C1 - Interior Door Balls

[Brad K.]

Can anyone suggest a restoration technique for the original, small, white spherical door handle balls used on 58-60 vettes? I've not seen an example of a "good" restoration of these handles and absolutely none of the items offered for sale from suppliers seem to be acceptable in that they do not have the threaded brass inserts and the plastic seems to be the wrong texture and color.

I would appreciate any advice!
Brad #18060

[Mike E.]

Re: C1 - Interior Door Balls

Originals did not have threaded brass inserts, unless the ones I've been seeing since 1973 were all worn-out repros.
Once they have strted crazing, there's not a lot you can do with them other than use a plastic polish, and that will not begin to eliminate the crazing.

[Mike M.]

Re: C1 - Interior Door Balls

brad: agree with mike, the originals were not brass/inserted. if you have original crazed balls,call gary the steering wheel dude in carlisle and see if he can redo your pulls. ads in hemmings . mike

[Peter K.]

Re: C1 - Interior Door Balls

I cleaned mine with laquer thinner, which melted the plastic a bit filling in some of my crazing. I coated with some clear laquer and they look fine.

[Doug Flaten]

Re: C1 - Interior Door Balls

I used to slather on the sun screen when driving with the top down in W. Texas. Makes me wonder about that cheap No-Ad sunscreen, because the stuff softened the plastic on my shift knob.

[Joel M.]

Re: C1 - Interior Door Balls

Wonder what a small tunbler with fine media such as used by those who polish rocks for jewelry would do? Might remove enough of the outer skin to get the crazing and the knob would be smooth and even. The fissures are probably not over a few thousanths deep so the decrease in the OD would be minimal.

[Joe R.]

Re: C1 - Interior Door Balls

Brad,

Here is what I did on my 58. As I recall anyway. I took a piece of threaded rod about 2 inches long and screwed it into the ball. Put the rod on my drill press and started it up on a moderately slow speed. Took 280 grit and sanded a bit. Took 400 grit and sanded a bit. Took 4-0 steel wool and finished it off to a nice finish. Took Dupont white compound in a cloth and polished the knob to a shine.

Worked for me and the old beast took a top flight at a Regional. Hated that 58 so much I sold it. It was a mean old woman and didn't like me either.

Regards,

JR

[Brad K.]

Re: C1 - Interior Door Balls

Thanks folks, for all the great ideas! This is a great forum isn't it!
Brad
#18060