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May 7, 2020 | 07:28 PM

DBrawley

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Joined: Oct 2009

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From: Upland, California

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Hi there, Bill! As always I hope you and yours are all well and safe! My question today involves a re-visit to my instrument cluster lens problem. I have done all that I can do to the original lens with little if any improvement. In an earlier thread you were able to provide me with part number C8UZ-10880-A .. Instrument Cluster Glass / Obsolete, which, of course, no one has. The nice folks at Dennis Carpenter are selling a repro, part number D3TZ-10880-A however this is listed as being for 1973 and later Econolines. (Mine is a 1970). My question for you is: would the later part number interchange with the older style at all? Is it possible that the two parts were the same but given different numbers to reflect the different instrument clusters installed? Any guidance would be MOST appreciated!
Sincerely,
‘Dave Brawley

Jul 26, 2020 | 07:39 PM

72rustwarrior

5th Wheeling

Joined: Apr 2010

Posts: 37

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From: boston, MA

I'm in the same Lens, I mean Boat

did you make any progress yet? The question is what are the dimensions of the C7TZ-10880-B, compared to the C8UZ 10880-A and do they have the same angle/curve? They both appear to have the same 14.5" length, but do the holes lines-up and all? I will try to check this week with Carpenter as I am trying to see though the fog...

Jul 26, 2020 | 09:29 PM

annaleigh

Logistics Pro

Joined: Oct 2014

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Do you think it would be possible to make a new one yourself? Plexiglass or lexan can be cut, heated, bent, shaped and drilled. If done correctly it will not distort.

Jul 27, 2020 | 03:24 PM

72rustwarrior

5th Wheeling

Joined: Apr 2010

Posts: 37

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From: boston, MA

yes, I actually am going to try to make one, using the old one as a template, we'll see how it goes... Of course, with the virus, the price of plexi is sky high right now, but I think I have a few pieces to practice on. I have to make a form for the radius and then try to cut or glue-on the tabs on the ends.

Jul 27, 2020 | 04:11 PM

annaleigh

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Joined: Oct 2014

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Could you use a piece of aluminum (thicker then flashing) and make a template? Years ago my dad made new curved windows for a boat we had. He put the aluminum windshield frame on the work bench and used a series of clamp on heat lamps on both sides of the plexiglass. As the plexiglass very slowly heated, the weight of it formed the curve in the windshield frame. Once in the proper shape, he clamped it in place and removed the heat lamps. Then he just used a ,marker to line the frame on the plexiglass and cut 1/4" to the outside of that line so the the plexiglass would fit inside the frame.
I doubt any of that may help except perhaps using a mold and heat lamps? If heated too fast it will distort. Using heat lamps rather then an oven, you can watch what is going on.

Aug 7, 2020 | 03:04 PM

DBrawley

Thread Starter

Senior User

Joined: Oct 2009

Posts: 149

Likes: 3

From: Upland, California

Second generation Econoline instrument cluster lens

Thanks for all the great suggestions! They are much appreciated! I have ordered a lens for a 1968-1974 truck from Dennis Carpenter and I will see if that fits with or without modifications. Hang on, everybody and let’s see what happens!

Aug 9, 2020 | 06:11 AM

72rustwarrior

5th Wheeling

Joined: Apr 2010

Posts: 37

Likes: 0

From: boston, MA

I spoke with Carpenter about that and was tempted to do the same. From what I could see, the outer dimensions will work, but there's a flat spot towards the middle extending to the lower portion (on the overall radius) and I think that will also not be a factor, as the overall bezel radius has enough space to accomodate. I will be very interested to see if that works and I will get one if it works for you.