C3 Manual Shift Knob Restore or Replace?

[Norm C.]

I did the forum search for previous posts finding only how to spot a "replacement" shift knob from an original one. I am an original owner of a totally unmolested 72 manual shift coupe. (40yr purchase birthday last month!! ) The knob is showing it's age with wear on the knob changing the "look". No scratches per say,,, but the finish most likely is showing its age.

If wanting a "fresher" look: a)is it possible to have the knob refinished,,,if so any recommended vendor?; b)is the preference to find an NOS original? (which appears highly unlikely); c)are today's later version NOS the same weight and look?; OR d)which replacement is recommended?

Thanks in advance for any help from those who have gone before me!!!!!

[Patrick H.]

Re: C3 Manual Shift Knob Restore or Replace?

Norm - same issue with my 72. I can tell you that the replacement I purchased (can't recall vendor) has a different look than the nice original one I have on a different car.
So, I kept the original one and live with the worn appearance.

Patrick

[Dick W.]

Re: C3 Manual Shift Knob Restore or Replace?

When I had the parts business, I sold a perfect replacement knob. I will look and see if I can find the name of the vendor I purchased it from

[Ron G.]

Re: C3 Manual Shift Knob Restore or Replace?

Several years ago I was fortunate enough to find and purchase an NOS 70-72 shift knob. As you know the originals are a black chrome and not all platers do this. I do know on the originals that on the bottom of the knob you can see that the plating is very thin and you can almost see thru it. I have had no experience with a reproduction. I will however put my detective hat on and see if my plater who I have been using for over thirty years does provide this type of chrome plating. Also, Pat I have not forgot you regarding the exhaust tip label.

- Ron

[Jim S.]

Re: C3 Manual Shift Knob Restore or Replace?

I bought my 75 vert in 1981. The 4spd shifter ball had a scratch on it. I ordered a new one through a Chevrolet dealer. The original was die cast with black chrome plating. The dealer replacement was chrome plastic. I was lucky enough to find the Corvette shifter engineer who just happened to have an original in his desk drawer. It wasn't perfect but better than the one in my Vette. Working at a GM Division (Saginaw Steering Gear) had its advantages. It was nice to be part of the GM family back then.

Jim