repro 66 dash face available-- can't find one

[Stephen W.]

'66 L79 vert #1241-- My dash guage cluster face needs repainted. I was thinking why not replace with repro to get better lettering cosmetics (i.e., "ignition", etc. lettering), but I can't find a vendor that makes this. If there is one, does it appear OEM for judging?




Thanks

[Timothy B.]

Re: repro 66 dash face available-- can't find one

Stephen,

It's only my opinion but I would try and keep all the original parts and if the budget can bear it have the dash restored. The early L-79's have a lower tach redline than the later 65 cars so keep this in mind.

[Stephen W.]

Re: repro 66 dash face available-- can't find one

Thanks-- it's only the dash face (fascia) I'm considering-- guages all restored already, would be reused as is. What I'm comparing is the cost to disassemble/ repaint/ reassemble original with worn lettering vs disassemble/ replace with new repro/ reassemble with crisp lettering, assuming a quality repro exists.

[Timothy B.]

Re: repro 66 dash face available-- can't find one

Stephen,

I am not sure a reproduction part exists, I will say that there is always something different about reproduction parts so keeping the original is always the sure thing.

[Mike E.]

Re: repro 66 dash face available-- can't find one

By worn lettering you mean the chrome is worn down or the actual lettering is worn? I believe it can be re-plated by someone that is good at plating pot metal.

Mike

[Stephen W.]

Re: repro 66 dash face available-- can't find one

Thanks-- Yes, lettering (prob original) is both aged/ worn and thin on plating-- I'm being convinced here that restoring my original is the correct thing to do, and I hope I can find the right restorer-- I seem to remember Eckler's has a restoration service.

[Ken A.]

Re: repro 66 dash face available-- can't find one

The casting has never been reproduced & never will. Contact someone like Joe Ray if you want yours restored.

[Mike E.]

Re: repro 66 dash face available-- can't find one

Thanks-- Yes, lettering (prob original) is both aged/ worn and thin on plating-- I'm being convinced here that restoring my original is the correct thing to do, and I hope I can find the right restorer-- I seem to remember Eckler's has a restoration service.

I would check in Driveline first then ask a few folks on here for references. If your removing the cluster yourself read these articles by John Hinckley.

http://www.lbfun.com/warehouse/tech_info/gauges%20&%20instruments/C2_Dash_Cluster%20pt1.pdf

http://www.lbfun.com/warehouse/tech_info/gauges%20&%20instruments/C2_Dash_Cluster%20pt2.pdf

Mike

[Patrick H.]

Re: repro 66 dash face available-- can't find one

The casting has never been reproduced & never will. Contact someone like Joe Ray if you want yours restored.

Agreed. He did a 66 cluster for me, turned out beautiful.