dash knob bezels

does anyone know if the bezels behind the ivory bell shaped knobs are available in gold? And when ordering the knobs the choices are 3mm and 5mm, which size? you got me, thanks

They're stock VW Beetle bezels, made of aluminum. There may be after market plated ones, but if you really want the gold tone, you can easily gold leaf them yourself.

Fun and easy. I use the stuff all the time!

Luck,

TC

thanks TC, it's funny, I posted the question then left for about 20 minutes to the local AC Moore(craft store), came back and got your reply, guess I'll have to go back, great idea! and regarding the 3 or 5 mm?

The 3mm and 5mm bezels came on different year switches. What year car did the switches come from? Could you post a picture, it should be easy to tell from that. Although, the Type II used different sizes for different uses, so a shot of the backside of the switch showing the prongs, would help as well.

When you buy the gold leaf, be sure to get the loose individual leaves, NOT the ones with the "easy to use" plastic backing, and buy the spray adheasive, not the three coat brush-on stuff. Lastly, don't waste money on the "protective top coat", a nice clear gloss acrylic from Krylon, or a clear top coat from Dupli-color (automotive touch-up spray) will work WAY better.

Luck,

TC

I'll have to post a picture but they were asking of the 3 or 5 mm when choosing knobs

TC,
Looking at the parts stores the parts for 66 and 67 seem to be the same. You can get ivory, grey or black in either 3 or 5 mm. In 1968 and up they seem to be replaced with a different style and black only. so what's the difference between the 3 and 5? Not sure if this matters but I have a 69 pan and the knobs are like the 68's. Will these others fit?
Joe

These are most likely the knobs that everyone's looking for:

http://www2.cip1.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=C16%2D111%2D542%2DIV

They also have the wiper knobs with the hole in them for the stock air powered washer if you need one.

Luck,

TC

JPS has smooth polished chrome bezels in both thread sizes to fit all dash switches. Easy 10 minute install and they look great.

Gentlemen please help me out. I swaped Emails with Miss jane .And she seems Unhappy with her speedsters top.Commenting that its floppy.

I checked pictures in the B Johnson book And I feel pretty sure she can put her top on a real 356 top frame and end the floppies.

She will need to confirm which top she has high bow, or low bow. and change the latches and redrill or alter the mountings at the back .

Will it still match her windshield and side curtains????

Just saw a couple Speedster top frames for sale on the 356 registry list. Only 3000 bucks. Of course those may be in good condition.

Concur with Dale that the used POR$CHE top mechanisms are very costly - saw a really beat Cabriolet one that was posted here but on ebay and it was $2250! I doubt that it would mesh with here Speedsters windshield frame either. For that Jane could buy a new top and have a real convertible top place install it and perhaps get a better fit. Noticing that she has a couple real MB190SL she may be comparing the top quality to those. If so she will never be satisfied since the Speedster top is just an accessory (we didn't buy the car for the top and weather protection - we bought it for the open air experience). My CMC top is crude indeed - 2 bent bars and "spring" clips. It has no alignment tapes or hinged spings like MGs and AHs that I had in past. I've often thought an old MGB top frame could be adapted to make a better speedster top frame. Hey, with Summer not far off the top get put away anyhow.

Pertinent to the original question, there's a guy on the 356 Registry selling repro ivory pull-knobs for $25 each. The ad was from January '06. No photos posted.

I only payed 1200 for the d top frame. from Doc & Sy's restoation. The cover was trash but frame as fine.
I think Henry at IM would be her best bet on a bargan top frame

Miss Jane has found a top frame.

But due to a recent security breach on my computer I am blocking all emails. that are not of my activities.

I did suggest changing her top latches to match her windshield frame.

I would alter the rear mounts a little to make it easyer to install and use treaded rods spot welded into the rear bows with adjuster nuts to make it more adjustable just in case the top is not a perfect match. to lose or to tight. i leave the rest up to you folks to help her.

See ya.

JPS has a nice set of bezels for the ignition, wipers and lights in chrome for $49.95

I just got the top frame, and this one is for the conv D, I paid $1900, didn't try to put it on yet though, I also got a newly chromed D windshield frame. One big plus is that now I can buy an authentic rag top which are offered in many more colors then IM offers for the rep D. I also have an older IM speedster which I might put the leftover top frame and windshield frame on and then try to possibly get a mold of conv D doors with the roll up windows and have two conv D's which most definately is my preference. I love the low bow look of the speedster but for many practical reasons I prefer the D's.

Miss Snyder. I do wish you well on your D's
If I can help I would Be glad to. But Im reluctant to swap Emails on the web any more.