Wooden handbrake lever

[madboy]

Hey guys, my 5 has one of those wooden handbrake levers, the poor thing is looking a bit tire and the varnish has craked and flaked off.

I'd like to sand it back and give it a new coat but can seem to get the damn thing off, are there any tricks to the removal? I couldn't see and screws or fastenings, am I missing something?

cheers
MB

[wun911]

You unscrew the button in the middle if you want then you yank it off. I think its just "silicone/glued" into place.

[CheyneX5]

I had one mate, it took alot of swearing, twisting and pulling. Got it off but every day i spent about 10 mins on it. They are generally glued on with a gard yellow glue. Once you break the seal it's childs play

[Mr Morlock]

maybe do the renovation in situ ( though it would be easy off)- just mask it up carefully and allow overnight for drying- you might need to apply a few coats and rub down to get a good result. Varnish which I guess you will use plus a clear coat are , if you want long life, oil based. You can I think only go same shade or darker but not lighter.

[madboy]

maybe do the renovation in situ ( though it would be easy off)- just mask it up carefully and allow overnight for drying- you might need to apply a few coats and rub down to get a good result. Varnish which I guess you will use plus a clear coat are , if you want long life, oil based. You can I think only go same shade or darker but not lighter.

hmm you might have a point, although sanding it while its on there is going to probably be more of pain the revarnishing. What do i do about the area that has no varnish and has soaked sweaty hands over the summer? light sand? will varnish stick to that?

[Mr Morlock]

varnish will certainly stick to a sanded surface- you can apply varnish with a cloth or a sponge and that is sometimes easier than a brush. Since you are painting a wooden knob it really does not matter that it is automotive.Your local paint shop is often able to give advice. You can buy varnish and clear coats in small containers.

[Okibi]

Best part about wooden bits in a modern sports car is removing and burning them I hope it comes up a treat and proves me wrong.

[madboy]

Best part about wooden bits in a modern sports car is removing and burning them I hope it comes up a treat and proves me wrong.

I did actually think about that for a while. but in the end, I couldn't find a replacement. they are either ugly as sin or too bloody epensive

[Veloce]

I like some tree in my car!
I got my handbrake lever from Jimmy (thanks again) for free (paid for postage).
Also picked up a Nardi (wooden) polished wheel originally from a Datsun 180B (so it has a thinner rim than the wheels used on the Eunos which are black spoked) off fleabay.
No desire for a wood dash, but happy with the look, everyone has their own preferences.
I had to refinish the rim and used progreessively finer papers then applied a few coats of marine varnish. I'm happy with the result.