I have two 1973/74 Pantera factory gauge panels. Both of them cracked on the bottom screw hole. These are a few of options that I have considered. I thought about having one 3d printed. I made one out of aluminum and was thinking about painting it satin black or covering it in leather. I also purchased a carbon fiber piece which looks nice but I prefer to keep the factory appearance or as close to it as possible.
Any thoughts, suggestions, or solutions are appreciated.
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The early panels were steel with a vinyl covering, so a metal with leather would be in keeping with early cars.
IIRC, Larry did a write-up on how he was able to reconstruct the trim around the panel, using stained glass techniques.
Maybe he can dust this back off?
Chuck
A photograph of your damaged panel would be of value to evaluate repair options
The late gauge panels were a one piece plastic that included a chrome-plated perimeter portion. I am unaware if any vendor is reproducing this panel, and, of course, the chrome plating is prone to deterioration over the years.
The early panels, as Julian noted, were vinyl covered metal with a separate chromed, brass channel perimeter trim.
and yes, I modified an aftermarket horizontal gauge panel to fit my early console. The early/late center consoles differed in style and dimensions. I then collected a bunch of the early chromed brass trim, had it TIG welded and chromed to create this:
The 1973/74 panels are all plastic. I also have a 1971/72 NOS panel which I purchased to replace the broken 73 piece but upon receiving it realized it is similar but different. The early panel is a better built piece.
David I knew you would come through as always. When I did a google search on Pantera gauge panels I think I saw that image that you posted. I think your gauge panel looks very nice, which is what I was also thinking of doing, but was thinking of different ways to replicate the chrome trim that surrounds the panel.
Larry, nice job modifying the chrome to create you gauge panel.
I also thought about the trim around the gauge panel. My thought was to have one machined from billet aluminum and have it chromed. Don Byars talked me out of it. His exact words were "less is sometimes more"! It would have been nice though.
To replicate the trim I had also thought about having it machined but out of polished stainless and or getting L shaped or U shaped channel stock and bending it to fit.
I liked Larry’s idea of using and modifying OEM brass trim. I started looking into what sizes are available in L or C shaped pieces in brass.
I had contacted Evod Industries about making one as they make very nice wheels, dashes, and other custom parts but it was going to be expensive.
@lf-tp2511 posted:A photograph of your damaged panel would be of value to evaluate repair options
The late gauge panels were a one piece plastic that included a chrome-plated perimeter portion. I am unaware if any vendor is reproducing this panel, and, of course, the chrome plating is prone to deterioration over the years.
The early panels, as Julian noted, were vinyl covered metal with a separate chromed, brass channel perimeter trim.
and yes, I modified an aftermarket horizontal gauge panel to fit my early console. The early/late center consoles differed in style and dimensions. I then collected a bunch of the early chromed brass trim, had it TIG welded and chromed to create this:
Instrument Specialties in Rhode Island can chrome plastic parts. I had them chrome one of my 73 gauge panel surrounds. They were featured on Graveyard cars.I called a few vendors awhile ago and they are not reproducing that part.
I considered having the part 3d printed, but am not sure of how the quality or cost would be.
@jimmym posted:I had contacted Evod Industries about making one as they make very nice wheels, dashes, and other custom parts but it was going to be expensive.
Jimmy, Shaun Dove, the owner of EVOD, used to be a Pantera owner and even a member of these Forums. He hasn’t posted anything here for nearly six years. EVOD is highly regarded in Hot Rod / Street Rod circles and their work is second to none. If they can’t do it, it can’t be done. Not cheap though but you get what you pay for (most of the time!). They machine wheel centers for one of our Vendors. Shaun has begged them to let him start with a thicker billet, so they can create a center with more depth, that’s closer to the original in appearance. The vendor refuses because it will cut into his profit and if he tries to raise the price, Pantera owners won’t pay it, or so says the vendor. No, Shaun wouldn’t tell me which vendor he was talking about. Luckily, we now have Augment Wheels, who don’t have the same feelings about Pantera owners, that "the vendor" has.
David, I agree with you. They do beautiful work, not only for the wheels that they make but any accessory that you could imagine. That is why I reached out to them. I spoke with the owner quite awhile ago. I can’t remember if was for the gauge panel when I was just starting on my Pantera restoration or a set of wheels. He was very nice to speak with and told me he had a Pantera as well and if there was anything he could help me with to give him a call.
I would like to thank Lemans 850i (Roland) for a great idea he gave me when he had a part made using a water jet machine for his gauge panel. A local metal fabrication made two gauge out of aluminum using their water jet machine. One that would fit exactly inside the plastic bezel and a second piece that would be slightly smaller that could be wrapped in leather. I was going to use some leather left over from when I had my interior done but found some thin adhesive leather on Amazon which covered the aluminum well. They have cad files on the gauge panels and the surround.
Even though the plastic surround was in good shape they made me a surround in 304 s/s and then made a smaller surround which was welded to the outer piece that the aluminum would sit on.
Hi Steve, Bedard Sheet Metal Company in MA did the fabrication.
I would also like to mention that these pieces were not plug and play. They did require some (filing, sanding, and buffing) just in case anyone else decided to go in this direction and thought that they could be used right away. EVOD’s product would most likely be a plug and play and they do great work.
I believe another member on the forum had a part made by Greengate3D.com, a company who does 3D printing.
On an episode of Bitchin’ Rides they had some 3D printed parts done by Stratasys. When watching some of the cars shows on Motortrend TV I take some notes on products and services that I might need at the time or in the future.
Looks very good!!! I’m glad that some of my ideas are helpful…. 👍
