Topic: Reproduction Dash

[RENOVATIONS]

I recall Lev on TAC got one also...but no install pix from anyone yet...my fingernails are to the nubs

[Rick]

Did he keep that one?  Somebody sent theirs back because they didn't think it was spot-on enough for them...

[RENOVATIONS]

True...I think he was sending it back but that was in October 

[Rarebird]

I have yet to mount it in the car.. planning on a few clean up items. the previous owner had made some wiring addition that I plan to eliminate non esential wiring, , some minor rust repair at the windshield base. This will be a trick since I do not plan on removing the glass. Since it is not a rust trhough I can use a rust inhibitor instead, then I can continue with installation. The old dash had years of southern living solar abuse. center of the dash has a crator about as deep as the Grand Canyon. The cracking resembled a railroad map.

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[Rarebird]

I will continue to post info and pics as the process continues. I know there are a lot of people out there who are debating to restore ( at ridiculous pricing ) compared to replacement. Bottom line is if its going to be a concourous showcar or mild budget restoration. 

 As seen from the photo the top od the old dash had seen better days, and with the southern sun a cap was not the answer.. Had one and it lasted  a week before the sun warped it to non usable condition. That is why I chose the reproduction. However I plan to retain the original and put it in storage if the reprodution fails I still have a original to restore. I am comfident that the reproduction will hold up, since materials have greatly improved since 1977 ( the original production stamping on the original).

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[rkellerjr]

You should definitely purchase a sun visor to protect your new investment if the sun is that hot down there.  I'm certainly watching your thread too as I'm going to replace mine.  Thanks for posting.

[Rarebird]

Already have one. Thats what I was using to cover the old dash. If weather holds out and matters at work hold I should be able to complete later this week. Now  I have a few questions for some of you guys out there. Seems my tach is having some issues lately... Appears its not functioning properly. I attached a secondary tach to compare and the dash unit reads lower than the temp tach, the higher the RPM the less accurate. Has anyone played around with tach and found a simple cure other than replacement, Is there an adjustment pot to dial these in simular to the aftermarket ones?  Also until about a week ago the clock worked perfectly now its stuck on 15 seconds past 12:01. I recall several threads about repairing a clock but most were Quartz replacement units... I like to fix whats not working before getting replaced, one of my quirks.

[RENOVATIONS]

Try these guys: http://www.autoinstruments.com/

[rkellerjr]

Try these guys: http://www.autoinstruments.com/

Those are the guys that I think I'm going to be sending my clusters to for restoration.  I contacted them last year about it.  Somewhat expensive but restorations always are I suppose.  Something like $185 per cluster.

[RENOVATIONS]

Yeah, very friendly guys to talk with ...they actually have Jeri's gauges right now. I have their price/service list also if anyone needs it.

[Rarebird]

UPDATE: 

   OK after doing some rewiring the dash has been installed. The upper retaining posts on the passenger side were off by a few mils making it a little difficult lining up. All the mounting points for the gauges are right on the money. Instrument panel looks great especially after the bezels are installed. At present its not totally complete yet, I have the radio installation and glovebox, once that is done its on to reinstalling the console. Photos are to come of completed dash. My opinion on these restoration dashes... well worth the money. Those of you pondering about them... I actually think the reproduction overall appearence is better than the original ( at least in my case, the original dash did not fit very well between the post and dash top.

[Rick]

That's good information to know.  While we're on the subject, I'd note that a lot of people (Hitman most recently, in particular) have had problems shipping dashes without them showing up damaged.  Exactly how was your repo'd dash shipped to you?  What kind of box/crate...that kind of stuff...

[RENOVATIONS]

VERY good to know...looking forward to the pix. Thanks for the info

[O'Neall]

Yes, please post pics.  Dying to see on of these installed.

[TA78+99]

Thanks for the update.  Mine is on back order at Classic Ind. - Can't wait.  I'd love to see some pics too!