DB9 Heater Knobs (Again)

[thetees]

Stupid question but...

The nasty plastic heater control knobs (3off) on a MY2005 appear like they will just pull off. However, seems like a lot of force is required. I don't want to apply too much force in case I am missing a trick. Any advice appreciated.

Is TonyHall38 still selling his replacement knobs? - if so can you contact me please.

Thanks,

Tony

[jamesc12]

The air con plastic knobs do pull straight off but do require quite a lot of force (and some 'cracking' noises). I had to use pliers - I tried to wrap in cloth to protect the original knobs but 2 of 3 ended up damaged to a point where I wouldn't be comfortable putting them back in the car. Thankfully I have Tony Hall's knobs as replacements - and what good knobs they are too, I haven't even glued mine yet, just used the tight fitting original plastic inserts to hold them in.

I believe he is still selling them...

[thetees]

James,

Thanks for your quick reply, very useful.
Just another quick question - can you remember the bore diameter of the original knobs?

T

[yeti]

thetees said:

Is TonyHall38 still selling his replacement knobs? - if so can you contact me please.

Surely it'd be easier for you to contact him? That's how commerce generally works

[thetees]

Of course - but since I have only just joined (pistonheads) the 'powers that be' dictate that I am unable to contact another member directly for the first 24 hours (go figure). Just thought Tony might be lurking...

[jamesc12]

thetees said:

Just another quick question - can you remember the bore diameter of the original knobs?

The stalk behind the main "knob" that disappears into the dash? Afraid not, I believe it was slightly thinner than a standard HB pencil. They are see-through to allow the illumination to project onto the dot on the front. Rumour has it that Tony is working on illuminated version of his knobs as I type .

[yeti]

thetees said:

Of course - but since I have only just joined (pistonheads) the 'powers that be' dictate that I am unable to contact another member directly for the first 24 hours (go figure). Just thought Tony might be lurking...

In which case I apolgise for my flippancy

He will be along directly I'm sure...

[thetees]

jamesc12 said:

The stalk behind the main "knob" that disappears into the dash? Afraid not, I believe it was slightly thinner than a standard HB pencil. They are see-through to allow the illumination to project onto the dot on the front. Rumour has it that Tony is working on illuminated version of his knobs as I type .

I think you are referring to the redesign on the 2007 later models.
You have obviously not experienced the full horror of the 2005 (no light guide) plastic variants

[tonyhall38]

someone called/......yes i have a set of heater controls left...with stereo and sat nav toggle...
the light idea is starting fade i have to say...until technology catches up with me....

[thetees]

Tony, please contact me directly to discuss. Thanks.

[don4l]

yeti said:

thetees said:

Is TonyHall38 still selling his replacement knobs? - if so can you contact me please.

Surely it'd be easier for you to contact him? That's how commerce generally works

I used to think the same. However, on Sunday I was mugged as I left the car park. My exit was blocked by a burly man and a couple of minutes later my wallet was emptied and I had some new shiny knobs.

I was then allowed on my way.

Don
--

[tonyhall38]

but you felt so much better after.....

[v8woollie]

tonyhall38 said:

someone called/......yes i have a set of heater controls left...with stereo and sat nav toggle...
the light idea is starting fade i have to say...until technology catches up with me....

What In the words of the song, 'Say it ain't so.......'

[tonyhall38]

i want to use fibre optics to transfer the light with out using the lump of plastic....but it only comes in max width of 3mm....need at least 7mm to be viable....but will work on it....

[v8woollie]

Well I would be happy with the under-engineered lump of plastic if it makes things easier. Lighting wise it would be no worse than the current lighting method. However I do appreciate your desire to improve things.

[jamesc12]

thetees said:

I think you are referring to the redesign on the 2007 later models.
You have obviously not experienced the full horror of the 2005 (no light guide) plastic variants

My car was a 2005 DB9 and came with see-through stalks for illumination. I say that but I can't really remember if there was a light there or not - but the stalks were definitely transparent and ran all the way to the front of the knob where it exposed a small rectangular 4mm dot which I assume would light up. Everything was plastic. Perhaps mine were changed to 2007+ variants at some point (But then they would be metal?)?

[Gibberish]

jamesc12 said:

My car was a 2005 DB9 and came with see-through stalks for illumination. I say that but I can't really remember if there was a light there or not - but the stalks were definitely transparent and ran all the way to the front of the knob where it exposed a small rectangular 4mm dot which I assume would light up. Everything was plastic. Perhaps mine were changed to 2007+ variants at some point (But then they would be metal?)?

James, I could be wrong, but your car looks to be already fitted with a set of Tony’s Knobs?

[jamesc12]

Yep . I was talking about my experiences when fitting Tony's knobs, and how my car was before hand.

I replaced illuminated plastic knobs with Tony's silky ones, albeit non-illuminated - Not a problem since despite owning a DB9 I still have young 20-20 vision

[Gibberish]

jamesc12 said:

Yep ..... Not a problem since despite owning a DB9 I still have young 20-20 vision

[thetees]

James's memory is obviously as good as his vision !
I was incorrect in assuming the plastic nasties on the 2005 didn't have a light guide - I've just taken one off and checked - they do!
(guess I have never looked at them at night)