1969 Correct "Tell Tale" Lenses: Seat Belts, Door Ajar & Head Lamps

[Charles C.]

Hi. I'm restoring a September 1969 car, and I've ended up with two sets of supposedly NOS red lenses for Seat Belts, Door Ajar & Head Lamps. They are different, and I wanted to see if you could tell me please which is correct.

1. One set has the writing in strong black. The other is mostly clear where the writing is.
2. Are both the Seat Belts and Door Ajar/Head Lamps lenses supposed to be ribbed on the back side, or only one or the other or neither?

Thank you very much!

[Edward D.]

Re: 1969 Correct "Tell Tale" Lenses: Seat Belts, Door Ajar & Head Lamps

I just rebuilt a 69 cluster last week to replace a broken bezel. I got the replacement lenses along with the new bezel but did not use them as the originals were a bit different and still OK. Yes, they have ribs on the back side, these are light diffusers. The originals had a bolder (thicker) text font than the replacements which were a thinner lighter font. The originals were also thicker overall with larger diffuser ribs. Also, you are better off with the original plastic gauge lens piece than the repros which are kinda wavy (quality issues). NOS is best for that but you can polish an original nicely with plastic compound and a soft buffing wheel. Hope this helps.

[Charles C.]

Re: 1969 Correct "Tell Tale" Lenses: Seat Belts, Door Ajar & Head Lamps

Thanks very much. Do you know if the writing on the originals is in a strong or a light black? I appreciate it.

[Chris H.]

Re: 1969 Correct "Tell Tale" Lenses: Seat Belts, Door Ajar & Head Lamps

Charles can you post photos? Chris

[Edward D.]

Re: 1969 Correct "Tell Tale" Lenses: Seat Belts, Door Ajar & Head Lamps

Thanks very much. Do you know if the writing on the originals is in a strong or a light black? I appreciate it.

Charles,
Don't remember any differences there, and after 50 years originals may have been kinda faded, as I said I remember the font thickness was different. Car is no longer in my shop, but it will be coming back in soon for additional work. I'll take a look when next its here.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1969 Correct "Tell Tale" Lenses: Seat Belts, Door Ajar & Head Lamps

Hi. I'm restoring a September 1969 car, and I've ended up with two sets of supposedly NOS red lenses for Seat Belts, Door Ajar & Head Lamps. They are different, and I wanted to see if you could tell me please which is correct.

1. One set has the writing in strong black. The other is mostly clear where the writing is.
2. Are both the Seat Belts and Door Ajar/Head Lamps lenses supposed to be ribbed on the back side, or only one or the other or neither?

Thank you very much!

Charles------


Here's an NOS example. This part was discontinued without supercession on November, 2000. I do not suppose they sold too many and that's probably why the SERVICE inventory lasted so long.

[Charles C.]