On eBay: $75 for a convertible/wagon window switch knob?

[elagache]

Dear mid-60s Buick "parts hounds,"

This evening's perusal of the eBay listings turned up this 1964-65 knob and bezel for either a convertible or a station wagon with an electric tailgate window:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1964-1965-buick-skylark-sportwagon-convertible-top-switch-back-window/202095154010

As far as I can tell, this one is really tough shape for dash knobs in general.  Are these 4th knobs so rare that sellers can command $75 for a knob in this condition?

A curious mind would like to know!   

Cheers, Edouard 

[Loren At 65GS]

I don't recall if the knob is particular to this switch. The switches are tough to come by though.  They have a tendency to be in sad condition when from a convertible.

I'll have to look through the parts bins and dig one out to be sure.

  Loren

[cwmcobra]

And if you find one, I might be interested.  The plastic housing on mine doesn't seem to be real securely attached to the metal part.  I'll have to test it to see if it's functioning properly.

Chuck

[TrunkMonkey]

That's the 1965 knob and bezel. (on ebay)
The 1964 knob face is flat, as is the bezel ring with serrated edges. (see my 64 dash parts below)
Switch is the same for a couple of years.


(My dash, before I made it purtiful again...)





And after some Oil of Olay.

[elagache]

Dear Loren, Chuck, Michael, and mid-60s Buick "parts hounds,"

Thanks for the info.  Fortunately, all the knobs in my trusty wagon were in relatively good shape for their age.

That's the 1965 knob and bezel. (on ebay)

Thanks for the clarification - I certainly wouldn't have known!

(My dash, before I made it purtiful again...)

. . . . .

And after some Oil of Olay.

Very nice!     Once more demonstrating my ignorance, but what model and year of Buick did your steering wheel come from?

Cheers, Edouard 

[TrunkMonkey]

1964 Skylark convertible.

I am not 100% sure of the wheel, but I am thinking maybe 1961-62 Skylark. It is very close to my 64 wheel. Mine was in very sad shape. This one is in great shape except the color yellowing. So, it gets the blue leather grip, and that helps these old hands. Besides, I figure the white knuckles will go nicely with the blue leather, when I stomp on the skinny pedal.

[Loren At 65GS]

Finished dash looks very nice.

 So ... getting back to the original question.  The knob for the power top OR the power rear SW window is the same knob as is used on the radio.
I guess my point is that the knob doesn't make so much the $$, but more so the switch.

I've attached a picture of an original switch.  It is difficult to see the flat area on the stem.

  Loren

[Loren At 65GS]

And if you find one, I might be interested.  The plastic housing on mine doesn't seem to be real securely attached to the metal part.  I'll have to test it to see if it's functioning properly.

Chuck

Chuck,

  Testing the switch is a good idea.  A digital Volt- Ohm meter should give you a good idea of the internal contact condition.
As for the plastic portion of the switch being loose on the metal portion, It can be re-staked to tighten it up. If the readings are more then a few tenths of an Ohm, it may be best to carefully open the switch and clean the internal contacts. Then re-stake it.

 Loren

[Loren At 65GS]

Dear mid-60s Buick "parts hounds,"

This evening's perusal of the eBay listings turned up this 1964-65 knob and bezel for either a convertible or a station wagon with an electric tailgate window:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1964-1965-buick-skylark-sportwagon-convertible-top-switch-back-window/202095154010

As far as I can tell, this one is really tough shape for dash knobs in general.  Are these 4th knobs so rare that sellers can command $75 for a knob in this condition?

A curious mind would like to know!   

Cheers, Edouard 

 Picture from eBay listing.

[cwmcobra]

And if you find one, I might be interested.  The plastic housing on mine doesn't seem to be real securely attached to the metal part.  I'll have to test it to see if it's functioning properly.

Chuck

Chuck,

  Testing the switch is a good idea.  A digital Volt- Ohm meter should give you a good idea of the internal contact condition.
As for the plastic portion of the switch being loose on the metal portion, It can be re-staked to tighten it up. If the readings are more then a few tenths of an Ohm, it may be best to carefully open the switch and clean the internal contacts. Then re-stake it.

 Loren

I did test the switch and it only had continuity in one direction.  So I took it apart, cleaned all the contacts (and observed some wear), then put dielectric grease on the contacts, put it back together and restaked it.  I now have continuity for both up and down on the switch, so went ahead and assembled it into the instrument cluster. 

Sure would be nice to have a spare laying around in case one of the switches on the two convertibles dies.  If I knew the one on ebay was good, I might be tempted.....

Chuck

[Loren At 65GS]

Chuck,

  Yes a spare would be good to have around.  But as you discovered, they can be taken apart, cleaned and reassembled.

Maybe an NOS switch or one that has been serviced  would be in the $75 area.   

Loren

[TrunkMonkey]

Make a good fair offer.

You can make three offers (if they refuse them) but you will still be able to "Buy it Now".

[cwmcobra]

Refurbished dash with refurbished top switch.  When I receive the LED bulbs for the instrument panel and radio I will install them in the dash.  That will really feel like progress!

Chuck

[GS66]

That really looks great!

[dsags]

Nice looking colors Chuck.

Dan