Scott Drake Brushed Dash

[LukeMustangMalta]

I've got a black 68 coupe with the black camera case plastic dash and gauge panel, and I'm considering changing over to the Scott Drake Brushed Aluminium Deluxe Panels



1) Thoughts on the brushed aluminum dash? Or do you think the black is nicer?
2) Whats the quality like on the Scott Drake? Is there anything better?

[madstang78]

I like the way the aluminum dash looks but I can't swallow the price for all the pieces that are aluminum.

[BiffStroganoffsky]

JME Enterprises has a billet gauge panel but you have to call for price (buckle in first) and availability (don't hold your breath). As for SD quality, I returned a dash button because the horse emblem was tweaked around the edge and was clearly visible in the packaging. I then went for the full package from B&B where they applied their own aluminum inserts but used SD plastic and badges. This time, the horse is cockeyed at about the :05 mark. You know it is the button insert because the trim panel and base for the emblem have holes and nubs that are meant to properly align the pieces.

The gauge panel lacked one or two of the nipples that align the backing plate that the gauges are set in. One is actually suppose to be flat and rectangular in shape, according to the backing plate, but is round on the SD instrument bezel. My repop from the mid 90's is actually closer to the original.

Also, I recently ordered the SD package of fender/trunk/hood badges and am in the process of returning them. There are several pits and welding style boogers/nipples under the plating that I cannot tell if they are manufacturing damage to the cast pieces, bad Q&A or contamination in the plating process that are likely to cause failure of the chrome and, eventually, rust cancers.

My understanding is Burton does the extra step of painting/silk screening the letters on the aluminum appliques whereas others use lettering on a clear tape to label the wipers and brakes. I'm not sure what SD does for their product as I've never purchased on of their complete instrument bezel and the images in their catalog and site is too small to tell. Actually, the image on the site seems to be barren of any script. The image you posted from CJPony should be accompanied by the disclaimer: only a representation of the actual item as that looks like a Burton piece and CJ's does sell some deluxe pieces from B&B.

I like the contrast of the deluxe panels in my basic black interior but I could see a different person with a different interior color preferring the black pieces for contrast. In the end, this is just my opinion.

Is there anything better...? NOS or re-plated originals.

[slim]

Originally Posted by LukeMustangMalta

I've got a black 68 coupe with the black camera case plastic dash and gauge panel, and I'm considering changing over to the Scott Drake Brushed Aluminium Deluxe Panels



1) Thoughts on the brushed aluminum dash? Or do you think the black is nicer?
2) Whats the quality like on the Scott Drake? Is there anything better?

1) I like the black camera case finish...looks classy to ME. You should do what YOU like!
2) Research it and if you want the best be prepared to pay.


Slim

[Boom]

The aluminum dash looks great but the price it too much in my opinion.

[red67fastback]

If you choose to to go with the brushed aluminum, make sure you get all the dash pieces from the same manufacturer because different manufacturers use different rolls of brushed aluminum and they may not match if you mix and match. Your salesman should be able to tell who they get it from. I know Mustangs Unlimited sells both Burton Reproductions and Scott Drake. I personally used the Burton Reproductions because the quality of the pieces seemed to be superior. (As a side note, the Scott Drake has a more concourse design).

[Agreen68]

I used the kit from Burton. Costly but definitely high quality.