I need some good pictures of a new old stock GS455 dash cluster. As you all know the 455 cars got the wood grain decal. The place I sent my cluster asked me about details, not sure what they don't understand when I asked before I sent it if they restored them before and said they have. The reproduction were not close enough for me. Tim is looking into this as well. Thank you all out there!
For ‘72 a GS455 with the base interior did not get the woodgrain. It had the blacked out areas on the dash. Step up to the deluxe interior and woodgrain was included.
Yes, woodgrain on dash of all ‘70 big blocks, even those equipped with the standard interior. I’m not sure about the ‘71s but I would assume they are like a ‘72.
Well guys you will love this! I got a call from my guy who restores plastic dash parts and asked all the right questions. Thank you Tim from Bull Dog Rods and Customs for your follow-up on the pictures! The restoration shop saw pictures on line of the reproduction import and noted the chrome instead of black to chrome edge around the woodgrain edge. Can't wait to get my parts back and will forward pictures. The company expressed interest in doing more if you all interested, stay tuned! IDOXLR8.
No and I will post everything on this because it's not about my parts, but for all of us with our prized rides! I think the pricing was close to the reproduction parts being offered now, but the reproduction is not close enough for me, I'm a bit fussy about my restoration work. I will follow on this completely.
The black HVAC control is not correct, but the rest is an original 1970 cluster from a GS455, 179 trim code. This is the WB7 U9 Instrument Gauges and Rallye Clock.
Not sure who it was as I don't have his card with me but I am sure others here may know. The guy and his wife at the 2021 Nationals had reproduced the nicest woodgrain set I have seen available.
Here: https://www.v8buick.com/index.php?threads/new-dash-woodgrain-option.368484/page-2#post-3193942 https://dashwoodgrain.com/ FYI, the example they show on their website is not detailed correctly. the edge is not painted black like it was from the factory. So do not use this as an example.
That was one of the problems I had with the reproduction parts, also there is a problem with the fit of the woodgrain transfer.
The woodgrain kit from the company above includes woodgrain to fit an original dash cluster and additional parts that will fit the reproduction dash bezel (they are slightly different). If you buy woodgrain from anyone else, you don't know which shape you are getting until it arrives and potentially doesn't fit. These folks did their homework.
Once the repro cluster is painted properly with the black highlight around the woodgrain, its a very nice piece. I've installed a couple
I will post prices, pictures, and all the information when I get mine back. I really like the attention to detail that the company took the time to clarify the exact details on the restoration.
