[MBGraham]

Taking out the old console. Have everything out of way and it is loose.

Ready to pull it and thought I could leave heater panel in place. But, capilliary tube snakes through and needs to be pulled out. Also, I tried to remove fan control knob and it has become disconnected, so I need to get at that to fix it or replace it.

So, I need to remove heater panel.

How do I get the knobs off?

I have tried pulling and screwing in both directions?

Don't want to break anything else!

 

[MBGraham]

Don't bother - I figured it out!

 

[dugald]

You'd better share the secret now.

 

[MBGraham]

You'd better share the secret now.

It might take a picture!

Basically you have to screw out the chrome bezel/nut that is just inside of teh knob. This chrome piece actually screws into the heater panel. When it is unscrewed, the whole assemble including knob just pop out.

BUT, nothing in the manual says that - it says to just screw off the knobs. I tried that on the heater knob and something broke inside. Now I see that it has a plastic connection ending in a sort of blade, much like screwdriver that fits into a slot. I snapped off that blade when I tried unscrewing the knob.

The heater switch is riveted together and to the panel. I might be able to fix it, but maybe I can find a spare switch & knob somewhere.

 

[ScottinSoCal]

If you can get the piece of blade out, you can buy a new knob from Performance Products.

 

[MBGraham]

If you can get the piece of blade out, you can buy a new knob from Performance Products.

Thanks Scott- that's good to know. I think I can get the piece out.

While I am about it, I will need two of the plastic surrounds for the levers and the seat belt light sign is split too. This stuff is so brittle after 35 years, it breaks if you look at it! The console itself has gone brittle everywhere it saw sunlight.

Good reason to cover these cars when parked or get a tonneau cover.

 

[MBGraham]

If you can get the piece of blade out, you can buy a new knob from Performance Products.

Found that I could fix the broken heater knob. I un-riveted the switch and used my bench drill to get the broken piece out. Then, I filed a new blade end onto the broken shaft of the knob. Then re-installed the switch, but this time closer to the panel.

Anyone bought those plastic lever surrounds lately? I see Performance lists them, but I was wondering what they might cost from a dealer, especially here in Canada.