Replace vs. Restore Interior Parts, Guages, Grill

[Mopar_King]

1968 Charger -

My wiring harness needs to be replaced and I fully understand the undertaken and cost associated with the project (I not doing it). We have a temporary fix for now.

I am not the kind of person that feels like every part has to be original to the car. However, I do want it period correct.

A few questions:
What, if any, parts are cheaper to restore vs. replace with OEM, reproduction: dash bezel set, gauges, etc.

One of my headlight doors is goofy and it needs to come out. It looks like the grill has been repaired before and it might not handle coming out again and get painted, touched up etc. Same question: Does it make sense just to buy a complete set from Classic Industries or another supplier vs. restoring the grill, paint, etc.?

I am sure I can get some funds back with the parts I replace for someone who is building a solid driver.

Thanks,

MK

 

[Rick]

I replaced the wring on my 66 satellite with one of the more expensive after market kits and also on my 74 satellite with one of the more affordable kits. I did it because of wiring problems I was having and thought it would be better and cheaper than running down the mulitple problems I was having. The advantage to upgrading the wiring is it also for additional options to be added as well as by passing the old ammeter connection in the cluster panel as well as upgrading the old wiring and fuse block.

I also switched out the cluster panel and custom made my own. This can get expensive depending on what guages,bezel and etc that you go with.

My vehicle is non numbers matching so originallity was not an issue. To me that is what it comes down to. You can buy OEM look alike harnesses and keep the orignal cluster panel if you want. Period correct cluster panels are expensive compared to the wiring harness.

 

[Dennis H]

There is an M+H under dash wiring kit on the shelf from Year One waiting for install. I plan to install the factory type ac vents that I paid too much for in my non-ac car. Other than the radio, I plan to stay with the original look - not going with white gauge faces etc. Would appreciate better lighting if I can get it. I too am open to improved technology but not wanting a custom look.