CRG Discussion Forum
Camaro Research Group Discussion => Originality => Topic started by: cook_dw on February 05, 2014, 02:44:31 AM
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Ive got a couple gauges and I want to know for certain that they are original and not repops. Is there anything that stands out? Only thing I see is that these have Made in the USA where I see repops that do not say that. Also the style of rivet looks different. Also there is a difference between the gauge faces; fuel is bare and the amp looks to be painted or coated silver..??.. Thoughts?
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v687/superslow/Parts%20for%20Sale%202014/IMG_1878_zps9b9b6a8c.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/superslow/media/Parts%20for%20Sale%202014/IMG_1878_zps9b9b6a8c.jpg.html)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v687/superslow/Parts%20for%20Sale%202014/IMG_1877_zps86444b53.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/superslow/media/Parts%20for%20Sale%202014/IMG_1877_zps86444b53.jpg.html)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v687/superslow/Parts%20for%20Sale%202014/IMG_1879_zpsea9942a7.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/superslow/media/Parts%20for%20Sale%202014/IMG_1879_zpsea9942a7.jpg.html)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v687/superslow/Parts%20for%20Sale%202014/IMG_1880_zps867911ba.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/superslow/media/Parts%20for%20Sale%202014/IMG_1880_zps867911ba.jpg.html)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v687/superslow/Parts%20for%20Sale%202014/IMG_1873_zpse5126412.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/superslow/media/Parts%20for%20Sale%202014/IMG_1873_zpse5126412.jpg.html)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v687/superslow/Parts%20for%20Sale%202014/IMG_1872_zpsbdaa714a.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/superslow/media/Parts%20for%20Sale%202014/IMG_1872_zpsbdaa714a.jpg.html)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v687/superslow/Parts%20for%20Sale%202014/IMG_1876_zpsa7945260.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/superslow/media/Parts%20for%20Sale%202014/IMG_1876_zpsa7945260.jpg.html)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v687/superslow/Parts%20for%20Sale%202014/IMG_1874_zps75d64009.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/superslow/media/Parts%20for%20Sale%202014/IMG_1874_zps75d64009.jpg.html)
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Hey Darrell, the top two look like my gauges. The faces look like brushed stainless. The amp gauge COULD be a service replacement, maybe??? I don't think they are reproductions in any case. Those wouldn't have Made in USA on them. I'm sure there will be others posting to confirm. I often wondered if there was more then one supplier myself.
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Hey Darrell, the top two look like my gauges. The faces look like brushed stainless. The amp gauge COULD be a service replacement, maybe??? I don't think they are reproductions in any case. Those wouldn't have Made in USA on them. I'm sure there will be others posting to confirm. I often wondered if there was more then one supplier myself.
Good point. Another thing to note is that the color of the needles are different. Fuel gauge needle was painted before being peened were as the amp need was painted after.
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Is it possible that the AMP gauge came from a Nova? Nova's used the console gauges up till like 77 I believe. I know I had a 76 Nova SS with them but it has been so long I don't remember exactly what they looked like.
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Nova's as were black face.
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Ok, good to eliminate an option I know I couldn't remember for sure what they looked like but thought I would try to help.
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I don't know if these photos will help, but my original gauge cluster has been apart for many years (collecting dust, and needing cleaning), and I've got two NOS gauges (bought at a swap meet maybe 25-30 yrs ago).. Photos below. Does anyone have any suggestions for best means for cleaning dust from the gauges and cluster (without damaging it or changing it)??
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Gary's gauges look smooth and not brushed.
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Also look at the needles of the service parts but they look to be silver as well. Interesting..
Gary (69Z28-RS) is there any ink stampings on either your original gauges or the ones you bought at the swap meet?
As for cleaning I would use q-tips and alcohol. But not on the printed surfaces. Just soapy water & q's for that. Just make sure to get all the water out or it can cause damage to the windings on the gauges long term.
Anyone else out there that has ORIGINAL gauges take a pic of the faces? Doesnt matter at this point if they are still in the car or not. I want to know if the brushed look or painted/coated look was interchanging.. Meaning more than one supplier.
Ill have to look in the X33 & L78 cars to see how their faces are now.. Hmmmmm
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Anther question I have is does anyone know the correct color of the gauge needles? I would like to redo these I have because they both work and would look better refinished.
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That's interesting how different Gary's NOS gauges are from the originals. Just a quick look and I see originals weren't as crisp and the needles on the OE gauges are pretty different also. Mine are originals as well. I wish they weren't packed away for the move or I'd snap a pic for you also Darrell. I'll take a look on my computer when I get home. I think I have some pics of the console and gauges before I removed it saved.
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Anther question I have is does anyone know the correct color of the gauge needles? I would like to redo these I have because they both work and would look better refinished.
I don't think you could go wrong with HUGGER ORANGE.. :)
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OMG... ::)
lol
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Original assembly line gauges are shown in reply number 6 above (see first picture below). Note how the needles are "staked" onto the shaft with a brass cap.
The second and third pictures show the correct needle paint. Krylon "red glowing orange fluorescent" (P/N 3101), which should be available at just about any auto parts or home improvement store (I got mine at O'Reilly several months ago).
And the bottom picture is how the gauges look after new paint.
Ed
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Ed you can see that your temp gauge looks brushed on the face but the rest look silver. Kinda hard to tell. Can you look when you have time and see if all are brushed?
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Those are actually very minute scratches on the plastic lens. The faces themselves are smooth.
Ed
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I see the lens scratches and that not what I am referring to; your temp gauge face is just like the fuel gauge pic I posted. Im beginning to think there may have been a change to the face during production..?..
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Also notice in the corners were the bends are on the two gauges I show originally and in Gary's pics. Originals seem to have a crinkle finish in the curvature were as the service replacements are smooth.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v687/superslow/IMG_1878_zps9b9b6a8c-1_zps89948a9c.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/superslow/media/IMG_1878_zps9b9b6a8c-1_zps89948a9c.jpg.html)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v687/superslow/gaugecluster-fullfrontCopy_zps596b232a.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/superslow/media/gaugecluster-fullfrontCopy_zps596b232a.jpg.html)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v687/superslow/IMG_1873_zpse5126412-1_zps5e125421.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/superslow/media/IMG_1873_zpse5126412-1_zps5e125421.jpg.html)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v687/superslow/NOSgaugesCopy_zps7e2470de.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/superslow/media/NOSgaugesCopy_zps7e2470de.jpg.html)
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Darrell,
1) I didn't see any stamped dates/codes on my gauges...
2) My car (which the gauges came from) is a Sept '69 (09C) production date (late, which might explain the 'smoooth' finish, vs the 'brushed' finish question you asked?)
3) The difference between production parts and service parts (re the 'crinkley corner bends') could be a change in Al alloy, in addition to a change in supplier?
4) I'm confident you noted the similarity between the bright orange fluorescent and 'hugger' orange? :) The names may change, but it's still 'hugger' .. just with a fluorescent glow.. :)
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Darrell,
1) I didn't see any stamped dates/codes on my gauges...
2) My car (which the gauges came from) is a Sept '69 (09C) production date (late, which might explain the 'smoooth' finish, vs the 'brushed' finish question you asked?)
3) The difference between production parts and service parts (re the 'crinkley corner bends') could be a change in Al alloy, in addition to a change in supplier?
4) I'm confident you noted the similarity between the bright orange fluorescent and 'hugger' orange? :) The names may change, but it's still 'hugger' .. just with a fluorescent glow.. :)
Changing of material is probably true.
As for the color... Whatever helps you sleep at night.. ::) I think Im gonna substitute Hugger Orange with Carousel Red when Im talking to you from now on out.
;D
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I'm confident you noted the similarity between the bright orange fluorescent and 'hugger' orange? :) The names may change, but it's still 'hugger' .. just with a fluorescent glow.. :)
As for the color... Whatever helps you sleep at night.. ::) I think Im gonna substitute Hugger Orange with Carousel Red when Im talking to you from now on out.
Out here in California, "Hugger Orange" is referred to as "Caltrans Orange"...
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7153/6650603927_4237b71b61.jpg)
It's everywhere!
(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/214/526692640_3850b03748_m.jpg)
Also, the prison inmates out here wear "Hugger Orange"...
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_aGGtGBGkMVQ/TPQ6uwb0o6I/AAAAAAAAB1o/u0hq6-o1aCs/s1600/CDC-)
LOL! :D
Paul
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lol
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Originals are brushed, IIRC.
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Kurt's right. I just went out and checked and mine are brushed. Here's the oil pressure gauge.
Ed
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Here are a few pics of mine if they help:
(http://i1164.photobucket.com/albums/q573/SgtHawkUSMC/69%20Camaro%20SS396%20L34/69%20Interior/Console/SSConsoleCluster.jpg) (http://s1164.photobucket.com/user/SgtHawkUSMC/media/69%20Camaro%20SS396%20L34/69%20Interior/Console/SSConsoleCluster.jpg.html)
(http://i1164.photobucket.com/albums/q573/SgtHawkUSMC/69%20Camaro%20SS396%20L34/69%20Interior/Console/SSClstrStkr2.jpg) (http://s1164.photobucket.com/user/SgtHawkUSMC/media/69%20Camaro%20SS396%20L34/69%20Interior/Console/SSClstrStkr2.jpg.html)
(http://i1164.photobucket.com/albums/q573/SgtHawkUSMC/69%20Camaro%20SS396%20L34/69%20Interior/Console/IMG_0234.jpg) (http://s1164.photobucket.com/user/SgtHawkUSMC/media/69%20Camaro%20SS396%20L34/69%20Interior/Console/IMG_0234.jpg.html)
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Good deal. It is great to have everyone willing to help others out with figuring these cars out. Thank you again EVERYONE!!
Even Gary. :P
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I just now found this on ebay.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/68-69-Camaro-GM-Factory-OEM-Center-console-with-gauges-SS-RS-/181316779582?pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2a37527e3e&vxp=mtr
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Those are nova gauges.
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Speaking of eBay, here's a gauge cluster (lots of photos) that sold last week...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1968-1969-Camaro-OEM-Original-Console-4-Gauge-Cluster-Complete-Assembly-not-NOS-/231144235895?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item35d1452377&nma=true&si=pXpZ6Z1eXzN6btdy8sTYZIypEm0%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557
Paul
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The 68's dated Dec67 and they were cherry! :)
(http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z117/1-2-b-67L89/68%20Camaro%20Z28/100_6061_zpsca8a8ab9.jpg) (http://s192.photobucket.com/user/1-2-b-67L89/media/68%20Camaro%20Z28/100_6061_zpsca8a8ab9.jpg.html)
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Those are nova gauges.
Yes...a comment was made about them being black for Nova, however, this auction shows how they are misconstrude as Camaro. I see this quite often.
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This set is out of my last week of Nov. 68 Nor. Blue SS. Brushed alum. I have never removed the lens cover until now, that is 35 years, and bet it has never been off prior to my purchase. Looks like SgtHawks and Gary may have different faces, possibly changed vendors, since they are late production vs my early car.
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Mine are brushed face, and have somewhat uneven corners too:
(http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd420/ZLP955/1969%20Chevrolet%20Camaro%20Z28/DSCF7038.jpg)
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Looks like SgtHawks and Gary may have different faces, possibly changed vendors, since they are late production vs my early car.
My guess is just different lighting, cameras and maybe how many UV rays they've been subjected to over the years. I think mine look a lot more like yours in person, but I'd have to check. I can't remember for sure.
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Checked my 12B gauge set. All are brushed.
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I took another look at my console gauges today, and they definitely have a brushed finish (when the light hits the face). I suppose the angle of the photo and lighting when I took the earlier photo made it look 'flat or unbrushed'.
I need to clean my gauges up and get it all back together for going in the car and I have a couple of questions:
1) My clear plastic lens over the gauges are 'scratched' and dull; Any recommendations for polishing or replacing them?
2) I also need replacement lamps for the gauges; Recommendations for a source for these lampbulbs would be appreciated.
(I have the G-E 1445 lamps that I removed when I disassembled the console; they appear good. I assume
these are the original lamps? true? or ??) Are they available thru local parts store?
Thanks,
Gary
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My clear plastic lens over the gauges are 'scratched' and dull; Any recommendations for polishing or replacing them?
Gary, do you own a gold mine? If yes, ...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1968-Chevy-Camaro-Console-Gauge-Lense-6480882-NOS-Delco-Nova-Ventura-67-69-70-74-/111239423260?pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item19e662e51c&vxp=mtr
Paul
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That's his 'buy me now' price ($230.. OUCH).. I think I might offer him a little dirt pile instead of a gold mine.. :)
Well, he rejected my offer of a dirt pile as taken from a gold mine... :)
If I can't polish my originals to look better, then CHQ has a reproduction.. Has anyone used these who can 'review' them?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1968-1969-Camaro-Console-Gauge-Lens-CHQ-New-/390761466098?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item5afb32c8f2&vxp=mtr
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I need to clean my gauges up and get it all back together for going in the car and I have a couple of questions:
1) My clear plastic lens over the gauges are 'scratched' and dull; Any recommendations for polishing or replacing them?
Gary -
If your lenses are originals, and you are the detailed restorer that I think you are, look at the part number embossed on your lenses - you should see a "-1" and a "-2" on the two lenses. GM actually used two different part numbers, combined to a single number years later before they went discontinued. Polish them and keep them with the package. If they are tool deeply scratched to look decent, then I guess the solution is to replace.
Regards,
Steve
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I need to clean my gauges up and get it all back together for going in the car and I have a couple of questions:
1) My clear plastic lens over the gauges are 'scratched' and dull; Any recommendations for polishing or replacing them?
Gary -
If your lenses are originals, and you are the detailed restorer that I think you are, look at the part number embossed on your lenses - you should see a "-1" and a "-2" on the two lenses. GM actually used two different part numbers, combined to a single number years later before they went discontinued. Polish them and keep them with the package. If they are tool deeply scratched to look decent, then I guess the solution is to replace.
Thanks for the info, Steve.. I checked, and yes mine have the -1 and -2 pns. The only plastic polish I have is like 'water'.. doesn't seem to be doing anything. Can anyone recommend anything better?
PS. and I took Darrell's advice to clean up the gauges today; they look much better.. hopefully they will all still work when I hook 'em up. :)
.. and definitely a brushed finish...
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I took another look at my console gauges today, and they definitely have a brushed finish (when the light hits the face). I suppose the angle of the photo and lighting when I took the earlier photo made it look 'flat or unbrushed'.
I need to clean my gauges up and get it all back together for going in the car and I have a couple of questions:
1) My clear plastic lens over the gauges are 'scratched' and dull; Any recommendations for polishing or replacing them?
2) I also need replacement lamps for the gauges; Recommendations for a source for these lampbulbs would be appreciated.
(I have the G-E 1445 lamps that I removed when I disassembled the console; they appear good. I assume
these are the original lamps? true? or ??) Are they available thru local parts store?
Thanks,
Gary
I used a polishing wheel in my drill and polishing compound and it did very well on this.
Before:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v687/superslow/Dixco%20Tachometer/IMG_1490_zpsb33f6675.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/superslow/media/Dixco%20Tachometer/IMG_1490_zpsb33f6675.jpg.html)
After and installed into tach housing:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v687/superslow/Dixco%20Tachometer/IMG_1524_zps5591e194.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/superslow/media/Dixco%20Tachometer/IMG_1524_zps5591e194.jpg.html)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v687/superslow/Dixco%20Tachometer/IMG_1523_zps38140fc3.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/superslow/media/Dixco%20Tachometer/IMG_1523_zps38140fc3.jpg.html)
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Was once told by an old school restorer that using a small blob of toothpaste on the end of your finger works really well in cleaning up old lenses..... I have never put it to the test, and am not sure if this recommendation was for glass or plastic (or both?) lenses. Anyone else heard that?
Will have to look around for some old plastic gauge lens, and give it a try
At the very least, should end up cavity-free and minty fresh :)
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Ed you can see that your temp gauge looks brushed on the face but the rest look silver. Kinda hard to tell. Can you look when you have time and see if all are brushed?
I think the finish on Ed's are all brushed. Just more noticeable due to the flash on the temp and oil gauge. Just checked mine they are all brushed and original as far as I can tell. I tried to take a picture but too much flash glare.
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X2 on the toothpaste. That is what I use. Works on other plastic items, like dash plastic and steering wheel too.Mild enough to use on clear plastic without scratching. I use a soft cloth.
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thanks guys! I should have thought to try the toothpaste..
'Colgate works for cleaning/polishing aluminum parts also'.. :)
I will give it a shot on these lenses..
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Mothers Plastic Polish works too. Most auto parts stores will have it or something similar.
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I had some Meguairs' plastic cleaner/polish, but it seemed to not do much; the toothpaste worked much better.. Maybe the polish was old?
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I've tried many and toothpaste works well for minor abrasions but for some serious work (just like cutting paint in) one needs some cutting action. I found Novus plastic polishing products can do the job and utilize 3, 2, & 1 compounds but it is time consuming.
http://www.novuspolish.com/
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Old topic but what do you guys think about this? Reproduction or original?
At least the oil pressure gauge and maybe the temp gauge look different.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/67014625/Camaro%201969%20Console%20Gauges%20001.JPG)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/67014625/Camaro%201969%20Console%20Gauges%20002.JPG)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/67014625/Camaro%201969%20Console%20Gauges%20003.JPG)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/67014625/Camaro%201969%20Console%20Gauges%20004.JPG)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/67014625/Camaro%201969%20Console%20Gauges%20005.JPG)