This is the reponse I received from the gentleman who makes the white face
gauges for the early Z cars. They are new faces to be used with existing
gauges. The response from the few people I know who have them liked them.
If anyone really has a interest, let me know.
Michael
To: Michael Graziano
Subject: Re: White Face Gauges
Michael:
Making the gauge faces is not a difficult process, but making them the way I
do
is pretty expensive to get started in. I definitely won't make my money
back
for quite awhile.
Anyone can make a cheap, functional gauge face by scanning the original face
and drawing a new one over it in Photoshop or another program, then printing
it, cutting it out and sticking it to the original face.
The printing is the tough part, because different inks and materials react
differently to heat and cold. My process seals the image between two layers
of
lexan, so it can't fade or flake off. I experimented with other materials
in
the past - none of them lasted more than a short period of time.
The materials for my process would cost at least $700.00 to get started,
plus
you'd have to either purchase or have access to a large format, high
resolution
printer that will handle roll stock, and a decent roll type laminator. The
printer I use cost me $12,000.00 USED! It was 4 times that when new.
Unfortunately, the lexan and adhesive materials are not available in sheets
or
small format.
Another downside is cutting the gauges out. I currently use a die that I
had
made, but am about to start having them laser cut in the next two months,
which
is much more easlily adapted to varying models, plus the cuts are cleaner.
Short of this, you would need to cut them by hand - and it's easy to mess
up!
I've got tons of ruined hand-cut gauge faces from the first days of my
company
that I now cut up and send out as material samples.
I would love to do some work with your MG friends if they are interested.
The
price of $99.00/set would still apply, but I would need an original set of
faces (not whole gauges), which would be returned to the owner with the
first
order. I'll also install the new faces for no extra charge.
Let me know.
Best Regards,
Jim Leutgens
L6Z, Inc.
Michael Graziano wrote:
> Jim,
>
> I few people on my MG list are considering white face gauges for their
B's.
> Was it difficult for you to design white face gauges for the Z cars?
Would
> you mind telling me a little about the procedures you used to produce
them?
> Or would you consider making a few for the MGB is you had some gauges to
> work of?
>
> Michael
>
> __/__,_
> _____(_o___o_)_______________________
> / \
> | Michael Graziano |
> | Long Term Capital Management L.P. |
> | Phone: 203-552-5706 |
> | Fax: 203-552-5869 |
> | Email: mgrazian@ltcm.com |
> \_____________________________________/
|