[TR] TR3 Shift knob restoration

[Don Hiscock]

I have what I believe is one of the original TR knobs as well as the
modern rubber version.  The two are generally the same, but different
in almost every detail.  The profile of the taper is "steeper" -- more
conical -- on the modern knob.  The size and typeface for the shift
pattern is different, too.  The modern one is definitely a harder
rubber.  The original looks more like some composition of a filler and
a rubbery binder, possibly painted black.  I've had it for 30 plus
years, given to me by one of the founders of what's now the TRA.

There may be early and late versions of the original TR2-3B knobs --
smarter folk than I will have to chime in here.

My original sits on the shelves in my shop.  The modern is on the car.
 It's plenty good enough to use, and fits a lot better than an AMCO
knob.

Don
1962 TR3B TSF202L

On 8/10/12, Ed Oot <eoot at citlink.net> wrote:
> It's rubber.  An excellent reproduction of original.
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Bob Labuz" <yellowtr at adelphia.net>
> To: "Wbeech" <wbeech at flash.net>; "Triumphs List" <triumphs at autox.team.net>
> Sent: Friday, August 10, 2012 4:04 PM
> Subject: Re: [TR] TR3 Shift knob restoration
>
>
>> Bill,
>>
>> Is the TRF model a soft rubber knob like the original? The photos make it
>>
>> look like it is plastic or bakelite.
>>
>> Bob
>>
>> On 08/10/2012 03:33 PM, Wbeech wrote:
>>> Great restoration, or you could spend $20 at TRF(p/n 19045) and buy a
>>> new
>>> one/NFI.
>>>
>>> I didn't have an original to restore but I really like the small black
>>> rubber one as it is lower and the top my hand doesn't scrape the bottom
>>> of
>>> the dash as it did with the AMCO walnut knob.
>>>
>>> Bill
>>>
>>> Bill Beecher
>>> '58 TR3A TS/30766L "Tarbaby"
>>> '62 TR3B TCF/2549L " Aunt B"
>>> www.triumphowners.com/1566
>>> '68 Land Rover Series IIa 88" "The Beast"
>>> "If you think you have everything under control... You're driving too
>>> slow"
>>> M.Andretti
>>>
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: triumphs-bounces at autox.team.net
>>> [mailto:triumphs-bounces at autox.team.net] On Behalf Of Bob Labuz
>>> Sent: Friday, August 10, 2012 1:43 PM
>>> To: Triumphs List
>>> Subject: [TR] TR3 Shift knob restoration
>>>
>>> Hello,
>>>
>>> I have had an original TR3 shift knob that was cracked and showing its
>>> age.
>>> But I liked the feel of the narrow rubber knob than the after market
>>> wooden
>>> knobs.
>>>
>>> So I wanted to restore it to its original condition.
>>>
>>> I first tried coating it with clear silicone caulking but it soon started
>>>
>>> to
>>> peal and look worse than the original dried out knob.
>>>
>>> So I tried a product called Plasti Dip. It is used to coat tool handles
>>> for
>>> better grip.
>>>
>>> First I sanded the old knob to smooth it out. Then I cleaned it with
>>> lacquer
>>> thinner to remove all grease etc.
>>>
>>> Then I dipped it into the can of dip and then stood it up on a stick in
>>> a
>>> vise for 1 hour. Repeated for a final coat and I have to say it looks
>>> like
>>> brand new!
>>>
>>> Feels great in the hand as I am sure the original ones did way back
>>> when.
>>>
>>> A can of this dip was about 6.75 at Lowes.
>>
>> ** triumphs at autox.team.net **
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>
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