HOWTO: Make Clear Climate Control Knobs

This mod is a no brainer once you see what's involved.

The stock knobs on the 3rd gen j-bodies are made with a clear plastic piece covered in a rubber cover. To make them clear, simply pull straight out on them to remove them from the HVAC panel. Then you can simply peel back the rubber to reveal the clear plastic underneath. If you're careful, you may be able to preserve it so you can replace it if desired later. It will come away clean as one piece.

You now have several options. You can leave them as they are and they will light up white at night. If you'd like them in a different colour, there are a few different ways people have changed them.

First of all, you can paint the knobs themselves using a transparent paint. This will give you colour during the day as well as when they're lit.

Secondly, you can remove the face of the HVAC panel to reveal the light diffuser behind it. If you paint that with transparent paint, it will be slightly visible through the base of the knobs and they will light up in whatever colour you painted it.

Lastly, you can get some small pieces of translucent plastic and wrap them around the bulbs. This will give you a completely clear look during the day and will light them up with colour at night. Depending on what colour plastic you use, you may not be able to see some of the markings on the HVAC panel at night.

Just be creative and you'll achieve an original look that you'll like.

Good luck, and enjoy your new clear knobs. :)