Who makes Vintage Bakelite Shift Knobs

[Mark Gregory]

Does anyone know a company that reproduces Shift Knobs . I saw some Shift Knobs on eBay but the wrong style but the ad stated Bakelite I assume this was used in the 1930's . I require about a dozen for 1931 Reo Royale's They were white .

Edited August 9, 2018 by Mark Gregory (see edit history)

[Mark Shaw]

Mark,

     If you need that many, I suggest you make them yourself on a lathe.  The material is still available.

 

[46 woodie]

Mark, sounds like you aren't using them on any specific vehicle. Try McMaster-Carr, listed under "phenolic knobs" dozens of sizes listed.

[Mark Gregory]

I usually mention the Reo Royale I did not this time 46 woodie . Mark if you turn them in a lathe what material could you use ? I was thinking of a Billard or Snooker Cue ball ? ?

Edited August 9, 2018 by Mark Gregory (see edit history)

[keiser31]

Should look like this....

[TerryB]

Old Bakelite contained some asbestos and formaldehyde so be careful when working with it.  We used it a lot in the electronics industry and then we got instructions to limit the amount of cutting and machining we did to it due to the dust that could be inhaled.  New Bakelite apparently does not contain asbestos but a mask is recommended when cutting or machining it.

[PFitz]

How about in black ? http://www.tractorpartsinc.com/ford_tractor_shifter_boots_knobs_1049_ctg.htm

Many farm tractor supply places sell them.

 

Before they were bought out by NAPA, my farming area autoparts store sold new ones that were the duplicate of the ones often found in cars from the late '20s and early '30s - including the same bass insert thread size.

 

Paul

 

Edited August 9, 2018 by PFitz (see edit history)

[Rusty_OToole]

You could buy some slightly oversize from McMaster Carr or elsewhere, and turn them down to the size and shape you want.

[Mark Gregory]

Good thought Rusty and Fitz we need the ivory colour . Terry B thanks for the safety tip - Asbestos

[jpage]

I just bought a new knob from NAPA for my '36 Dodge. Exact shape and size as the old one, of course in black. Only $7 as compared to $30-45 on most sites. The material quality was not as nice as I would have liked so I just painted it. It will outlast me. You could cast them yourself with a silicone mold and resin.

[Akstraw]

I was thinking casting, too.

[Apalazzo]

I am currently making 1931 REO shift knobs and horn buttons.  I may be working with someone you know?  I should be producing them this week

Edited September 3, 2018 by Apalazzo (see edit history)

[Apalazzo]

[MCHinson]

I don't know how close the one you need are to those used on Buicks but Bob's Automobilia sells some. Here is a similar one: https://bobsautomobilia.com/dash-and-steering-control-items/gear-shift-knob-ivory-1936-38-threaded.-gs-368/