Author Topic: Identifying Original Console Gauges  (Read 31421 times)

69Z28

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Re: Identifying Original Console Gauges
« Reply #30 on: February 06, 2014, 01:46:09 AM »
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.
GaryC

'UNRESTORED' 1969 Cortez Silver Z28 X33 D80

ko-lek-tor

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Re: Identifying Original Console Gauges
« Reply #31 on: February 06, 2014, 05:37:59 PM »
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.
Bentley to friends :1969 SS/RS 396 owned 79
1969 SS 350 (sold)
1969 D.H.COPO replica 4spd. owned since 85
1967 302 4 spd 5.13

ZLP955

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Re: Identifying Original Console Gauges
« Reply #32 on: February 07, 2014, 10:03:39 AM »
Mine are brushed face, and have somewhat uneven corners too:
Tim in Australia.
1969 04A Van Nuys Z/28. Cortez Silver, Dark Blue interior, VE3, Z21, Z23, D55/U17, D80, flat hood.
Sold at Clippinger Chevrolet in Covina, CA.
AHRA Formula Stock at Lions Dragstrip, NHRA E/MP at Pomona Raceway

HawkX66

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Re: Identifying Original Console Gauges
« Reply #33 on: February 07, 2014, 01:40:54 PM »
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.
Dave
69 SS396 X66 L34 M21 BS
Z23 711 U17 Hugger Orange
Semper Fi!

262jp

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Re: Identifying Original Console Gauges
« Reply #34 on: February 07, 2014, 06:43:56 PM »
Checked my 12B gauge set. All are brushed.

69Z28-RS

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Re: Identifying Original Console Gauges
« Reply #35 on: February 08, 2014, 07:20:00 PM »
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
« Last Edit: February 08, 2014, 08:45:13 PM by 69Z28-RS »
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69 Corvette, '60 Corvette, '72 Corvette
90 ZR1 red/red #246, 90 ZR1 white/gray #2466
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1968RSZ28

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Re: Identifying Original Console Gauges
« Reply #36 on: February 08, 2014, 08:26:10 PM »
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

69Z28-RS

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Re: Identifying Original Console Gauges
« Reply #37 on: February 08, 2014, 08:46:53 PM »
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
09C 69Z28-RS, 72 B 720 cowl console rosewood tint
69 Corvette, '60 Corvette, '72 Corvette
90 ZR1 red/red #246, 90 ZR1 white/gray #2466
72 El Camino, '55-'56-'57 Nomads, '55-'57 B/A Sedan

z28z11

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Re: Identifying Original Console Gauges
« Reply #38 on: February 08, 2014, 10:34:38 PM »


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
1968 Z28 M21/U17 BRG/W 1967 Chevy ll Nova SS 
1969 Z28 X77/M20/VE3 LeMans/W
1969 L78 X66/N66 Cortez/BVT
1969 Z11 L48/M35/C60/C06  1949 3100 5wd 235/6

69Z28-RS

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Re: Identifying Original Console Gauges
« Reply #39 on: February 08, 2014, 11:26:07 PM »

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...
09C 69Z28-RS, 72 B 720 cowl console rosewood tint
69 Corvette, '60 Corvette, '72 Corvette
90 ZR1 red/red #246, 90 ZR1 white/gray #2466
72 El Camino, '55-'56-'57 Nomads, '55-'57 B/A Sedan

cook_dw

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Re: Identifying Original Console Gauges
« Reply #40 on: February 08, 2014, 11:37:35 PM »
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:




After and installed into tach housing:





ZLP955

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Re: Identifying Original Console Gauges
« Reply #41 on: February 09, 2014, 01:56:27 AM »
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 :)
Tim in Australia.
1969 04A Van Nuys Z/28. Cortez Silver, Dark Blue interior, VE3, Z21, Z23, D55/U17, D80, flat hood.
Sold at Clippinger Chevrolet in Covina, CA.
AHRA Formula Stock at Lions Dragstrip, NHRA E/MP at Pomona Raceway

Azure1969Z/28

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Re: Identifying Original Console Gauges
« Reply #42 on: February 09, 2014, 02:22:16 AM »
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.

ko-lek-tor

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Re: Identifying Original Console Gauges
« Reply #43 on: February 09, 2014, 04:01:50 AM »
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.
Bentley to friends :1969 SS/RS 396 owned 79
1969 SS 350 (sold)
1969 D.H.COPO replica 4spd. owned since 85
1967 302 4 spd 5.13

69Z28-RS

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Re: Identifying Original Console Gauges
« Reply #44 on: February 09, 2014, 04:13:41 AM »
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.. 
09C 69Z28-RS, 72 B 720 cowl console rosewood tint
69 Corvette, '60 Corvette, '72 Corvette
90 ZR1 red/red #246, 90 ZR1 white/gray #2466
72 El Camino, '55-'56-'57 Nomads, '55-'57 B/A Sedan