1938 LaSalle dash insert WANTED

[Rod Dahlgren #19496]

HELP! The dash is toast! -- Yes, Plastic has been in the sun for too many years! This is the grill insert that has the clock and ash tray. I NEED ONE! The metal bars are easy to make, it is the plastic that is going to be a problem. I dont care if the ash tray is not functional. I have spoken to a couple folks that suggested 3-D printing and waxing up to cast one. But NONE have been the actual person that says-- "I Can Help"

[Brad Ipsen CLC #737]

I assume you know that a repo was done years ago.  It was not really good but with about 40 hours of work could be made to work and look okay.  Every 38 Cadillac and LaSalle had this same dash, and every car needs a new one that doesn't already have the previous repo.  This is a project that should be done.  With the new technology of 3D printing, it should be a reasonable project.  I don't have enough years left to take it on but I do have the factory drawing of one of the plastic parts.  It would need to be translated to a CAD drawing.  It has all the angles and dimensions on it.  It would form the basis of making the other side also.  Then the only piece needed to be drawn from scratch would be the base piece.  Photo is my old repo.  I will provide a copy of the drawing to anyone wanting to take this on and any help I can provide.   

[Rod Dahlgren #19496]

I sure wish SOMEONE would step in and help do this!

[tcom2027]

Good morning,

Years ago there was a guy in Mo, Ted Ruhling, who made repro dashes for the '38s IIRC. ( 816) 524 2769

I've seen them on eBay once or twice over the years. The date on the file card I have  card  is May, 2010 . No other information on the card. 



tony

[Brad Ipsen CLC #737]

Yes, Ted was the one that made these.  When he passed or maybe before Bruce Berghoff bought all of the remaining kits he had and did the work to finish them. I believe he sold all that he had before he passed.  As noted there have been a couple of unfinished kits that people bought and never used on eBay.   

[Rod Dahlgren #19496]

Well, I hope someone sees this post and steps up. I'm stuck until I can get something for this car. It is otherwise a very nice LaSalle convertible.