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Sep 11, 2013 6:58 pm
Sep 11, 2013 6:58 pm
Subject: Re: Auto gear shift knob
Interesting point, my bakerlite gear shift knobs on my 1950's dhc's are both still perfect and useable; same I suspect on my Rapide.
You are no doubt correct that A.D. or a sharp knock or similar can start the break-up of these very early polymers; and of course excessive heat, which over time makes them brittle; and of course vibration.
They can be repaired of course, I have done this with a few items, such as the horn-push which is prone to cracking and fracture on the DB car's, and with care, one can make invisible repairs. So if you have you have not disposed of it, please pm me and I will see if I can repair it for you.
A final point to consider, where did they source it from? This was another bought in component, which costs a few pounds. Given the love of the column change on Rootes cars, Hillman Minx and Humber Sceptre etc etc, these are a possible place to start...
Interesting point, my bakerlite gear shift knobs on my 1950's dhc's are both still perfect and useable; same I suspect on my Rapide.
You are no doubt correct that A.D. or a sharp knock or similar can start the break-up of these very early polymers; and of course excessive heat, which over time makes them brittle; and of course vibration.
They can be repaired of course, I have done this with a few items, such as the horn-push which is prone to cracking and fracture on the DB car's, and with care, one can make invisible repairs. So if you have you have not disposed of it, please pm me and I will see if I can repair it for you.
A final point to consider, where did they source it from? This was another bought in component, which costs a few pounds. Given the love of the column change on Rootes cars, Hillman Minx and Humber Sceptre etc etc, these are a possible place to start...