Amazing job on the shift knob. There used to be real wood knobs available. I had one on my second Giulia Super. The standard knob was black plastic with no shift pattern. Well, Canada sure has snow! I just watched Elin's snow video. We just have deep, leaden grey skies and temperatures around 4 °C with occasional rain interspersed with a light drizzle. Not our favourite weather! Even Halgrim doesn't like to be out in it. He sends his greetings, btw.
Nice job on the shifter knob, Tush. I'd call that a win. My least favorite is the billet with the black knob a close second. Nice to have projects you can carry into the house with these cold days, eh? Cheers.
Tush, I lived in Italy in the 80s and 90s and had many Alfas, most of them some form of Giulia. At least one of them had the black shift knob you're discussing and it was the very best-feeling shift knob, ever. It had mild indentations around the perimeter and fit perfectly in the driver's hand. Might I suggest he get that one, at least as an option.
A valiant effort on the part of ChefTush, very nice. I would have spray painted the number in an ivory or bone colored on the numbers. Let it cure. Then apply with a toothpick a slight coating of Vaseline in the numbers, then apply the desired paint. possibly sprayed. Then wipe the Vaseline out to have a better contrast of numbers to knob color. Just my personal preference with a different process. Kudos to the Chef!!!!!
Thanks Thomas. I don’t think I’d accurately be able to apply Vaseline there so the top coat of paint wouldn’t stick..I expect I’d still gets some spots outside of the pattern showing where the Vaseline got spread unintentionally…
The painted knob turned out great, but I still prefer the black knob with the white lettering. It doesn't match the steering wheel, but it does match the rest of the controls in the center console. The white halos around the lettering on the original knob look awkward to me, more like a wear pattern (even if it was the intended effect).
Hi Dave, the gear knob looks pretty good from this distance! (I think the original factory finish was actually hydro dipped, not painted, hence the ultra fine coating)…Not too sure about the white around the numbers, but maybe it’ll look better after a fine grade and buff. Sorry to see all that damned snow, loads of salt grit on the roads is not good for car bodies. Stay safe young man! 🙏🇬🇧
Not bad for a fake wood effect paint finish. This technique can go one of two ways, either so good you can't tell or completely unconvincing. I think your attempt has been pretty successful. As far as the Snow is concerned, I think Elin definitely knows how heavily its been snowing. ☃️☃️☃️☃️
nice job on the knob... I think I wouldn't have left the space around the numbers. Maybe could have made them white if the contrast wasn't enough on the dark wood look. Still looks good.
Nice paint job! It is definitely an improvement. Truth be known, real wooden shifters are not really all that expensive, and a quick google search will easily get you one with the Alfa Romeo marque and/or the five-speed shift pattern embossing. Still there's a lot to be said for the satisfaction of doing a job well by yourself.
Well Tom, I wouldn’t be paying for it, but it looks like you can get Nardi branded wood knobs for about 130 US ( last time I looked) so not exactly a cheap proposition when you factor in the exchange rate and shipping etc….would probably be about $180 Canadian. Yes, I know there are cheaper knobs but I’m a little cautious about theses as I’ve been burned a few times buying them for my Triumphs…thanks very much for the comments.
Nice result, if being ultra picky I’d say with hindsight it would have been better with a darker basecoat and I’d have gone for a silver shift pattern without the border.. to match the metal on the steering wheel ?
Knob came out nice. If you redo it a shade darker I think I would change the shift numbers to white then put 2 part clear coat on it I think it will hold up better.
I would have gone for finishing the shift pattern in white and not having the white surroundings on the black shift pattern... makes it look more wooden and less handpainted...
Nice work David. I definitely prefer the wood over the black or billet. However, I am not a fan of the white buffer. I prefer the shift pattern to be more subtle. If it was me, I would sand off the clear and brush on a darker overcoat with coarser brush marks. That being said ... great work as usual!!!
I agree with others Tush. Knob would be better with white shift pattern and a slightly darker third coat of brown underneath. Looks good though. I also like the plain black knob, more OEM look to it. Don’t like the billet one at all, sorry. The Alfa is in great condition, let me know if Doc decides not to buy it, I know someone who’d like to own it! 😉
I think you did an excellent job with the faux wood grain on the knob but I might not have left the buffer and painted the numbers white to match the other switches. The buffer reminds me that the knob is plastic.
Hi Tush personally I kept my original black shift nob it gives that 70's look that I love so much. But good job on your fake wood. I have a question: if you consider to change your shift shaft or gear level please do a video cause mine it's in a bad shape and I would like to restore it but don't know how to take it out...thanks and be safe
David, I think the downside of the billet knob could be it could get hot in the summer with top down. Personally I like the look and feel of wood. Nice work painting the knob👍. Another option would be to paint it a darker brown, including covering the shift patter. Then clear it. After the clear drys take white acrylic paint and fill in the shift pattern, wiping away any excess. Then clear again. BTW years ago I knew a guy who use to paint faux wood dashes and it was amazing to watch him do it! He had a special metal “brush” tool that let him simulate grain.
Thanks Jim. I’m not sure that after I did the first clear coat that there would be enough depression left to do the pattern as it’s pretty shallow. I’ve never had an issue in my TR’s with the billet knob getting too hot. I know the graining tool that you speak about…pretty cool! cheers, Tush
Thanks Dennis. Ok, I have another question for you out of curiosity….say I had a chrome bezel for the heater controls and chrome knobs for the heater controls….do you think you’d like the chrome/billet knob then or is that option right out for you? Cheers, Tush
@@cheftush That would probably make a difference, but I think I'd still go with the black. Although if you have the trim, you might want to consider a side by side comparison. A little Italian beauty contest.
Nice work on the repaint. I'll be honest though and say I'm not a fan of the knobs you have at hand, just being honest. I am a wood worker and I'd choose a solid wood with nothing but the wood, maybe a Brazilian rosewood or something of that nature. The numbers seem to be distracting to me with so much going on in the line of sight with gauges and switches...just me, I would also consider a CNC sourced knob again in solid wood, just thinking past what you have presented here. I am enjoying your series, Thanks
Actually, I appreciated the honesty Jim. This channel is open to constructive criticism! I’ve actually sent Doc ( the new owner) a few options of solid wood knobs with no shift pattern for his consideration. Stay tuned.
how many times can you get away with saying Knob in a RUclips video- you win the bet chef. i think it looks great and in keeping with the original theme. tell me the WERA tool part number of the knob holding spatula ? great vid chef thanks
Hey Tushy Is there a after market buzzer replacement, to a chime sound ? That door buzzer is horrible 😬 lol. My vote is thumbs down on the painted shift knob. Carpet and floor mats need replacement also. Colors have faded weird on camera ? Cheers Zoom Zoom 😀
lol yeah the buzzer is period correct. And yes, Doc has decided that he’d like to change the carpets as they have faded everywhere where the floor mats didn’t cover. Remember, this is an original/survivor car with original paint/ original interior etc. so yes, some things are showing their age/patina. So, no to the painted shift knob. Did you like the black or billet options at all? Just curious. Cheers, Tush
That is a great painting job, well done David. Kind regards, Richard.
Iv done this on a few projects over the years and l think yours looks great Tush.
Much better than the other 2. It’s acceptable great job
Amazing job on the shift knob. There used to be real wood knobs available. I had one on my second Giulia Super. The standard knob was black plastic with no shift pattern. Well, Canada sure has snow! I just watched Elin's snow video. We just have deep, leaden grey skies and temperatures around 4 °C with occasional rain interspersed with a light drizzle. Not our favourite weather! Even Halgrim doesn't like to be out in it. He sends his greetings, btw.
Nice job on the shifter knob, Tush. I'd call that a win. My least favorite is the billet with the black knob a close second. Nice to have projects you can carry into the house with these cold days, eh? Cheers.
I am impressed. Stock means you preserved something as it was originally. I wood say it is a win!!!
Nicely done Dave!
Thanks George!
Great job David, quite the artist in many ways. 👍👍
I liked the what I’ll call Bakelite knob.
Tush, I lived in Italy in the 80s and 90s and had many Alfas, most of them some form of Giulia. At least one of them had the black shift knob you're discussing and it was the very best-feeling shift knob, ever. It had mild indentations around the perimeter and fit perfectly in the driver's hand. Might I suggest he get that one, at least as an option.
Your painted knob is the best of the 3 options.
Thank You for watching and commenting Bryan.
A valiant effort on the part of ChefTush, very nice. I would have spray painted the number in an ivory or bone colored on the numbers. Let it cure. Then apply with a toothpick a slight coating of Vaseline in the numbers, then apply the desired paint. possibly sprayed. Then wipe the Vaseline out to have a better contrast of numbers to knob color. Just my personal preference with a different process. Kudos to the Chef!!!!!
Thanks Thomas. I don’t think I’d accurately be able to apply Vaseline there so the top coat of paint wouldn’t stick..I expect I’d still gets some spots outside of the pattern showing where the Vaseline got spread unintentionally…
That's not too shabby at all Dave. Certainly an improvement, and a better option than the two others. 👍
The painted knob turned out great, but I still prefer the black knob with the white lettering. It doesn't match the steering wheel, but it does match the rest of the controls in the center console. The white halos around the lettering on the original knob look awkward to me, more like a wear pattern (even if it was the intended effect).
Hi Dave, the gear knob looks pretty good from this distance! (I think the original factory finish was actually hydro dipped, not painted, hence the ultra fine coating)…Not too sure about the white around the numbers, but maybe it’ll look better after a fine grade and buff. Sorry to see all that damned snow, loads of salt grit on the roads is not good for car bodies. Stay safe young man! 🙏🇬🇧
Did they have hydro dipping 40 years ago? Cheers, Tush
Not bad for a fake wood effect paint finish.
This technique can go one of two ways, either so good you can't tell or completely unconvincing.
I think your attempt has been pretty successful.
As far as the Snow is concerned, I think Elin definitely knows how heavily its been snowing. ☃️☃️☃️☃️
Knob looks great to me! All that snow makes me think of...you got it. Soup, lol.
lol. I’m thinking the next recipe will be something like a steak and mushroom pie….I have a craving…Thanks for the comments! Cheers, Tush
@@cheftush Steak and mushroom pie? Never heard of that one but can't wait to see you build it. Need a taste tester? Lol.
nice job on the knob... I think I wouldn't have left the space around the numbers. Maybe could have made them white if the contrast wasn't enough on the dark wood look. Still looks good.
Thanks Michael. Yes, it was a tough call what to do there!
Wow that turned out excellent! 👩🎨
Thank You! I appreciate the comment.
Nice paint job! It is definitely an improvement. Truth be known, real wooden shifters are not really all that expensive, and a quick google search will easily get you one with the Alfa Romeo marque and/or the five-speed shift pattern embossing. Still there's a lot to be said for the satisfaction of doing a job well by yourself.
Well Tom, I wouldn’t be paying for it, but it looks like you can get Nardi branded wood knobs for about 130 US ( last time I looked) so not exactly a cheap proposition when you factor in the exchange rate and shipping etc….would probably be about $180 Canadian. Yes, I know there are cheaper knobs but I’m a little cautious about theses as I’ve been burned a few times buying them for my Triumphs…thanks very much for the comments.
I like the painted knob best. I’d also consider eliminating the buffer and going right to the pattern. Nice job in any case 👍
Thanks Derek!
Nice result, if being ultra picky I’d say with hindsight it would have been better with a darker basecoat and I’d have gone for a silver shift pattern without the border.. to match the metal on the steering wheel ?
WOW COOL
Thank You for watching and commenting David.
Great!
Thank You Uwe!
I think it came out nice, definitely an improvement. Have fun shoveling!
Lol thanks!
Knob came out nice. If you redo it a shade darker I think I would change the shift numbers to white then put 2 part clear coat on it I think it will hold up better.
Dave, why not tape-off the detention switch for the door buzzer while you have the car.
lol I could but normally I have the battery unhooked unless I’m testing something 😉
I would have gone for finishing the shift pattern in white and not having the white surroundings on the black shift pattern... makes it look more wooden and less handpainted...
Nice work David. I definitely prefer the wood over the black or billet. However, I am not a fan of the white buffer. I prefer the shift pattern to be more subtle. If it was me, I would sand off the clear and brush on a darker overcoat with coarser brush marks. That being said ... great work as usual!!!
Thanks for watching and commenting. Really appreciated. Yes it was a tough call with that white buffer….
I agree with others Tush. Knob would be better with white shift pattern and a slightly darker third coat of brown underneath. Looks good though. I also like the plain black knob, more OEM look to it. Don’t like the billet one at all, sorry. The Alfa is in great condition, let me know if Doc decides not to buy it, I know someone who’d like to own it! 😉
Thanks for watching and commenting Fid! Cheers, Tush
I think you did an excellent job with the faux wood grain on the knob but I might not have left the buffer and painted the numbers white to match the other switches. The buffer reminds me that the knob is plastic.
Thank You for the Reply Ted. Much appreciated.
Hi Tush personally I kept my original black shift nob it gives that 70's look that I love so much. But good job on your fake wood. I have a question: if you consider to change your shift shaft or gear level please do a video cause mine it's in a bad shape and I would like to restore it but don't know how to take it out...thanks and be safe
Keep the original shift knob.
David, I think the downside of the billet knob could be it could get hot in the summer with top down. Personally I like the look and feel of wood. Nice work painting the knob👍. Another option would be to paint it a darker brown, including covering the shift patter. Then clear it. After the clear drys take white acrylic paint and fill in the shift pattern, wiping away any excess. Then clear again.
BTW years ago I knew a guy who use to paint faux wood dashes and it was amazing to watch him do it! He had a special metal “brush” tool that let him simulate grain.
Thanks Jim. I’m not sure that after I did the first clear coat that there would be enough depression left to do the pattern as it’s pretty shallow. I’ve never had an issue in my TR’s with the billet knob getting too hot. I know the graining tool that you speak about…pretty cool! cheers, Tush
I think I like the black one better. It goes with the rest of the black dash.
You did do a very good job of refinishing the faux wood knob though.
Thanks Dennis. Ok, I have another question for you out of curiosity….say I had a chrome bezel for the heater controls and chrome knobs for the heater controls….do you think you’d like the chrome/billet knob then or is that option right out for you? Cheers, Tush
@@cheftush That would probably make a difference, but I think I'd still go with the black. Although if you have the trim, you might want to consider a side by side comparison. A little Italian beauty contest.
Nice work on the repaint. I'll be honest though and say I'm not a fan of the knobs you have at hand, just being honest. I am a wood worker and I'd choose a solid wood with nothing but the wood, maybe a Brazilian rosewood or something of that nature. The numbers seem to be distracting to me with so much going on in the line of sight with gauges and switches...just me, I would also consider a CNC sourced knob again in solid wood, just thinking past what you have presented here. I am enjoying your series, Thanks
Actually, I appreciated the honesty Jim. This channel is open to constructive criticism! I’ve actually sent Doc ( the new owner) a few options of solid wood knobs with no shift pattern for his consideration. Stay tuned.
If it was my nob I'd paint the whole nob, and infill with white the letters, having no surround, similar to the black one
how many times can you get away with saying Knob in a RUclips video- you win the bet chef. i think it looks great and in keeping with the original theme. tell me the WERA tool part number of the knob holding spatula ? great vid chef thanks
Don't the hazards have their own flasher unit, my car does, separate to the indicator flasher
Good question! I’ll have to check the wiring diagram. Thanks.
The gear shit looks good keep the wood grain in my opinion
Thanks for watching and commenting Mike. It is appreciated.
Can you cut the power to that horrible 80s-era door buzzer?
If I have to hear it, You have to hear it 😉
sorry it looks shabby with the white around the numbers the paint looks fine tho.
Thanks Mike..just like the factory 😉
Hey Tushy
Is there a after market buzzer replacement, to a chime sound ? That door buzzer is horrible 😬 lol.
My vote is thumbs down on the painted shift knob.
Carpet and floor mats need replacement also.
Colors have faded weird on camera ?
Cheers
Zoom Zoom 😀
lol yeah the buzzer is period correct. And yes, Doc has decided that he’d like to change the carpets as they have faded everywhere where the floor mats didn’t cover. Remember, this is an original/survivor car with original paint/ original interior etc. so yes, some things are showing their age/patina. So, no to the painted shift knob. Did you like the black or billet options at all? Just curious. Cheers, Tush
@@cheftush black shift knob is ok
Perhaps new original style best ?
I would change that horrible buzzer, heck with original on that !
Cheers
Zoom zoom
@@rickdaniel8478 unfortunately, they don’t offer a new original style. There are some similarity shaped ones in wood on the market though.