Instrument Rebuild Service - Are These People Trustworthy?

[Skull-1]

Anybody ever used either of these two services and if so were you satistifed?   Are they trustworthy?  I am particularly interested in info on the second one listed...

http://www.autoinstruments.com/index.html

http://www.instrumentsrus.com/mopar.htm

[472 R/T SE]

I've used Gentry http://www.autoinstruments.com/index.html in the past, a couple times.  Quick turnaround and a great job.
Lately I've been hearing some negative feedback on him so I don't know what's up? 

If you send you cluster bezel off, give these guys a look.  They're who most outfits end up sending their clusters to but take credit for.
http://www.cvvacuumplaters.com/  Or you can do it yourself.

[Shakey]

If you search around this site, there have been some recent threads about disapointed customers of AI in FL, just like Mike had said.  I heard a lot of positive about them in the past, but some negative recently.  Another option is Redline Gauge Works in CA.

[Paul G]

I had my instruments done by Auto Instruments. Lots of problems. Had to send it back for a redo. Still have problems. Go elsewhere.

[Skull-1]

Many thanks guys.

Is the other restorer I listed reputable?

Any problems with his work?

[Sinister68]

I used http://www.redlinegaugeworks.com/.  They are a little pricey but they did exceptional work on my cluster!   

[Skull-1]

To a point price is not an object so long as the guys who fix it do the job right the first time.

I'm wary of sending my cluster to someone and then never seeing it again.

[MadScientist]

I just got my cluster back from Glenn at http://www.gcartrim.com/  I ve been very happy with it.  Very high quality work.  I had one cluster, 2 complete dash assy (gauge bezel radio bezel hockey stick etc), two sets of armrest bases, and other odds and ends done for around $1300.  That includes having the gauges recalibrated and refaced (incl Tictoctac). Turn around tie was reasonable for me (2 months)

If you call him, tell him Tom sent you.  I dont get anything from it, I just think hes a stand -up guy and does great work.

Heres some examples

MS

[Skull-1]

WOW!

I'll give him a shout.

Thanks!

[Shakey]

I used http://www.redlinegaugeworks.com/.  They are a little pricey but they did exceptional work on my cluster!   

Can you tell us more about what they did for you?

I am prepared to call them to ask about a complete restoration on my '69 instrument cluster and I am interested in upgrading some of the gauges to more modern internals.  I'd like to have the clock updated to include the quartz mechanisms and the amp gauge upgraded.

Did you have these done to yours?

What about the switches, did you leave them in when you sent it in or did you remove them and keep them at home?

Please tell us more and if possible, post some pics.

Thanks in advance.

[MadScientist]

No problem.  I will provide more info an pics when I get home tonight.  Glad to help.

MS

[MadScientist]

OK here are some more details:
He plated and detailed 2 cluster bezels, 1 radio 8 track bezel, 2 sets glove box extensions, 2 sets lower vent covers
Repaired screw mounts and scratches on bezel,  and 1 broken (clean) glove box extension
Plate 16 arm rest bases, replaced centering studs on some
Tach conversion, new clock stem, knob, renumber odometer, plated headlight rocker
rebuild headlight switch, thumbwheel, replate thumbwheel and
LED conversion

Total around $1600 (sorry about the $1300, I was thinking of some other work I had done)
Here are some more pics

[MadScientist]

Last one.  sorry about the quaity of the pics.  If you need anything in particular I can get them this weekend.  I need to go back through and get better ones of all the re-done parts for my records anyway.

MS

[Shakey]

Thanks fellas.

I spoke with Redline gauge works earlier this week and I have decided to send my cluster to them for the restoration.  They will strip and paint all of the gauges as well as upgrade the tach to utilize electronics, which in turn will make it compatiable with modern electronic ignition systems.  They will also upgrade the clock to use quartz mechanisms and upgrade the alternator gauge using some VDO technology from Germany that will eliminate the potential for fire.  I had read about this in MCG in June 2006.  They will also restore the odometer and reset it to zero.  This should take about 12 weeks.

As far as the switches go, they farm them out to GcarTrim in WA for rebuilding and replating.  I will most likely remove them from my cluster and send them to Gcar myself to cut out the middle man.

Redline recomended CV Vacuum platers to rechrome the bezel around the instrument cluster however I met a fellow at Moparfest that will do just a good of job and he is a lot closer.  I plan on buying the woodgrain kit from PG classics in NB.

This will certainly put a dent in the bank account but who cares, well except for my Wife, who cares! 

[Skull-1]

Very helpful!!!!

[PocketThunder]

Thanks fellas.

This will certainly put a dent in the bank account but who cares, well except for my Wife, who cares! 

I thought about that too when i was paying big bucks for my dash restoration and i told people, you spend the most time with your car looking right at the dash so why not have it be really nice?

[MadScientist]

Exactly.