Heater knob and Cable - want to buy

[Speedmodel]

I am in need of a heater knob and cable for my Lotus.  It’s the knob with the red flames - pic attached.   If anyone has a spare for sale I would be grateful. 

[BDA]

  Speedmodel!!

After exhausting the "usual suspects (r.d. enterprises (rdent.com), Dave Bean Engineering (http://davebean.com/), Banks Service Station (http://www.banks-europa.co.uk/index.php a phone call works wonders, do not try email), and JAE (http://www.jaeparts.com/), and Sports Car World (972-620-7285), I would check these places (in no particular order):
I don't know if it has the flames that the stock knob has but it looks like you can get a knob similar in shape from here: https://www.angloparts.com/pdf_catalogues/Tools_accessories_catalogue.pdf. Check page 79. Also check SJ Sports Cars (https://www.sjsportscars.com/) . Parts like this are often shared normally with the Triumph Spitfire but also the British Leyland parts bin generally. It may be worth checking with Moss Motors, Victoria British, or British Parts Northwest before you try someone in England.

Good luck! Let us know how you did.

[GavinT]

I thought the choke and heater cables were a Ford item . . maybe a Mk 1 Cortina.
Not all that cheap if you can find them by all accounts.

[4129R]

I thought the choke and heater cables were a Ford item . . maybe a Mk 1 Cortina.
Not all that cheap if you can find them by all accounts.

Here is one.

[4129R]

http://www.sportscarsupplies.com/universal-solid-wire--choke-cable--kit---classic---cars-1329-p.asp

I think that is close to the heater wire cable.

It looks like that company is quite a source for things we need.

[Speedmodel]

I appreciate the suggestions.  I would prefer to find the original style if possible.  None of the recommended parts suppliers have them so finding a good used one may be my best option.  I haven’t found this heater knob being used on any cars other than Lotus.

[GavinT]

Here is one.

Hmmm . .
I think I'm wrong about the Cortina connection partly because they have a large escutcheon fitting.
The Cortina knob also doesn't have that convex clear plastic over the motif.

Of course, if you're running a pair of DCOE's and live in a sunny climate like I do, you don't use either knob anyway.   

Here's some pics I stole from elan.net and they're talking about the knobs being from perhaps an Anglia.

[Certified Lotus]

It took me two years of searching the internet to find that knob for my S1 Elan.  But I prevailed and finally located one. Don't ask me what I paid for it........

[Certified Lotus]

Found one:
http://www.lotuselan.net/forums/elan-wanted-f4/heater-cable-assembly-needed-t41560.html

Good luck!

[BDA]

We shouldn't be surprised that you found it, Certified!

Man, you really have to be motivated to be original! It's difficult to see the front of the knob on a Europa! r.d. Is selling reproduction headlight knobs. They should get into heater and choke cables!

[Speedmodel]

Thank you!

[Certified Lotus]

Don’t thank me yet, the guy wants $360 for it.........

[GavinT]

Sooo . . about the same price as a tool kit then . . 

[4129R]

As you cannot actually see the face of the knob unless you are in the full Lotus position, it seems originality must be seen upon reflection using her indoor's make up mirror.

A large price to pay for originality.

[BDA]

I guess we're finding out the price for originality!

I would say that earlier this year, a beautiful Europa with a Zetec was sold for a lot less than more original cars sold for. It surprised me that originality seemed to be that important to people. Consider if your car is missing the tool kit, the choke and heater cables, the headlight and dash light dimmer knobs - those items could easily cost upwards to $1000 or nearly 5% of the value of the car (and as 4129R says, you can't easily see the heater and choke knobs)!

I'm certainly not disparaging of people who want originality so much. I marvel at them!