Durango_Boy

I was getting tired of the scratches in my '77 horn button, which was already the rare cross flag button that you can't buy anymore. I had tried polishing it but the scratches were just too deep. I started thinking of a way that I might be able to replace the button with either something similar or just plain better.

Recreating the button with the clear resin and a foil emblem under was just not practice, so I ended up making this. It's a perfect fit to replace the factory button and it brings a really cool contrast to the black column parts and matches the brushed look of my four spokes. I don't have it installed yet because I am planning an 8 button head screw pattern on the ring that this button mounts under.

Needless to say, I am very happy with how it turned out and it was actually very easy and cheap to make...about the same as what a replacement button would cost.

Bobz08C6

Very ingenious and looks great. I would be curious to see what the flags look like painted. You could easily remove the paint if you didn't like it.

Sure is nice to have access to machining tools. I can think of a million things I could do to help my Vette if I had a lathe and a welder (and knew how to weld)

Theiskell

Nice work DB! I like the look…How is the etching done? Is it engraved or what? Is someone local doing it for you? Sorry for the million questions, but I have several things I would like to have done. I have been thinking of getting an engraving tool to try to do some things like this.

Durango_Boy

Yeah I have a guy who does my etching and has a full compliment of CNC machines and tools. He's made lots of stuff for me over the years and he never lets me down. Great machinist.

All I have to do is come up with a concept, a design, specifications, and relay it all to him in an email. He sends me the proof for approval, and a cost plus shipping. Once he gets the payment, he finishes the work, and ships it.

The best part is that once he makes something for me it's always in the computer and very easy for him to reproduce.

Binnie77

Looks great I would say there has to be a market for those

xCCTer

rayluka

Are you gonna add color to the flags? (oops missed previous post) Still curious.

Paul L

Very nice piece of work DB but it does need some colour .

bojangies46

VERY COOL

Bruthish

Nice Matt! I like it!

curtis74

I saw this up close the other day. It looks great! This guy does some nice work.........

Durango_Boy

Not really sure about the color. I have a black wheel cover and column and the aluminum finish contrasts very well with the black. I might try it, as I have painted a few other items I have etched and they turned out good.

Theiskell

I think it looks good the way it is. If you do color it I would just paint the indention all one color. If you start trying to paint the whole thing like the emblems are painted I’m not sure that would look good. Just my .02

Criste

You can always paint it later if you decide the color would help the emblem pop.

mdbelanger

Nice job the machinest did for you.

Bought mine here.

http://www.zip-products.com/Zip/prod...3E236DA53AD138

Michael.

Durango_Boy

Yeah that's the flag that's available to buy. The one I have is the one you can't find. Note the differences in flag design...it's the same as the nose, fender, and fuel lid on the '77 thru '79 Corvettes. All the replacement buttons have the later C3 flags, which don't match the '77 - '79 flags.

7T1vette

Matt,
If you fill the etched areas with wax, then wipe off the upper surface well, you could paint the other areas the same as the original. Then, heat it up to remove the wax and you'll have a perfect match! Nice job on the replacement.

mdbelanger

MY ERROR.

Your correct. Going thru my notes, I have three new ones all different. Bought it used.

Forgive_me

Michael.

Durango_Boy

Don't sweat it. This was just my solution because I can't get a new stock button and I don't like the offerings from the vendors. I wanted my '77 flag so I came up with the etched idea. I actually have it on several other pieces on the car.

Fuel Door:


Engine Data Plate:


The plate needs some touch up work on the flag, I did that with paint pens, and I wasn't happy with the results. However, it won't get mounted to the firewall until I have the new engine finished and in the car so I have time to get it fixed.

Jclgodale3

Looks like the machinest does nice work but actually, about 50-70% more than a replacement button from vendors