My dads replacing the push buttons on our 1950 Chevy pick up radio. The old ones seem to slide out part of the way down the shaft, but don't come all the way off. It appears the shaft is barbed?
We can't figure out how to gracefully remove the old buttons, anyone have a clue?

Thanks guys!

You may have to break them to get them off. Determine that you have correct replacements before doing that, however. You have nothing to lose, since you are replacing the pushbuttons. Good luck...........GREG

You are correct, the shaft is often barbed making the buttons difficult to impossible to remove.

As mentioned, breaking them or cutting them off works, but sometimes you can carefully apply a hot soldering iron (I use a Weller heavy duty gun for this) to the shaft just behind the pushbutton for a few seconds, just long enough to soften the plastic button to the point where it will pull off the barbs. The button is of course not usable again after that.

Thank you guys! Breaking them off worked, I put the new buttons on as well. Looks great!
As far as the electronics, I think my Dad wants to have a pro car radio guy do it. I'd like for someone on the forum to do it. Who can I contact to get an estimate/information?

Thanks again

Hi

Meade specializes in car radios but he lives in Southern CA. You can search this site for Meade.

Next time, especially if you want to save the push-buttons, the correct way is the way Delco recommends:

1: Pull the push-button and slide out ( as if you were going to re-set the station for that button). Note that there is a small hole in the slide shank just behind the push-button.

2: Insert a drill bit or rod through the hole to use as a fulcrum to pry against. Use two screwdrivers, one on either side of the slide shank and pry between the drill bit and the back of the push-button, using equal pressure on both sides to prevent bending the slide shank. Note that it will be steadier if you put the drill bit through two or more slides.

From a tip buried somewhere in the Delco “Testing Tips” bulletins.

It goes without saying that this will not work with round push-buttons on threaded shafts.