C3 - 1971 Gauges Font

[Greg F.]

While driving to a car show today I was looking at my gauges and noticed the font size on the "WATER TEMP" and "OIL PRESSURE" seems to look at little fatter than the font on the "FUEL" and "BATTERY" gauge fonts. All the gauges have the proper green and horizontal rivets.

I may try to take a good picture but was wondering if anyone with a 71 or 70 has a good close up of their gauges? Does anyone else notice this on their font. My car is very original but I have no idea if the gauges were every changed.

Thanks,
Greg

[Alan S.]

Re: C3 - 1971 Gauges Font

Hi Greg,
Here are the original gauges from my mid-January built 71; I'd say the font is the same in all the gauges.
If you'd like some close-up individual pictures let me know.
Regards,
Alan

[Tom H.]

Re: C3 - 1971 Gauges Font

Here's my 71. January 71 build also. Base 350, 4 speed.

[Greg F.]

Re: C3 - 1971 Gauges Font

Thanks Tom and Alan. Your pictures are great!

Mine look the exact same as yours, so I'm glad about that! To me, the "FUEL" font looks skinnier than the "WATER TEMP" and "OIL PRESSURE" font but it's consistent with what you guys have. I'm good with that!!!! I'm getting older and I'm sure my eyes are fading. My wife says they look good to her as well.

Thanks for your time,
Greg

[Paul C.]

Re: C3 - 1971 Gauges Font

Question on 1971 rear axle housing: the numbers on ,y 1971 rear axle housing are: rear cover 3871375 / front cover 3899143. Do thses match ? are the numbers production runs ?

[Reba W.]

Re: C3 - 1971 Gauges Font

Greg, part of the visual perception in the lettering is the width of letters involved. L, F, and T are thinner than W, B, R, and S. BATTERY has always appeared to be smaller to me on these gauges, but I know it is not.

Before the age of computers, typesetters had to know each letter's width when figuring lines of type on a page. All women (and some men) know how this works with wide and narrow stripes on clothing to make us appear more slender.

[John H.]

Re: C3 - 1971 Gauges Font

Question on 1971 rear axle housing: the numbers on ,y 1971 rear axle housing are: rear cover 3871375 / front cover 3899143. Do thses match ? are the numbers production runs ?

Paul -

Those are the casting numbers, and they're correct for your car. You'll find the casting date for the differential housing on the driver's side, partially obscured by the front edge of the camber strut rod bracket.