Knobs on the internet

[Lefty]

Now that i have your attention...

Looking for recommendations on where to get a stainless steel gearknob machined. My local fabricator can't do it.

Looking for something fairly simple, 50mm round ball, brushed finish,1/2" UNF thread. No shift pattern, just a plain steel ball. You'd think that would be an easy ask but i cant find any for sale

Any recommendations? Ta

[MG-Steve]

I think the only reasonable solution would be to buy your own lathe and make one yourself? Maybe do a few while you're on and sell them to justify the cost?

[Gad-Westy]

Lefty said:

Now that i have your attention...

Looking for recommendations on where to get a stainless steel gearknob machined. My local fabricator can't do it.

Looking for something fairly simple, 50mm round ball, brushed finish,1/2" UNF thread. No shift pattern, just a plain steel ball. You'd think that would be an easy ask but i cant find any for sale

Any recommendations? Ta

If you have access to 3D CAD, you could use one of the online portals like protolabs or fractory. Just make sure you specify the thread in the notes on the quotation request as 3D CAD will just show it as a plain hole. You should be able to specify a surface finish too.

ETA, in fact if you don't have access to CAD, just PM and I'll fire over the files you'll need.

Edited by Gad-Westy on Wednesday 22 July 13:15

[Dannbodge]

You can buy a 50mm stainless ball quite easily, then it would just need drilling and tapping.

There was a guy on ebay who i spoke to about a custom knob but can't find him anymore.

A quick google suggests: https://www.mtech-engineering.co.uk/contact

[_Rodders_]

Someone on the T5 Facebook group used to make them on there a few years ago. For Transporters obviously but might be able to help.

[sjg]

Likewise, one with an M12 thread is easy if you don't mind an adaptor. https://goodhanduk.co.uk/k0650-threaded-reamed-hol...

You can also get with a 20mm hole and it might be easier to find someone to turn a 20mm cylinder with 1/2 UNF inside.

https://goodhanduk.co.uk/k0650-threaded-reamed-hol...

[DaveyBoyWonder]

_Rodders_ said:

Someone on the T5 Facebook group used to make them on there a few years ago. For Transporters obviously but might be able to help.

His name is Lee Prior (i've got one of his big black knobs) - think the custom gear knob stuff he did was under the name of Dubbitz or something. Otherwise maybe see if https://www.builtbybasil.com/ could do you one? He mainly does wooden ones but does do a 50/50 wood/metal one...

[Lefty]

MG-Steve said:

I think the only reasonable solution would be to buy your own lathe and make one yourself? Maybe do a few while you're on and sell them to justify the cost?

I like this plan.

[Lefty]

Gad-Westy said:

Lefty said:

Now that i have your attention...

Looking for recommendations on where to get a stainless steel gearknob machined. My local fabricator can't do it.

Looking for something fairly simple, 50mm round ball, brushed finish,1/2" UNF thread. No shift pattern, just a plain steel ball. You'd think that would be an easy ask but i cant find any for sale

Any recommendations? Ta

If you have access to 3D CAD, you could use one of the online portals like protolabs or fractory. Just make sure you specify the thread in the notes on the quotation request as 3D CAD will just show it as a plain hole. You should be able to specify a surface finish too.

ETA, in fact if you don't have access to CAD, just PM and I'll fire over the files you'll need.

Edited by Gad-Westy on Wednesday 22 July 13:15

That's very kind, thanks!! I'll see if i can find anything otherwise might well take you up on that

[Lefty]

Dannbodge said:

You can buy a 50mm stainless ball quite easily, then it would just need drilling and tapping.

There was a guy on ebay who i spoke to about a custom knob but can't find him anymore.

A quick google suggests: https://www.mtech-engineering.co.uk/contact

Yeah i just thought an M12 is awfully close to1/2" UNF, wasnt sure how well it would tap out

[Lefty]

sjg said:

Likewise, one with an M12 thread is easy if you don't mind an adaptor. https://goodhanduk.co.uk/k0650-threaded-reamed-hol...

You can also get with a 20mm hole and it might be easier to find someone to turn a 20mm cylinder with 1/2 UNF inside.

https://goodhanduk.co.uk/k0650-threaded-reamed-hol...

That website is brilliant, thanks!

[SlimJim16v]

You can get aluminium on alixpress, just need to drill and tap one of the thread adaptors.

[DaveF-SkinnysAutos]

Another vote for https://www.mtech-engineering.co.uk/ who will make a custom one for you.

[SlimJim16v]

This place does some, but the site isn't showing the images for me.

https://europaspares.com/?s=Gear+knob&post_typ...

[hidetheelephants]

You'll regret it every time you have to drive the thing in winter, unless you wear driving gloves.

[Lefty]

I definitely won't be driving it in winter

[JQ]

https://www.jassperformance.com/shop/index.php?rou...