Fix volume buttons on a vintage MGB car radio

When I bought a 1969 MGB recently, the volume control buttons on the stereo unit were missing and replacements were not available. Although the micro-switches that control the volume were still in place, the radio could only be used when I was carrying a passenger prepared to insert a pencil into the vacant space and toggle the volume up or down.

Then I realised that transparent chart pins could be modified to make new buttons by removing the pin and trimming the ends to fit the spaces left by the old ones. Their profile was ideal for being retained in the unit. Next I trialed fitted and confirmed they would raise or lower the volume.

Finally I filed a + and – on the ends and bonded them into the radio casing with a sachet of black sugru. As can be seen the new buttons look good as well as working perfectly.

I like using sugru because it helps add 'sweat equity' to things we value as well as prolonging their useful lives. This concept is obviously common amongst MGB owners. Also that repairs look organic, as though the item has grown back together, perhaps with some scar tissue, rather than the invisible mending that results from merely replacing a part.