RetroModern GB: Climate Control Knobs for NA Miatas

[RetroModern]

Gentlemen,
I apologize for the long wait, but the knobs are finally ready to go. I have decided to offer just the knobs at this time since there are a number of people on the board who are already offering the control's backing. I don't want to step on anyone's toes, however, I may release my own designs at a later date but for now, it will be just the knobs.

Some information about the knobs:

Machined from billet T6 aluminum as usual.
Direct fit for the OEM knobs. The slider knobs will be using the original set screws and will be a direct fit.
The fan switch will feature 2 designs, one for people with AC and one without. Please specify when ordering.
Clear, and Frosted anodize are all that is available right now since i have not sorted out my color anodizing situation yet. However, there is are a couple of caveats. If i get enough people interested in the black anodize, i will make an exception to have them specially dipped in time to ship out at the end of the month. The second caveat is that if there is only a small number of people who want the blacks, then i will send them out along with the NB version to be dipped as the NB will be offered in black as well as other finishes. Ofcourse this means that you will not get your knobs at the end of the month but rather the middle of the following month.

Group Buy Price: $115 (shipped) MSRP: $149.99. Please use coupon code: MRCCNA (case sensitive/account creation no longer required, sorry about that!)
During checkout, make sure you specify free shipping, unless you're feeling generous and want to pay for your own shipping..but who wants to do that? :D
http://www.retromoderngroup.com/shop/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=63
Group Buy ends April 30th but I will begin to ship out April 15th. Now on to the pictures!!

http://www.retromoderngroup.com/shop/image/cache/data/HVAC-NA/CC4-500x500.jpg

http://www.retromoderngroup.com/shop/image/cache/data/HVAC-NA/CC3-500x500.jpg

http://www.retromoderngroup.com/shop/image/cache/data/HVAC-NA/CC2-500x500.jpg

http://www.retromoderngroup.com/shop/image/cache/data/HVAC-NA/CC1-500x500.jpg
I'll have installed pictures as soon as i can get a worthy candidate to rock them.

[OnePaintedMan]

Be-a-utiful! Makes me wish I could still see my HVAC unit.

[Willywongka]

I may be able to whore them out for ya if you don't find anyone else before me.

[RetroModern]

OnePaintedMan, coming from you, thats a huge compliment. Thank you!
Willis, you have been found worthy.

[OnePaintedMan]

OnePaintedMan, coming from you, thats a huge compliment. Thank you!
Willis, you have been found worthy.

Seriously - when I've finished the install of my modded HVAC panel in the glovebox and have found a location for the fan switch I may buy a set of these anyway (even if its only for my own tactile pleasure when I get to use them. They are niiiiiiiiiiiiice!

[RetroModern]

OnePaintedMan, I've always been a huge fan of what you've done with your dash and interior. If there is anything that i can help with, please let me know. It would be an honor to say that I had a small part in that amazing build. Have you thought about taking the HVAC panel apart and integrating it behind the mesh? make a section of the mesh fold down to reveal the HVAC panel behind it? The wires can all be extended without too much work.

On a side note, the site store is now open for business. Please use the coupon code at checkout to get your GB discount.

[OnePaintedMan]

OnePaintedMan, I've always been a huge fan of what you've done with your dash and interior. If there is anything that i can help with, please let me know. It would be an honor to say that I had a small part in that amazing build. Have you thought about taking the HVAC panel apart and integrating it behind the mesh? make a section of the mesh fold down to reveal the HVAC panel behind it? The wires can all be extended without too much work.

On a side note, the site store is now open for business. Please use the coupon code at checkout to get your GB discount.

Now my mind is working. . . there are two things you could potentially help me with that spring to mind. Give me a couple of daays to sketch outline design thoughts and then I'll drop you a PM :)

[wannafbody]

Those look pretty cool

[jux]

Niiiice!!

[Lesac]

These are so cool!
Do you happen to have a picture of the clear and the frosted side by side for comparison? I want a set Im just not sure what finish.

[RetroModern]

thanks guys. I will put up pictures of the frosted ones tomorrow.

[94R]

I need to stop visiting this forum, it's always tempting me to part with my hard earned money to buy stuff I don't really need! Agh! (repeat to myself... "my hvac knobs are perfectly ugly, I mean, fine!")

[RetroModern]

haha why did you think i started RetroModern? I've got to pay for my hookers and blow somehow.

[Silvernb03]

No love for nb

[I<3flippyheadlights]

haha why did you think i started RetroModern? I've got to pay for my hookers and blow somehow.

Honesty at its finest

[Demon I Am]

I'm getting this error:
Warning: Coupon is either invalid, expired or reached it's usage limit!

Give me helps, please!

[Dandy]

No love for nb

I think NB's are feeling Middle Child Syndrome. Cheer up, we still love you NB's!

[94R]

I'm getting this error:
Warning: Coupon is either invalid, expired or reached it's usage limit!

Give me helps, please!

Enter the coupon code in all caps. It's case sensitive.

[Demon I Am]

I tried that, no bueno.

EDIT: You must create an account to use the coupon code. Got it now!

[Tkblazer]

I have a feeling Adam will be getting some hvac panel sales as a result of these. I know I'll be ordering some !

[Cxmoney]

signature series? =D

[RetroModern]

Sorry for the late replies. I've had to deal with my gf's transmission issues today. Stupid beemers. Dont ever buy a BMW unless you like throwing money away. *end rant*

The signature series will be all stainless steel including the bezel/ring that goes around the fan knob area. The normal line will have a brushed aluminum bezel and ring.
Yes sorry about the coupon thing. You have to create an account in order to use the coupon. and it is case sensitive..Next time i'll create the coupon in lower case and without the account requirement.

NB owners, we are up next. Keep the faith!! :D

[Cxmoney]

How much would the signature series cost?

[RetroModern]

a lot.. :D
I am only going to make 6 sets of those for the NA. Only 5 sets will be available for sale to the public as i am keeping one set for the shop car. That line will only be offered as a complete set. I'm aiming to price it around the $600 mark. Signature Series buyers can also opt to have me install the kit. In fact, i'd prefer that people send in their controllers for me to install it.

[theothersawyer]

:shock: :shock: :shock:

[Cxmoney]

dannggggg!!!!!!! $600?

I guess I will be forced to take the aluminum then. haha.

[ZQQMIN]

I need to stop visiting this forum, it's always tempting me to part with my hard earned money to buy stuff I don't really need! Agh! (repeat to myself... "my hvac knobs are perfectly ugly, I mean, fine!") lol.... EXACTLY!!!! .... lol

[Phatmiata]

you are killing me Ken!!!! :frantic:

[RetroModern]

hey, its partly your fault Randy. you should never have posted that beautiful car of yours all those yrs ago. That build has been my inspiration ever since i got into the Miata game all those yrs ago. :D The bar has been set high and i intend to hit that mark with my products. :mrgreen:

[revlimiter]

Whoa. NICE KNOBS! Very awesome product. I... how have I not seen your stuff before?

[mrdos]

So much want.
Damn this forum.

[Phatmiata]

So much want.
Damn this forum.

:toomuch:


Anywho, I was just on facebook and Oh my !!! :shock: Those HVAC panels are KILLING IT !!!! Wowwowow!! Why do I like the pink flowers so much, WTF? Seriously they are ALL very cool for sure!! And all different in their own way! Bravo sir!, Bravo!!

[RetroModern]

wait and see how i intend to tie it all in.. :D

[OnePaintedMan]

Oh Man - its all about the flowers on your HVAC panels - you are going to sell LOADS of those!

BTW - I have Pm'd you re: a little item

[RetroModern]

It sure seems that way. :D
Youve got PM back, sir

[Demon I Am]

Will these attach with a set screw, like the oem ones?

[RetroModern]

yes, the slider knobs will use the existing set screws. the fan knobs will be pressed fit.

[RetroModern]

here is a quick shot of the frosted ones. I forgot to change over to clean gloves when i was handling this so you can see some faint residue on the finish. The final product will not have that discoloration on it. For those who wanted to see the frosted, this is the difference between the finishes. I shot this on black to bring out the frosting a bit clearer.

7220

[Demon I Am]

awwww yeah!

[Phatmiata]

I need to remember to order a set of these as well, keep up the good work Ken! You are quickly becoming the ArtWorks Dewa of the USA!

[RetroModern]

That's the idea. but i've still a ways to go before i can confidently compare myself to that great man!

[adam777]

Any shots of the non-a/c version?

[Cxmoney]

geeze. I keep procrastinating with buying these, but im not sure if I can hold out any longer! they are so awesome!!

[RetroModern]

Any shots of the non-a/c version?
Yes actually~! i forgot to take snaps of those the other night. Ill get some pictures up once i get off shift tomorrow morning and back to the shop.

CX, no worries man. Just let me know when youre ready. Youve already done a lot for me so ill take care of you.

[RetroModern]

Gentlemen, an update.
I received the first batch today. They look fantastic except for one thing. I had initially decided not to have the machine shop machine a groove or dot into the fan knob (to indicate position) because i wasnt sure how they would do it and if it would look like what i want. Now that ive seen the end product, it really does need that groove notch to be machined into it to finish off the knob. If you guys are ok with giving me another week to do it, that would be great. If you are ok with it the way it is pictured, I'll ship those out immediately. I highly suggest that you allow me to machine the groove, it would look way better. But the choice is yours. LMK!! :)

[Demon I Am]

Take time and make it great

[RetroModern]

Great! ill note your order dude.

[Dandy]

They look real good to me now, but I will trust your eye for detail (because the detail is what is cool about what you are doing) and wait.

[Cxmoney]

I will wait for the grooved ones then. :)

[afc2112]

Great looking products you got there! PS - LOVE the sticker design as well. It's my favorite from MiataPalooza.

[Grip Driver]

I will wait as well :)

[drv2fst]

I'll wait also.

[RetroModern]

Thanks guys, ive updated your orders.
AFC: thanks! I heard it was an awesome event!

[94R]

I'd like to get my groove on as well ;)

[medition]

I'd like to order, but the site has no place for the group buy code to be entered.

[RetroModern]

It looks like the coupon issue has been resolved. You can apply any coupons during the checkout process now. See screen shots below:
7304 7305

Please let me know if its not working for you.

[RetroModern]

putting the finishing touches on the fan switch knobs, then its time to package and off they go!! :D
ps: dont mind the lack of knurls and notches. i took this when i first got them back from the machinist.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/391092_442129625880406_14198291_n.jpg

[Cxmoney]

screw it. I cant hold out anymore. ordering now!

[jux]

Ooooh, purdy!

[Grip Driver]

screw it. I cant hold out anymore. ordering now!

LOL :cheers:

[Cxmoney]

I couldn't hold out anymore. Haha. So I bit the bullet and ordered. Now I need a custom HVAC panel for them.

[Demon I Am]

I know a guy who an help you out with that

[Cxmoney]

me too! haha. I gotta get some custom gauges too. I love my stirlings, but I am thinking of getting purple lights for the night... crazy I know because of the black and red, but damn those purple lighted gauges look so awesome!

[RetroModern]

gentlemen, you're going to lynch me. I have made the executive decision to withhold shipment for the moment. Why? Because the knobs are not bright enough, and I'm OCD. I have decided to polish them before i send them out.

Also, those of you who are going to be ordering the printed panel from RevLimiter, let me know because the knobs' bezel need to be turned down to a smaller diameter, otherwise it will cover part of his artwork.

Again, sorry for the delays.

[RuckkehrMiata]

gentlemen, you're going to lynch me. I have made the executive decision to withhold shipment for the moment. Why? Because the knobs are not bright enough, and I'm OCD. I have decided to polish them before i send them out.

Also, those of you who are going to be ordering the printed panel from RevLimiter, let me know because the knobs' bezel need to be turned down to a smaller diameter, otherwise it will cover part of his artwork.

Again, sorry for the delays.

Retro: "Sorry guys, but shipment is delayed."
Clients: "What the heck, what do you mean? Did you mess something up?"
Retro: "No, I just perfectly made them."

When you hear "I must make my product better." as the reason, you know you are dealing with a great person.

[medition]

Can you turn the bezel down for me then, I am using a couple of different aftermarket HVAC panels, including one from Rev. I noticed in the picture on your website that the knob covers a small portion of the factory HVAC panel, it's a small amount, but it is covering it. Thanks for everything, I am looking forward to my multi order!

[Grip Driver]

Can you turn mine down as well, I am using rev's panel.

[drv2fst]

I'll eventually get Rev's panel (and gauge faces) so turn mine down also.

I don't mind the wait to make them better :)

[RetroModern]

Retro: "Sorry guys, but shipment is delayed."
Clients: "What the heck, what do you mean? Did you mess something up?"
Retro: "No, I just perfectly made them."

When you hear "I must make my product better." as the reason, you know you are dealing with a great person.

haha thanks for looking at it that way. Those who know me personally knows that i would never hang my name or my reputation on anything less than what i consider stellar. It may not be the best in the world, but i want you guys to have the best that i can produce. Long day of polishing, and touching up have produced ragged fingers but a lot of shiny bits.

Ive noted all the special requests and will get to them tomorrow. Thanks again for the patience and this will be the last time that any orders are delayed. Thats a promise.

[RetroModern]

Gentlemen, i appreciate your patience while i get all of this stuff situated. Everything has been packaged up and will be going out tomorrow morning. Again, i apologies for the delay but this is an important product for me, and i wanted to get it as perfect as i can.

James is getting a lot of toys. :D
7456

[Dandy]

Yeah Baby!:bangle:

[Cxmoney]

Can't wait! :)

[Demon I Am]

Awesome! Now I gotta start saving up for the door card GB, lols!

[vote4pedro]

Awesome! Now I gotta start saving up for the door card GB, lols!

WHAT door card GB??

[Demon I Am]

Just an assumption on my part. He has door panel pics on his web site. I'm hoping they will be offered in the future!

[RetroModern]

Gentlemen, all packages have been shipped, and you should all have tracking numbers. Please let me know if you do not. Again, thank you all for your patience, and i hope that you would take the time to leave me a review on the site. :D
Ive also took the liberty of modifying all of the fan control knobs to be compatible with the RevLimiter hvac gauge panels.

PS:... i got package in the mail today...its vinyl fabric rolls....:D

[drv2fst]

:D

[Tkblazer]

The coupon is showing that it is expired, is this true?

[RetroModern]

yes, the MR gb expires today (4/30). But one of my vendors is going to be running another GB on CR soon from what i understand.

[Tkblazer]

Well that sucks.. I tried to purchase twice but both times it was coming up at $170 plus tax

[RetroModern]

dang, check your PM.

[Demon I Am]

Simple install on these. you do have to remove the center console and tombstone. Use a PH0 or a technical screwdriver to unscrew the VERY SMALL screw underneath each knob. Don't lose those. pull the knobs off, put the new ones one, screw them down, and put your car back together. Easy Enough.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8137/8699318569_334571fd0f_z.jpg

The AC knob pulls straight off, and the new one pushes right on. My only issue was that it does not grip the little metal piece which controls the airflow. the OE piece has 2 little protrusions that lock in to this piece.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8420/8700040810_1d1ffe25ae_z.jpg

The RetroModern piece does not. look at 11:00 and 5:00 on the OE piece.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8259/8698917681_9767c4034f_z.jpg

Ken at RetroModern instructed me to carefully bend outward the two halves of the inner piece outward, so that the RM piece will grip on to it. I'll try that later tonight.

[RetroModern]

The knob is designed to be press fitted onto the inner notched circle. the hole is machined to be 0.001th smaller than the OEM size of 5/16th so it will grip. I tested the knobs on a few different panels and two gripped nice and tight. the 3rd one required a little bit of bending of the notched circle outward. I measured the one that required massaging before i bent it, and it showed the correct size on my caliper. It's really odd.
If anyone else is having trouble with this, please let me know.

ps: tony, why does the AC knob sit weird in the first picture? it should not be protruding that much.

[RuckkehrMiata]

I so want this set, but it is a bit too much for me right now.
Keep it up Ken!

[RetroModern]

FYI, there will be another GB on CR later on this month. It will be ran by Static 9.

[Cxmoney]

The knob is designed to be press fitted onto the inner notched circle. the hole is machined to be 0.001th smaller than the OEM size of 5/16th so it will grip. I tested the knobs on a few different panels and two gripped nice and tight. the 3rd one required a little bit of bending of the notched circle outward. I measured the one that required massaging before i bent it, and it showed the correct size on my caliper. It's really odd.
If anyone else is having trouble with this, please let me know.

ps: tony, why does the AC knob sit weird in the first picture? it should not be protruding that much.

I have having this issue. I just installed them all, but for some reason the knob spins completely freely with no grip at all. I will try bending the pieces outward for a better fit

[Grip Driver]

Weird, mine fit like a glove. I'm sure there was some tolerance difference in between the various years.

[RetroModern]

i was afraid of that.
CX what yr is your car? The one that fit slightly loose was from a 95/1.8. I think Tony's is also a 1.8.

[Demon I Am]

no, mine is a 1990

[RetroModern]

i see. Were you able to get it to fit correctly by bending the tabs out a bit, Tony?

[Demon I Am]

Yeah, I had to do it very carefully though. I wonder if in future versions, you could leave (or add to after drilling) a piece that would fit between the slots. that would make it fit for everyone

[Cxmoney]

mine is 1 94. after I bent the bits outwards, it fit and works perfectly. looks great too!

[RetroModern]

when i was researching the knobs, i noticed that the slots doesnt do anything to hold it in, it just helps align the button so the stopper is in the right area. but ill definitely keep that in mind when i ask for another batch. So far out of all the ones i sent out, only 3 instances of this problem. Is there anyone else that is having this problem? Please dont be afraid to speak up. I need to know if you are.

[Demon I Am]

I assumed inside "pins" fit into the slots and turned the metal stalk, as you twist. Twisting the button causes the pins to rotate the controller stalk

[medition]

My fan knob is loose, and the first section, the one that covers the hole, is literally pressed against the HVAC panel. The problem then will be with the abrasion to the panel itself. Also, the machining of that section has left a sliver of metal around the perimeter, which would also abrade the panel. By the way, the panel is an RS A/C panel, and it does sit farther out than the OE and Rev panels.

Just so we're on the same page, I am not bitching about the product, I am thrilled that this small startup exists, and that any new product such as this is going to have teething problems. I am mentioning all this to strengthen the product line, not to weaken it. I am happy with the products I ordered, and I will be ordering more in the future.

[RetroModern]

Tony, you are correct. I did not feel it would be needed. Clearly this will have to be addressed.
As always, i appreciate the feed back. I have double checked the measurements of the knobs against the OEM piece and i think i found the problem. The outside dimensions are spot on. The inside hole was drilled about 1/16th of an inch too far in, thus causing the knob to sit further back than it should. This will also be corrected in the next batch.

[94R]

Aside from a minor issue with my non-AC knob, my pieces fit perfectly.

[94R]

7561

Here is a picture of the HVAC control pieces along with the cig lighter plug. Goes well with the other shiny stuff in the interior.

[RetroModern]

That looks great! i really need to launch the brushed aluminum bezel and ring for that area. It would complete the look for sure.

[Das Miata]

Can't wait for the NB version hint hint ; )

[RetroModern]

Those are coming this month after im done with the door panels, door pulls, and speaker grills for 1.8 cars.

[ezmfne]

Tony, you are correct. I did not feel it would be needed. Clearly this will have to be addressed.
As always, i appreciate the feed back. I have double checked the measurements of the knobs against the OEM piece and i think i found the problem. The outside dimensions are spot on. The inside hole was drilled about 1/16th of an inch too far in, thus causing the knob to sit further back than it should. This will also be corrected in the next batch.
so if I order from the CR group buy will I be getting these ones or ones from the corrected batch?

[RetroModern]

The corrected batch. All of the old ones have been decommissioned.

[Cxmoney]

crappy cell picture

http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm459/CxMoney/BC599A13-01F5-4BDC-B7FD-57C637CF702C-22754-000005A3D29A8149_zps6a14fae2.jpg (http://s319.photobucket.com/user/CxMoney/media/BC599A13-01F5-4BDC-B7FD-57C637CF702C-22754-000005A3D29A8149_zps6a14fae2.jpg.html)

[RetroModern]

sick! i wish you guys were closer so i can schedule a shoot of all the products mounted. my NA is still in pieces. :(

[Dandy]

ooo . . . ahhh . . . very nice


crappy cell picture

http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm459/CxMoney/BC599A13-01F5-4BDC-B7FD-57C637CF702C-22754-000005A3D29A8149_zps6a14fae2.jpg (http://s319.photobucket.com/user/CxMoney/media/BC599A13-01F5-4BDC-B7FD-57C637CF702C-22754-000005A3D29A8149_zps6a14fae2.jpg.html)

[RetroModern]

Here's a set installed in a customer's car.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/936277_454170174676351_1168665385_n.jpg

[RetroModern]

The GB on the other roadster club is still running until the end of May (May 31st). So if you're interested in getting in on the action before prices go back to MSRP, use coupon code: "S9RMCCKNB"

[drv2fst]

Installed !
You'll also notice lighter plug and dimmer, all look great !
Fan switch was perfectly tight. The only issue was the fresh air knob. The issue was with my car not RetroModern's parts. There is a raised bump just behind the screw hole which was not centered on the lever. A little work with a needle file on the lever and all was good.

I made sure you can see all the bits in this photo...
7702

[drv2fst]

A couple close ups...
7703
7704

[RetroModern]

awesome! mind if i snag one of the pictures to use on the site?

[drv2fst]

Sure, I can send you full size images If you like.

[RetroModern]

Yes please.
sales@retromodernusa.com

grassy-ass!

[Cxmoney]

I'll take some pictures with my Nikon DSLR this weekend if you need some more pictures with revlimiter HVAC panels

[RetroModern]

yes, im a picture whore. give me all youve got! :d

[drv2fst]

Sent !

[RetroModern]

Thanks dude! I've edited and used the one that shows the entire interior.

[medition]

Cell phone pic from this morning, received the fan knob made slightly longer, and we are in business!

[RetroModern]

excellent! you just received it today, frank? must be because of the holiday weekend. sorry for the delay!

[medition]

excellent! you just received it today, frank? must be because of the holiday weekend. sorry for the delay!

I received it yesterday, and I'm so glad it fits. Thanks.

[RetroModern]

:D my pleasure. :D

[Cxmoney]

sorry I haven't gotten any new nicer pictures of my setup. been busy moving into my house and whatnot. I should be able to within the next few days. unfortunately it is just going to be the HVAC knobs as I destroyed the dimmer switch piece when trying to install. haha. oh well.

[RetroModern]

:facepalm. :D