[1966_L78]

On the 68-72 Auto consoles,

For the indicator lense housing, is the black metal piece EASILY fabricated? Is it just a flate piece (maybe with some slots cut into it)?

I think the "light housing" has alot of contours and theh oles for the bulbs, so that might be hard to fab...

I see I can buy the whole assembly repro, but don't see where I can buy just that insert.

I am looking at a "used" top plate assembly, but its missing that "black" insert...

 

[red68chevL]

Are you talking about the black plate that goes behind the indicator lens? If so, it's a thin flat piece of metal, the size of the indicator lens, with a bend at the end to hold the lens from moving. I could get you dimensions if you want.

 

[Les Saville]

Which of these are you looking for?

View attachment 7814

 

[1966_L78]

Which of these are you looking for?
View attachment 7813

View attachment 7814

I am looking for the black piece in the middle of your picture... I am getting a used setup, but that piece is missing... I know I can get the whole assemble new (repro), but I haven't seen the pieces individually...

Thanks...

 

[stroobydoo]

National Parts Depot has it. It's called a "backing plate,shift dial". I bought one from there a couple of years ago.

 

[Les Saville]

I am looking for the black piece in the middle of your picture... I am getting a used setup, but that piece is missing... I know I can get the whole assemble new (repro), but I haven't seen the pieces individually...

Thanks...

That is the "Lens backing plate" and it is $6.25 from www.oldmusclecars.com or 1.800.722.4828.

 

[1966_L78]

cool...

Thanks guys...

 

['69SS_L34]

On this subject... I've read at the reviews that the repro auto console kits aren't the quality of the original. I've located a place that has original consoles available, but would like to get opinions. Go with the original that may need some restoration or buy the new repro?

 

[Les Saville]

The new metal parts I purchased from www.oldmusclecars.com for my 68 console are pretty good but not as good as the originals.

 

[Bill Pritchard]

Go with the original that may need some restoration or buy the new repro?

Lisa,

Generally speaking, original parts are much better quality and fit better than the repros. That said, you have to remember that originals are +/- 40 years old, and may or may not have been 'thru the mill'. You really need to lay your hands on something original before buying (to tell if it's a hacked-up resto job), or else buy from someone reputable.

Also on this subject, one of my pet peeves is some of the poor quality repro automatic trans shift indicator lenses. On some, the font of the lettering is so obviously different from the originals, that it sticks out like a sore thumb :angry: