1st Prototype Reproduction 1964 Dashpad Sensor Grille just in!

[John Abend]

Hey guys,  after a couple of months of R&D,  I just got my first prototype repro 64 Dashpad Climate Control Ambient Sensor Grille in hand!  Came out looking pretty accurate to the original with only the loss of the surface graining.  But judging from the original, you can probably reproduce similar graining when painting to match the dashpad color.  Let me know what you guys think.

[Jason Edge]

Hi John,
It looks like a nice reproduction. For additional discussion feel free to post on our 1963/64 Cadillac Chapter Restoration and Authenticity Forum at http://6364cadillac.ning.com/forum/categories/restoration-authenticity/listForCategory

When you have your first batch for sale, also post on our For Sale forum at www.forsale.6364cadillac.com

I also spanned my Wait List for my Classic Cadillac Parts customers, and have 5 contacts on the list looking for nice sensor grills. As a parts seller for 1963 & 1964 Cadillacs for 18 years, I can attest that the 1964 in car dash sensor grill is definitely one of those "in demand" items and mine are usually picked up as soon as I bring a parts car in with a good one.

[John Abend]

Thanks for the advice, Jason.  Since you deal with 63-64 parts on a regular basis, maybe you could help with possible pricing.  I've seen few of these grilles for sale over the years and the pricing I've seen them sell for has been inconsistent, ranging from $60-160.  What range do you normally sell originals for?  Since I'm not extremely familiar with pre 65 parts, I wouldn't want to be pricing reproductions more than the average range a good original would sell for.

Also, as I never removed the original I used for 3D modeling from a dashpad myself, how did these secure to the pad?  From the looks of the rear opening and the sensor, it seems like it was "locked" in place via the sensor body.  65-66 had spring clips and screws to mount to the dashpad.

[Jason Edge]

I sell for about $45 but I also don't gouge people. I could easily get $75 or $100 but like the fact I have people coming back to me for parts 18 years on.  For instance I just sold a very nice, repaired, cleaned and ready to install 1963 390 front engine cover for $175. I see these sell for way over $500.
Anyway, I don't know what your production cost is, but know you want to make a profit.
As far as the attachment the sensor base twists and locks into the plastic grill base, and it in turn has a threaded stud that has a retaining bracket attaches to that has two legs and feet that grip on to the dash.  There is a nut behind it and as you tighten the nut it pulls the assembly up to the dash.

Here is a picture of the in car sensor assembly: