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Quote:G'day Hank,
back! Life has a a way of "getting in the way".

Hank, loved the Keels 'n Wheels. I think the wooden boats were the best. Good luck!

Back to the dashboard of a post or two.
I have this extra Clipper, faceplate and of course its silver.
I am using it to try and duplicate the gold color.
I cleaned and taped off a portion of it today.
I don’t want to do the whole thing in case I have to make multiple tries.

My first attempt does match the original gold pretty good but I am not sure that the gold on the original face place has not faded any.
That 60 year old anodizing may have faded under all that trim work.

I know the 56 face plates are different. I also think they were much brighter.
Does anyone have a decent image of the 55 face plate in its original color.
I’ve seen all the advertisements but I really do not trust the color in those.

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  silver plate.jpg (127.18 KB)


  Gold test.jpg (178.43 KB)


  comparrison.jpg (248.28 KB)


  comparrison2.jpg (216.47 KB)

Don't remember where these photos originated. One for sure is ebay but they all show a fair distance view of the dash. Maybe someone with a decent condition 55 can also take a closeup photo of the screen.

The third photo is a current ebay car and am curious what the extra knob between the lighter and radio is for. Normally the factory AC control would be in that spot at the same height as the others as shown in the top photo but no such option here. Rear speakers were supposedly not an option on convertibles and the top switch took that position so maybe someone figured how to mount a speaker and that is the control for it.

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  55 dash with AC.jpg (299.76 KB)


  55-6 horn contact ring.jpg (220.75 KB)


  s-l1600.jpg (225.66 KB)

Thanks

1 looks glossy and the other 2 look flat or matte.

I've got at least one more test that I want to do. When I'm done I'l probably just pick the one I like best and go with.
The 56 dash in this image just pops out at you.

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  56Dash.jpg (97.72 KB)

Quote:
The best solution. That way you will not be disappointed.

Quote:
Could be the lighting but to me the dash in the photo is way too yellow and bright. Rather than having a subtle elegance it looks painted.

I tested all 3 colors on that silver Clipper dash face plate.

They are A,B & C (from left to right).
C is the first one I posted a few nights ago.

B. (In the center) is way to bright and more green then gold.
A. Is pretty similar to C but C looks better when I apply the clear coat.
I guess am going with C.

Yes, its paint and its not my preferred method of restoration but a guys got to do what a guys got to do.

Also, I got the power steering pump rebuilt. It was a piece of cake just like you guys said it would be.

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  AllThreeTest (1).jpg (253.25 KB)


  AllThreeTypes.jpg (211.98 KB)


  PSpump_rebuilt.jpg (104.67 KB)

All done with that part.

No drips, runs or errors.

Still have the paint the dash itself. So, putting the faceplate away for a little while.

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  AllPainted.jpg (211.21 KB)


  ProductsUsed.jpg (257.33 KB)

I think the color you chose looks great. I was going to say that this one looks the best of the bunch. It'll be nice to see the dash put back together!

-Kevin

Stewart, the color you chose is very close to our '55 Clipper's dash. You are doing fine work.