Abstract: A control lever for an automobile which is used to replace original equipment levers without requiring the removal of the dashboard. A preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a fork-shaped insert member slidable within a lever body, the insert having a pair of tines which are passed through a slot in the dashboard to engage a rotor plate behind the dashboard. By passing a screw through the lever body and threading it into the insert member from the front of the dashboard, the lever body and insert members are drawn together to clamp onto the rotor plate, securing the lever in place. Lateral movement of the lever within the slot will rotate the rotor plate, in order to select a desired function. Also disclosed is a method of replacing a climate control lever without removing the dashboard.

Abstract: A connector and diaphragm assembly can be interchangeably used in either of two types of vacuum-actuated automobile control systems. The connector which is seated in the closed end of a bell-shaped diaphragm is, in turn, connected to one of two types of linking elements that operate the control system. Deflating the diaphragm moves the connector thereby moving a linking element into one of two positions. The connector has a recessed neck portion and a head with a threaded hole therein. In a first automobile control mechanism, the recessed neck receives a forked linking element. In a second automobile control mechanism, the threaded opening of the connector receives a threaded rod which serves as the linking element. The same connector can be interchangeably employed with either type of linking element.