The Reproduced Bezel Arrives

The reproduced bezel took a week to come and upon inspection I noticed a few differences from the original.

1. The flat argent on the inside of the viewports was as expected ... not there. It was painted the same shiny chrome finish as the rest of the Bezel.
   
2. The lettering on the lens was in a different font than the original. Is flat and fat compared to original equipment manufactured by FoCo. 
   
3. The holding tabs for the chromed frames for the FUEL and TEMP were not in the same position as the originals.There are 3 tabs holding each of the rings on the lens. The bottom tab of the reproduced set is placed 1/16" lower on the ring. 
4. The M in the lettering for 'TEMP' was smudged and messed up ..Overall manufacturing quality of the bezel as well as the lens was less than the OEM.

   

   Mask Quality of Reproduced Lens

Other than these items the chrome finish was bright and beautiful and a much better finish than I got with the chrome colored rattle can stuff. So, I think the plan for refreshing Old Blues Instrument Cluster will be a mix of the new parts and the old parts to retain as much of the vintage elements as possible. Tasks include:

1. Clean old plastic lens and use with new bezel
2. Clean both optional gauges (Alt and Oil Pressure) - Chrome polish outer rings, buff plastic lens, paint needle
3. Use the new chrome rings mounted on the old lens for standard gauges (Fuel & Temp), paint the inner face of rings Ford argent
4. Paint the new bezel's inner face Ford argent 
5. Paint needles of speedometer and standard gauges fluorescent red.