Topic: 65 Standard Instrument Cluster Finish

[ChrisV289]

What is the correct black supposed to be in the 64-65 instrument bezel?  I bought a new one from NPD (the chrome on the original was not up to concours standards) and the black seems to be flatter than my original housing and what I see as far as the NOS pieces on ebay.  I believe my dad repainted it at one time so I can’t say it is original but compared to the NOS pieces it looks the same.  My glove box door is also not as flat as the new bezel either. 

[CharlesTurner]

It should be relatively flat, satin at most.  The idea was to reduce glare where possible... which for 65 was kind of a joke with all the other chrome/stainless bits everywhere that could blind one on a sunny day.

[michaelvonlanthen]

Just received my NOS (or Service part?) 64 1/2-65 instrument bezel. Here some photos of it.
P.S. there is no part number or logo on the back visible - normal?

[ChrisV289]

My original did not have any part number on it but had a lightgray back to it.  Repro was all chrome in the back.  Here are some comparisons of the finish.  Reproduction on top, original on bottom...

[jwc66k]

There should be Ford part numbers and a FOMOCO (in a box) logo on the back side of all the pieces, except the lens, if it's original or NOS.
Jim

[michaelvonlanthen]

Jim, where should the FOMOCO logo and part number be located? The back of my believed NOS cluster is grey as well.

[NEFaurora]

"P.S. there is no part number or logo on the back visible - normal?"

I've never seen an Original NOS Ford one without one...

"There should be Ford part numbers and a FOMOCO (in a box) logo on the back side of all the pieces, except the lens, if it's original or NOS."

+1  I believe the same.


Yours having a Grey backing with no part number or Ford Logo is indeed interesting.  It may be something that has never been documented.  I would say more research should be done here..

In my personal experience, All the ones that I have ever seen that were original had the Ford Part Number and the Ford Logo molded into the top Plastic bar which is only visible if the part/dash cluster is removed from the car.

)

Tony K.

[ChrisV289]

So now I am questioning if mine is original or an NOS piece that the second owner might have changed back in the 70's until 1992.  Were they reproducing these back then or were there still NOS pieces available?  Here is the back of mine I took off.  I'd be interested to see an original one. 

[J_Speegle]

There are a number of possibilities IMHO

- Its a repo

- Its a later NOS or what is sometimes referred to as New Old Replacement Stock. Often service replacement contracts (to fill the need and shelves years after the car was made) are subbed out to multiple, new or different suppliers using the old blueprints

I looked around but I don't ahve a 65 handy - grabbed a 66 NOS one and its (chrome) on the back side with FoMoCo part number and a makers mark. Sorry the box does not have a shipping label so we can place when it was sold or on a shelf

[CharlesTurner]

The originals I've seen were gray on the back, but more of a satin plastic appearance, not shiny.

I don't remember ever seeing an engineering number molded into the back of a standard '65 bezel, vaguely recall a FoMoCo inscription.

[Hipo giddyup]

I have a few originals handy and will try to post some photos soon. I feel that there is at least a FOMOCO on the back as others here have mentioned.

[Hipo giddyup]

 I took apart what I believe to be, an original 1965 cluster. The back of the instrument cluster itself has very few remnants of any chroming and no FOMOCO markings. I do not feel that this is a reproduction part. I have a 1964 1/2 gauge cluster I could take apart as well. It is original to my 64 1/2 and has never been replaced. I’m curious to see if it had any FOMOCO markings on it.

[ChrisV289]

Anyone else take apart an original cluster and find no markings?

[CharlesTurner]

I'm sure I remember seeing FoMoCo molded into the back, like inside one of the edges/cuts on the back side.  It was somewhat faint and not easy to find.

[suskeenwiske]

Anyone else take apart an original cluster and find no markings?

I couldn't find any marking on my original cluster either but will clean it up a bit and take a much closer look.

Ray