Swap out HVAC control buttons for Metal ones?

osbornsm · 04-10-2012, 04:52 PM

One of the things that's always bothered me about the 370z is the tactile things within the cabin like the HVAC controls. Ya know the 3 knobs for heat / fan / etc...

Is it possible to swap those for a metal version of the same part instead of the cheapo plastic that we have there currently?

I'd be willing to spend a few dollars to have it done or has somebody done this already??

Let me know whacha think!
~ Me

OMGWTFBBQ · 04-10-2012, 04:58 PM

I'm pretty sure I haven't seen a metal version of these pieces. I might be wrong though.

370ZilverZ · 04-10-2012, 06:06 PM

I'm sure there is a machine shop out there somewhere that would love to machine you out a set. But you would be better off putting your money to better use on something else. Those knobs are a bit more intricate than you might think. The pic below might give you a better idea of the design of those knobs and the way the snap in and hold together.

osbornsm · 04-11-2012, 09:11 AM

Holy hell... looks like i'd be in for a LOT more trouble than it may be worth... damn. Sure wish there was a lot more interior bits besides the c/f ones available.

I'm more a fan of metal / alum instead of c/f.

TopElement · 04-12-2012, 12:55 AM

I've had most of the silver interior plastic parts remade in black metal-filled plastic. Think it looks much better, but was a long process to get an injection molding company to make molds and create several sets of part until they looked perfect.
The HVAC controls and cupholder were the most difficult. Wasn't a cheap or quick process, but the only way to do it right as painting is simply unacceptable to me.

Will try to get more pics, but here's one after I installed the first prototypes for the hazard lights and SyncroRev:

04-10-2012, 04:52 PM	#1 (permalink)
osbornsm A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: WHAT Posts: 2,551 Drives: 2018 Camaro SS 1LE Rep Power: 424	Swap out HVAC control buttons for Metal ones? One of the things that's always bothered me about the 370z is the tactile things within the cabin like the HVAC controls. Ya know the 3 knobs for heat / fan / etc... Is it possible to swap those for a metal version of the same part instead of the cheapo plastic that we have there currently? I'd be willing to spend a few dollars to have it done or has somebody done this already?? Let me know whacha think! ~ Me __________________ 2018 Camaro SS 1LE (455hp) - 2011 Nissan 370z (333hp) - 2004 VW R32 (240hp) - 2000 Civic Si (160hp)

04-11-2012, 09:11 AM	#4 (permalink)
osbornsm A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: WHAT Posts: 2,551 Drives: 2018 Camaro SS 1LE Rep Power: 424	Holy hell... looks like i'd be in for a LOT more trouble than it may be worth... damn. Sure wish there was a lot more interior bits besides the c/f ones available. I'm more a fan of metal / alum instead of c/f. __________________ 2018 Camaro SS 1LE (455hp) - 2011 Nissan 370z (333hp) - 2004 VW R32 (240hp) - 2000 Civic Si (160hp)

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04-10-2012, 04:58 PM	#2 (permalink)
OMGWTFBBQ A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: the OC Posts: 1,886 Drives: 08 SGM IS350 Rep Power: 4549	I'm pretty sure I haven't seen a metal version of these pieces. I might be wrong though.