Knowler]

Right then Chaps,

Last shout for interest..

FYI - Handbrake not under consideration as they can be grabbed on ebay for ~£20.. this excercise is aimed at all parts we cant get... anything will be considered volume permitting..but the first batch will be Gear Knobs (Chinaera/Griffith style) but for the S and dashboard buttons...

Rich

[Knowler]

Yep.. just got round to it... so far we have the following... at this volume it will be the higher price i quoted.. lets see if we can rally round anymore and bump it up a little... i reckon if we can reach 30 i can hold him to the lower price... ;-)

I'm also assuming you all would like the buttons for the dash as well???

1. Knowler – Rich
2. Loach1
3. GriffinR – Rob
4. Scoobimax – Max
5. GadgeS3c –
6. Phillpot – Mike
7. Party7
8. JulesPrivate
9. TonUpS2
10. S2Mike
11. DellBoyH
12. NeilS3
13. Deadfast
14. TVR Stu
15. AndrewS2
16. DaveM
17. Colley340 – Gareth
18. Nicecupoftea –
19. KieS2

[Knowler]

GadgeS3C said:

1.

Might be convinced to buy an extra gear knob if it helps

Which dash buttons do you mean?

Anything that gets us nearer the mark is definitely helpful ;-)

As for Knobs the twisty ones for the fog lights blower ect... are there some i have missed???

[Knowler]

S2Mike said:

Hold on chaps.
I have a Knob already. Don't know how I got on the list.
Please leave me out on this occasion. Ta.

NOTED ;-)

[Knowler]

RE Knobs... The chap said as long as we can provide examples and or size then he can do anything within reason...

So dare i open myself up to this but send me your knobs... lol lol lol

[Knowler]

Ok Chaps,

The general consensus is to go for just gear knobs for now.... so we will... all other request duly noted and passed onto the manufacturer to look into, so he may well come back on these but for now considered them parked...

The major issue we have now is we need more volume, after posting the draft list we went back down to 14... the bottom line is we need to reach 20 minimum just to reach his higher price estimate... under 20 and its just not going to be feasible unless your all prepared a slightly higher price...

Here's the current list.. if your missing or know someone who is then now's the time to shout or we may well have to park this again, which would be a pity.... as i am sure he will come good on all the parts we need...

1. Knowler – Rich
2. Loach1
3. GriffinR – Rob
4. GadgeS3c –
5. Phillpot – Mike
6. Party7
7. JulesPrivate
8. TonUpS2
9. DellBoyH
10. AndrewS2
11. DaveM
12. Colley340 – Gareth
13. Nicecupoftea –
14. KieS2

Ps Just received the standard pear shaped ally knob from him, fits and feels beautifully... ;-)

Rich

[Knowler]

Scoobimax said:

Right, I'm officially confused now.

I was out for the fog lights and blower knobs due to having an S3 with slider controls but still in for the gear stick knob.

Before I confirm I'm back in for the gear stick knob though, is it the flat top, gate etched style (similar to the ebay link in post 2)? If so, I'm definitely in, if it's the domed style (ebay link in original post), I'm out - sorry.

wrt the other items - I am in for the lights/wiper/indicator stalks, dial bezels and air vents unless extortionate prices.

Cheers,

Max

Hi Max,

Gear knob back in then.. definitely aiming at the flat topped Chim/Griff style with gate etched/engraved on top...

As for other items i have sent him the list and he'll review and get back to me with what he needs to progress...

Hope thats clearer??

R