Here's a little tip for renewing the lettering on your gear shift knob. I've been using part of this method successfully through over 30 years of Volvo ownership, but I recently discovered a new wrinkle that makes it even better.

Thoroughly clean the shifter knob using a toothbrush. When it's dry, carefully fill the impressions in the knob using either White Out or a white enamel paint (like Testor's model paint). Of course, you'll slop it outside the impressions, but too much paint is better than too little. When it's dry, place a thin, smooth cotton cloth, like a piece of bed sheet, on a hard flat surface and rub the knob vigorously. The excess paint will buff off and you'll be left with perfect, factory-look lettering.

Now for the new trick. Get a spray can of satin polyurethane varnish and give the knob several light coats. Let it dry for a day or two and re-install. In no time at all your shifting motions and the natural oil in your hands will polish that polyurethane to a most pleasing classic patina. And it will protect your white lettering so you won't have to do this nearly so often.

Now, if I could just find a way to keep the upper shifter shaft on my 70 1800 from rotating so easily, so I wasn't always looking at my beautiful job upside down.....