Author Topic: FS: MK1 Aluminum Headlght Switch and IP Cold Start Adv Knobs (Read 4511 times)

gsodonis · « **on:** February 02, 2009, 06:44:08 pm »

As part of my continuing 1981 Rabbit diesel NA to TD conversion and restoration, I had some custom billet aluminum knobs made to replace my tiny and worn out OEM plastic knobs for both the headlight switch and the IP cold start advance. I had extras made to hand out to some of my local MK1 buddies. I've still got some leftovers, so IM me if you want a couple (or just one for you spark ignition guys).

The particulars:
- Billet aluminum machined to match original shape and design (knurls and overall profile)
- Larger than stock - 1" diameter
- A bit longer than stock
- Black anodized
- VW logo engraved on knob face after anodizing (High contrast silver over black)
- Universal Attachment - set screw: can be used in place of either the headlight switch (normally push on) or the diesel pump advance pull knob (normally threaded).

In process shot

Finished Product

$22 USD shipped for one, $42 USD shipped for two (within the continental US).
If you're local to Knoxville, TN, you can pick them up and save the $2 shipping.
For Canadian shipments, $25 USD for one, $45 USD for two.

In the future, I can get some made with the same exact dimensions, just without the knurling, and if there's interest, both styles will also be available in polished aluminum (no anodizing, but with the VW logo). My supplier even tells me that blue anodizing will be available soon, but for now, as Henry Ford said of the model T, you can have any color you like, as long as it's black.

I've bought and sold a bunch of stuff on the Vortex (gsodonis) and bought stuff here as well and have a 100% feedback on ebay (gads52) so transact with confidence. PM me for my paypal info.

gsodonis · « **Reply #1 on:** February 20, 2009, 06:07:23 pm »

burn_your_money · « **Reply #2 on:** February 20, 2009, 06:10:22 pm »

Nice looking piece. If I had a mk1....

On a side note though, the headlight switch knob is not suppose to come off. You are suppose to take it off with the rod attached to it. But I guess that`s why you had a set screw built in

truckinwagen · « **Reply #3 on:** February 20, 2009, 06:12:21 pm »

Quote from: "burn_your_money"

On a side note though, the headlight switch knob is not suppose to come off. You are suppose to take it off with the rod attached to it. But I guess that`s why you had a set screw built in

really? I have always just pulled the knob off whenever I pull the dash panel, friction fit

burn_your_money · « **Reply #4 on:** February 20, 2009, 06:14:37 pm »

It won't be for long. On the side of the headlight switch there is a button you need to press in and then the whole thing pulls out. I know when I had my rabbit prior owners had removed and installed the knob so many times that it wouldn't hold. It was actually super glued in place.

truckinwagen · « **Reply #5 on:** February 20, 2009, 06:16:32 pm »

good to know!

gsodonis · « **Reply #6 on:** February 20, 2009, 06:23:50 pm »

Quote from: "burn_your_money"

Nice looking piece. If I had a mk1....

On a side note though, the headlight switch knob is not suppose to come off. You are suppose to take it off with the rod attached to it. But I guess that`s why you had a set screw built in

You are correct on the shaft being removeable, but you can't really remove the dash plate to get to the switch with the knob in place, so I suspect that the knob is actually meant to be removeable, but too many times will make it loose.

I had the set screw for one main reason - to be universal so that you could replace the headlight switch knob or the diesel injection pump advance knob or both. I was originally going to have just two made forj just my own 1981 diesel rabbit 2DR, but the price dropped with volume so I had a bunch made thinking that I could sell the rest. I've sold a bunch at the Vortex already and still have some left. I can always get more in the future for some VW car shows or the like as well.

burn_your_money · « **Reply #7 on:** February 20, 2009, 06:46:10 pm »

You have to reach up under the dash and do it. It's not the easiest thing to do.

What size is the hole?

gsodonis · « **Reply #8 on:** February 21, 2009, 04:55:39 am »

Quote from: "burn_your_money"

You have to reach up under the dash and do it. It's not the easiest thing to do.

What size is the hole?

Which hole? Do you mean the bore of the knob? I can make it any size but the 'stock' size is 3/16" (0.1875").

burn_your_money · « **Reply #9 on:** February 21, 2009, 05:15:09 am »

Yes the bore is what I was trying to ask about. I was hoping to be able to use it on my mk2, but that has a large threaded end (1/4"?)

gsodonis · « **Reply #10 on:** February 21, 2009, 05:22:39 am »

Quote from: "burn_your_money"

Yes the bore is what I was trying to ask about. I was hoping to be able to use it on my mk2, but that has a large threaded end (1/4"?)

I can bore out the knob to fit just about any shaft. You'll either have to meaure it yourself (hopefully with calipers) or have to get this measurement from someone that's already done so. Or, if you know the thread pitch of the tapped hole (M5, M10 etc) I can take it from there.

One easy way is to take the knob to a auto parts store and asking them to tell you the hole size - they oftentimes have thread gauges for just that purpose.