How to Restore Vintage Ford 4 Speed Shifter Knobs

Restoring Classic Ford 4 velocity shifter knobs is a relatively very simple challenge. To make the work a lot easier you will need to have a drill press, 1/2-20 faucet, may differ grits of sandpaper, rubbing compound. Other materials you will have to have are Armor All, Mink Oil and White Equipment Contact-Up Paint.

To get started out you will need to have to check the problem of the knob, some of these knobs are previous and have taken some abuse in excess of the decades and regrettably some are not restartable. What you want to seem for in the knob is the change pattern, establish if the figures and change sample lines are in very good shape with deep stamped traces and figures. If they do not glimpse good it will be challenging to get a cleanse search when the project is completed due to the fact you have sandpaper the knob somewhat to carry out a fresh new look and if you go to much in the sanding method you sand them out.

Immediately after you have determined you have excellent restore ready knob clear it with carburetor cleaner and wire brush the paint out of the change sample and figures. Install the knob on the 1/2-20 tap and insert the tap in the drill press. Transform the drill push on and begin with 100 grit sandpaper initial, if you have a Mustang or Galaxie change knob with a concave top commence your sanding on the sides of the knob very first. Sand out any chips or scratches then transfer to and finer grit sandpaper like 150 wonderful and end with a wonderful crocus paper. Do the same for the concave place but start off with 150 fine paper employing you finger to apply strain. Be thorough right here not to go to hard this, acquire your time to sleek out. Also as you are sanding the paper can get hot so be cautious, I don’t propose don gloves simply because they can get caught in the drill press.

Immediately after the sanding check out out the knob, make absolutely sure it is free of chips and scratches, if it is depart it in the drill push and use some rubbing compound to sleek it out even more. I use three styles of compound the initially is a large obligation cleaner and then polishing compound and finish with a obvious plastic cleaner and polish and at last buff with a clean rag. Each and every compound may possibly require to used for a couple of minutes to provide out a easy clean search be watchful in this procedure with the rags because they can get caught up in the drill push.

Clear the knob, consider a compact dental form resource to get the rubbing compound out of the change pattern and you will be all set to paint the sample and numbers. Use the white appliance contact-up paint to paint in the shift sample and numbers. You do not have to paint just the pattern and quantities it is a lot easier to just apply the paint on the face of the pattern. Allow to dry and acquire paper towel spray carburetor cleaner on it and wipe down the major of the knob until the excess paint arrive off and your shift pattern and numbers are cleanse and white.

The paint might smear on the knob so just clear to off with the carburetor cleaner. Then choose Armor All spray some on a paper towel and wipe it on the knob to deliver out the black shade. The past move is to use some mint oil and rub down the knob to bring out the luster. If all goes nicely you will have a beautifully restored knob in about 15 to 30 minutes. I have done a lot of of these restoration for resale and they have come out pretty good what I believe can make it simple to do is substance the knobs are designed up which is bakelite you can sand this stuff and get the knobs fairly cleanse and on the lookout great.

This course of action operates perfectly with Ford shifter knobs for 1964 1/2 -66 small concave for Mustangs and 1962-67 Galaxie and early Falcons and Fairlane etcetera. and the 1967-68 and 69 regular interior Mustang. All other knobs like the wooden grain for a deluxe inside Mustang is not great for restoring if you have a very good unique retain it or get a fantastic quality replica.