[DeTomaso] Gauge panel question

[Kirk Evans]

Mike,

All of the early two pod dash cars had metal gauge panels and the later 
single pod dash cars had the plastic type you described. They went back to 
metal once the plastic version ran out---the shape was similar to the L 
model but not an exact duplicate. I have made all 3 designs including a 
polished stainless trimmed L model replica. I'll send you pictures Mike of 
the various shapes and styles including the 74 replica installed in a car 
like you did with yours.The only visible difference with my  replica was the 
gauge panel center is semi black paint rather than a leather grained look 
like the original. The outer trim was polished bright stainless like the 
original 74 style which was plated plastic. The black paint center mirrors 
the dash insert used in the single pod dash which held 3 extra gauges, a 
full sweep oil pressure, full sweep water temp, and vacuum all mechanical 
type refaced to look like Vegela originals in the lower console  The 
customer preferred smooth paint rather than a leather print or wood grain 
look beside/around all of the gauges.

If any one else is interested in seeing pictures of the different years 
against a fiberglass or any interior version finished, let me know  and I'll 
send pictures your way.

Kirk

----- Original Message ----- 
From: <MikeLDrew at aol.com>
To: <detomaso at realbig.com>
Sent: Saturday, February 21, 2009 2:36 PM
Subject: [DeTomaso] Gauge panel question


> Hi guys,
>
> I've got a question somewhat related to our gauge panel discussion.   When 
> my
> car still had its original two-pod dash, the instrument panel was a piece 
> of
> bent metal with a chrome strip running around the outside edge, covered in
> naugahyde.   When I switched over to the L-model interior, I was able to 
> source
> all the parts from various sources (used) except for the gauge panel, 
> which I
> had to buy new from Wilkinson.
>
> He supplied what was purported be an NOS panel, and I was surprised to
> discover that it was made of plastic, flash-chromed around the edge, and 
> covered
> with naugahyde.   I assumed that this was just part of Ford's effort to 
> cheapen
> the car, and that all single-pod dash cars came with a similar plastic 
> panel
> for the gauges.   (Which obviously compounds the gauge grounding problem)
>
> Just today Chris Difani offhandedly mentioned that both of his
> single-pod-dash cars had metal instrument panels.   So the question before 
> the court is:
>
> For those of you who have single-pod dashboards, what is your gauge panel
> made of?   Could it be that mine is post-Ford spec, i.e. GT5/GT5-S?   Do 
> they
> have plastic panels, but original L-models have metal?
>
> Inquiring minds want to know.
>
> Thanks!
>
> Mike
>
>
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