1961 Heater Control/Clock Panel

[M W.]

Can someone with far more knowledge than I have tell me what the differences are between the current reproduction heater control/clock panels and the one that was original to my 1961? I am wanting to have mine replaced but unsure if the repo's will meet NCRS standards when judged. I would appreciate any help and if possible where a NOS can be bought.
Thanks,
Craig Willetts
NCRS #36551
1961 2x4 245 hp

[Ed Jennings]

Re: 1961 Heater Control/Clock Panel

The repos I've seen/used have a much rougher "brushed" texture than the originals. I have no idea how they would judge, but I can spot one at a distance.

[Jerry C.]

Re: 1961 Heater Control/Clock Panel

The current repro's and the later GM part are to shiney. The old originals have a matte finish. I have a 60 and got a point taken off for to shiney and is a later NOS GM. I tried to dull it down but the surface is very hard.

[John M.]

Re: 1961 Heater Control/Clock Panel

Just like Jerry, I take 1 point at every meet. If I put the original back on, I would probably take 1 point on condition due to the light pitting.The problem is that NOS plates are getting very hard and expensive to come by. The last couple I have seen are about $150 more than repro plates. You just have to decide how much you are willing to pay for 1 point!

Regards, John McGraw