(2014 brz) Can the AC control knobs be removed?

[T_Squadrito]

Can the AC knobs on a 2014 brz be pried off or removed without breaking or disassembling the entire assembly? I tried prying them a little bit but it required a great deal of force and seemed to do nothing so before I broke anything I figured I would ask here.

Plot twist, I am a computer animator, so I sorta have a thing for designing my own cosmetic parts. I want to design new ones and have them made to replace them. I could probably more easily design covers or just find some I like and buy them, but I prefer the idea of making something that is a little more integrated so if it is possible to pry them off without damaging anything that would be great so I can scan them and then design a new part. Or, if there is a more or less easy way to get them off without breaking them, alternatively.


Thank you for the help!

[2020BRZtS]

Most if not all aftermarket knobs are overlays rather than replacements. The dial part surrounds a switch in the center so it's probably a safer approach than trying to take it apart to replace the cover.

[T_Squadrito]

Originally Posted by 2020BRZtS

Most if not all aftermarket knobs are overlays rather than replacements. The dial part surrounds a switch in the center so it's probably a safer approach than trying to take it apart to replace the cover.

Do you know if that is more of a suggestion due to difficulty or if it is that it is a particularly difficult task to remove?



It would definitely be easier in most ways to design a cover but due to the sorta cog shape, designing an overlay that will sit evenly and flush over the entire thing without any sort of rock or sway is a bit more difficult. Dimensional precision is a lot easier if there is some sort of tooth behind there I can measure precisely and design the part to sit over flush.

If it can't be done all that easily then it can't be done all that easily and overlay it is, but I am definitely curious about what is actually involved in removing it.

[soundman98]

if you're that interested in modding it, grab a used one off ebay. either it's 'market research', or it's the modable panel that you can do whatever with till your hearts content while still maintaining a fully functional vehicle.

[2020BRZtS]

^ This. With a spare one you can afford to mess it up 3x. I would think the overlay would have an insert in the shape of the octagon with an outer piece in any shape you are looking to achieve. I am not very good a designing things and you sound like you have a plan. Another option might be to buy a cheap aftermarket ring to get ideas and modify it the way you like. It depends on the challenge you want to overcome.

[T_Squadrito]

Originally Posted by soundman98

if you're that interested in modding it, grab a used one off ebay. either it's 'market research', or it's the modable panel that you can do whatever with till your hearts content while still maintaining a fully functional vehicle.

Definitely the right way to go. Wasn't sure if maybe there was a known way floating around already. But I do like breaking things so ebay it is lol.

[T_Squadrito]

Originally Posted by 2020BRZtS

^ This. With a spare one you can afford to mess it up 3x. I would think the overlay would have an insert in the shape of the octagon with an outer piece in any shape you are looking to achieve. I am not very good a designing things and you sound like you have a plan. Another option might be to buy a cheap aftermarket ring to get ideas and modify it the way you like. It depends on the challenge you want to overcome.

It is geometric at the top but has cut aways down to a cylinder down at the base of the knob, but does not converge at the absolute base, maybe a mm or so away, as well as some fillets. Measuring that with any precision, without 3D scanning which my system is only about as that mm or so at the base so my tolerances probably are not precise enough, would really likely not be all that accurate. A lot of times the way they do these is just with a lot of trial and error, or they are using much higher precision 3D scanners than I have access to. It certainly is doable, especially if I used some sort of rubber fitting inside that can sorta mold to the shape a bit, but better would be to see if I can get a more standardized surface to grab onto. It is a lot easier to get a major and minor radius of a sprocket and count the teeth, or go the compression route, then it is to make something that fits over an abstract shape. Just perhaps much more difficult to install

[Jdmjunkie]

There is a group on Shapeways that already has a full replacement knob set available. Also I will put down a second link to the replacement knobs from Subaru.

Shapeways

Subaru Knob