Brand New Reproduction of A/C Decal Early style and later style

[1batt4u]

Hi all,

I have been working on reproducing the A/C Decals. Just 2 of them, the best looking ones. Early style and later style. I do not like the other ones, especially the ones with the outline around them.

They will be better quality than the original ones, a little thicker material and will stick much stronger.

I recently bought a NOS(later style) but was not happy with it, so decided to have them reproduced.

Let me know what you guys think, if it is worth it and if vendors will be willing to buy a bunch.

I estimate I will be selling $30 each.

Those are the prototypes. I just have to let the company know to adjust the colors a little more to match the originals.

http://i59.tinypic.com/2zppn2f.jpg

http://i61.tinypic.com/b6zr13.jpg

[dmc6960]

Very nice. Now show it illuminated from there rear!

(And no, I've not made recent progress on the new cluster, though I do expect to resume work in late fall)

[PB Co]

My hero. Looks like a previous owner scratched through mine while removing to put some LEDs back there.

Honestly this seems like a no brainer for the vendors, I'm shocked no one had an offering already. Wasn't exactly at the top of my list. I think you'll do well.

I too am not a fan of the outlines, and prefer a matching font to the gauges.

[Bitsyncmaster]

I think you would get a lot of sales at that price as long as illuminated works as good or better than original.

My big complaint of the NOS one we get now is the letters on the "Fan Fail" and "Lock Doors" is so small you can hardly see when they are lighted. Also the temp knob colored rings on the new one let my LED board show dots where as the old decal does not.

[mluder]

Nice... I like it!

[Chris_Von_Bron]

The top one definitely is my favourite and if yours performs as well as or better than the original then you can count on an order from the good old U of K.

[NightFlyer]

http://cdn.newsday.com/polopoly_fs/1.4253749.1353647432!/httpImage/image.JPG_gen/derivatives/display_600/image.JPG

[djdogbone]

I'm sold, where do I sign up!

[jawn101]

Agreed, if they look good lit up, and MOST IMPORTANTLY - CAN SURVIVE THE IN CAR TEMPERATURES - I'd buy two just to have a spare. I'm not willing to change to the later style on my car but my decal is a little battered.

Great job, Billy!! :)

Edit: Also, don't forget there were I think 5 total styles? You'd make a lot of friends if you did all of them... :)

[PB Co]

I would also like to see the early black/completely dark version, if possible.

[Patrick C]

i would also like to see the early black/completely dark version, if possible.

yes!!!

[Bitsyncmaster]

Also, don't forget there were I think 5 total styles? You'd make a lot of friends if you did all of them... :)

I don't think anyone likes the outlined version. There must be a setup charge and the price goes down with larger quantities. So asking him to stock them all would increase his pricing.

[jawn101]

I don't think anyone likes the outlined version. There must be a setup charge and the price goes down with larger quantities. So asking him to stock them all would increase his pricing.

Yeah, I figured - just thought I'd point it out :)

[Shuttleman]

I want one.

[ramblinmike]

I don't think anyone likes the outlined version. There must be a setup charge and the price goes down with larger quantities. So asking him to stock them all would increase his pricing.

But I like the outlined version! :(

I will gladly buy a new one of these and trade for an outlined version if anyone is interested. :)

[Bitsyncmaster]

But I like the outlined version! :(

I will gladly buy a new one of these and trade for an outlined version if anyone is interested. :)

Sorry about that. I guess it's all what your use to seeing. If the OP goes into production, I'm sure he will want to get some idea of the numbers of decals he can sell to at least recover his investment.

[Tillsy]

Personally I'd want to see a sample with Dave's (preferable) or the OEM backlights lit.

[Alan]

Personally I'd want to see a sample with Dave's (preferable) or the OEM backlights lit.

I was thinking the same thing about Dave's LED backlighting. If Dave would be interested and willing, could one of the samples be shipped to him to install in his car as a test... or at least for Dave to demo out of the car as he had when he was putting together his LED panel?

[Nicholas R]

I too prefer the outlined version!! It's very bold to say no one likes the fascia that several thousand owners have, lol.

[Bitsyncmaster]

I too prefer the outlined version!! It's very bold to say no one likes the fascia that several thousand owners have, lol.

Sorry again. I was just going by past discussions on the decals that were made.

[tom kish vin. 4357]

Sorry again. I was just going by past discussions on the decals that were made.

Dave please buy 4 more Deloreans and set up each car with a different decal so we can see which one each of us like!!:yesss:

[Bitsyncmaster]

Dave please buy 4 more Deloreans and set up each car with a different decal so we can see which one each of us like!!:yesss:

Will do when you send me the money:yesss:

I actually tried to make my own faceplate since I did not need the light pipes. I put one of the NOS decals on it and compared it with the OEM faceplate. The lighting was the same on both. So I just decided that OEM was the way to go.

If I get another decal, I would put standoffs on that faceplate I made. I thought of just putting a flat head screw in each standoff location and make the standoffs of aluminum. Of course the hold down screw standoff would need to be glued onto the faceplate.

[Mark D]

Saw this for sale from DMCSeller on ebay. If anyone is planning on reproducing these you can pull some great info from these photos. The auction has 6 days left and it's only (starting bid) 5$ for the blueprint.

Perhaps the most interesting photo is of the revision block... It's a little blurry, but it gives a more accurate picture of what changed and when.

http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=29159&d=1406133757
http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=29158&d=1406133757
http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=29160&d=1406133788
http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=29161&d=1406133788
http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=29162&d=1406133826
http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=29163&d=1406133826
http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=29164&d=1406133857
http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=29165&d=1406133857
http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=29166&d=1406133883
http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=29167&d=1406133883
http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=29168&d=1406133905
http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=29169&d=1406133905

[jawn101]

Saw this for sale from DMCSeller on ebay. If anyone is planning on reproducing these you can pull some great info from these photos. The auction has 6 days left and it's only (starting bid) 5$ for the blueprint.

Perhaps the most interesting photo is of the revision block... It's a little blurry, but it gives a more accurate picture of what changed and when.

http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=29159&d=1406133757
http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=29158&d=1406133757
http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=29160&d=1406133788
http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=29161&d=1406133788
http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=29162&d=1406133826
http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=29163&d=1406133826
http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=29164&d=1406133857
http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=29165&d=1406133857
http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=29166&d=1406133883
http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=29167&d=1406133883
http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=29168&d=1406133905
http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=29169&d=1406133905

WOW, that is an incredible find.

[PB Co]

WOW, that is an incredible find.

No joke. Amazing original resource right there.

I have always been a fan of the original concept behind the console design. I had a picture of an early car with the all black panel. All text and symbols could only be seen once the car was started. My assumption is that the incandescent lighting was not adequate for daylight use. Perhaps this is the "prototype" the first revision references. You still have to wonder why they changes the font when it's obvious from the blueprint it was clearly defined as Univers.

Now that we have LED options, I would love to see the black panel offered. Good news, I have a terrible habit of ordering two of everything.

[Mark D]

Here's what info I was able to read from the rev block:
http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=29175&d=1406142361

The print notes describe what people refer to as the early "blackout" version before any opaque graphics/text were added to the front surface of the part.

"The Mask is to comprise a .15mm thick sheet translucent substrate to overall dimensions shown & cutout as indicated. Overprint opaque matt black overall except where window is specified. Substrate to be colored with translucent inks so that each window shows the specified color only when illuminated from behind."


IE looks like this:
http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=29176&d=1406142361

Further changes/revisions to create the white outline version with opaqe graphics, and the later solid color version do not appear on this print...From what I understand DMC pulled a new PN when the change was made from blackout to opaque color w/ white outline. Note that the PN shown on the print ( 105048 ) is an earlier number than what DMCH has listed on for a NOS label of later design. ( 108921 ).

My theory is they got the font correct the first time on 105048 (as shown on the drawing) and then when they changed to the opaque outline design for whatever reason they screwed up the font, only to fix it later on with a revision. Someone would have to confirm this theory by posting a photo of the 'blackout' version when lit up. My guess is that it will have fonts matching the photos above.

[Mark D]

I think this is the order that changes happened to the A/C panel. We know for sure the PN changed from 105048 to 108921 when they changed from the full blackout version to the outline design currently available NOS from DMCH. There may have been multiple other PN changes between the different versions.

If James at DMCH would be willing to check the drawing/revision dates for 108921 or post a few photos of the drawing then we could start to verify the order of events. I have a Version 5 label on VIN 6125 so I'll check and see if there are any part numbers listed on the back.

http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=29178&d=1406150280

[ramblinmike]

Sorry about that. I guess it's all what your use to seeing. If the OP goes into production, I'm sure he will want to get some idea of the numbers of decals he can sell to at least recover his investment.

No worries!

Some jerk destroyed my outlined version when they stole the radio before I bought the car! It is poorly glued back together and looks horrible. I found a later style with a good plastic light pipe panel a couple of years ago. I never put it on because I think my funky outlined version STILL looks better than the bland white letters.

Eventually I'll find one!

Mike

[DMC5180]

I never put it on because I think my funky outlined version STILL looks better than the bland white letters.

Eventually I'll find one!

Mike

Funky is right. I refer to it as Clunky. It reminds me of something that belongs in a late 70's AMC product. :biggrin:

[ramblinmike]

Funky is right. I refer to it as Clunky. It reminds me of something that belongs in a late 70's AMC product. :biggrin:

I completely agree! That's why I like it!

I think modernizing the look of the car takes something away. It's an early-80's car; it should embrace its inherent funky-clunkyness. Its kind of like the automotive equivalent of a perm. See a perm in a picture and the era is automatically understood!

Mike

[DMC5180]

I completely agree! That's why I like it!

I think modernizing the look of the car takes something away. It's an early-80's car; it should embrace its inherent funky-clunkyness. Its kind of like the automotive equivalent of a perm. See a perm in a picture and the era is automatically understood!

Mike


Yep that is true isn't it. Although I thought the Perm craze was in the Mid to late 70's also. I remember My Step-dad had one back in 74-77 ish.

[ramblinmike]

Here is my attempt at copying the early outlined bezel style. I've provided links to PNG and GIMP XCF versions of the image below.

Feel free to use this and/or tear it apart. It won't bother me - I have no idea what I'm doing.

If anyone has any idea how I can make this into a usable part for my car, I'd LOVE to talk to you!

Mike
29854

PNG Image (https://www.dropbox.com/s/3q4k3hy9hti8gtf/dmc_ac_bezel_1.png)
GIMP File (https://www.dropbox.com/s/1c4l3fs0ixddfqq/dmc_ac_bezel_2.xcf)

[1batt4u]

Here are pictures of the decals lit up. This is the best I could do. I also have to adjust the colors as you can see.

PLEASE stick to the topic!! I am also open to making the other versions, outlined and blackout versions, providing I have enough buyers and hopefully vendors will be able to help out and buy a bunch at a lower price from me. These 2 are the ones I am starting off with.

2993929940299412994229943299442994529946

[dmc6960]

Sold.

[Bitsyncmaster]

Nice looking result. I would like the red to be a darker red so as not to light up pink.

So is the front side just the clear and all the colored and black is on the back side? Just would not want fingernails to be able to scratch off any black.

[ramblinmike]

They do look great.

Sorry about the off-topic posts.

I was excited.

:)

[Tillsy]

Nice looking result. I would like the red to be a darker red so as not to light up pink.

So is the front side just the clear and all the colored and black is on the back side? Just would not want fingernails to be able to scratch off any black.

My thoughts are exactly the same as Dave - the red lights up too washed out, and curious about which side the printing has been applied. Otherwise they look phenomenal, absolutely outstanding work!

Dave what do you think about that intense amount of green impacting those of us with blue backlighting?

[kajcienski]

WOW, that is an incredible find.

I bought that and just arrived... Pretty spiffy! Not sure there is any more info than the pictures already provided, but looks very cool in a frame :)

The most interesting part is that it talks about the "blackout" decal. Basically mentions a thin black layer over the original. You could easily mimick this with a laser print on back of a textured poly and spray glued. Easy breezy,

[jawn101]

I bought that and just arrived... Pretty spiffy! Not sure there is any more info than the pictures already provided, but looks very cool in a frame :)

The most interesting part is that it talks about the "blackout" decal. Basically mentions a thin black layer over the original. You could easily mimick this with a laser print on back of a textured poly and spray glued. Easy breezy,

Damn dude. I was bidding on it for a while and then the price got WAY outta control. :)

[Bitsyncmaster]

Dave what do you think about that intense amount of green impacting those of us with blue backlighting?

Just need to test in front of my LED board but maybe the decals can be made with blue filters also.

[kajcienski]

Damn dude. I was bidding on it for a while and then the price got WAY outta control. :)

A few gin & tonics tend to "price blind" me... I paid more than I set out, but sad part is framing will most likely be more than purchase price.

[PB Co]

A few gin & tonics tend to "price blind" me... I paid more than I set out, but sad part is framing will most likely be more than purchase price.

Get some copies done up and offset your costs. It would be great to hang on the wall next to the thermostat at home.

If we get our pick I'd love to see an all white text option, if possible. Really great to hear the blackout version is on the list.

[kajcienski]

Get some copies done up and offset your costs. It would be great to hang on the wall next to the thermostat at home.

If we get our pick I'd love to see an all white text option, if possible. Really great to hear the blackout version is on the list.

Before I frame it, I'll get some copies made. Will start new thread when they are ready. I like the idea of black/white reversed.

[PB Co]

I'm after the blackout panel with white text for the car. Happy to stick with blue green, and it's great to see the efforts made for a new reproduction.

Reproduce the blueprint as is!

[jawn101]

Before I frame it, I'll get some copies made. Will start new thread when they are ready. I like the idea of black/white reversed.

Having failed at buying the original and after helping to drive your final cost on it up some, I'd probably buy a reproduction if you made them :)

[DMC5180]

A few gin & tonics tend to "price blind" me... I paid more than I set out, but sad part is framing will most likely be more than purchase price.


Check Walmart for inexpensive poster frames, unless you plan on going all out with matting and real glass.

[jawn101]

Check Walmart for inexpensive poster frames, unless you plan on going all out with matting and real glass.

You don't know Matt very well, huh... :)

[1batt4u]

Sorry for the delay guys, been busy with other stuff.

I took pictures of both style decals with a Blue LED bulb, with some light coming into the room, and last picture with less light coming into room.

Comes out good with Blue LED. It is more blue in reality than what the picture shows.

http://i62.tinypic.com/neaudd.jpg

[Tillsy]

Sweeeeeet :thumbup:

[dmruschell]

Just checking to see if there are any updates :)

[papanoel]

any updates on this?

[DMC-81]

Hi there,

I'm reviving this thread to find out what the options are on replacing this part? Does the NOS part exist anywhere, and if so, is it still any good, or is it dried out? Does anybody make reproductions?

Thanks,

[DMCMW Dave]

Hi there,

I'm reviving this thread to find out what the options are on replacing this part? Does the NOS part exist anywhere, and if so, is it still any good, or is it dried out? Does anybody make reproductions?

Thanks,

NOS (late style) Decals are available, NOS panels are officially not available - but I have a couple NOS and used.

[DMC-81]

NOS (late style) Decals are available, NOS panels are officially not available - but I have a couple NOS and used.

PM sent.

Thanks.

[Bitsyncmaster]

Hi there,

I'm reviving this thread to find out what the options are on replacing this part? Does the NOS part exist anywhere, and if so, is it still any good, or is it dried out? Does anybody make reproductions?

Thanks,

I have installed the NOS decal with no problems. You only get a one shot try to get it pressed onto the faceplate. I used some large dowel rod wrapped with tape to aline the holes in the decal and faceplate as I pressed it on.

[DeloreanJoshQ]

Any updates on replacements? DMC is out still with no ETA. I would prefer the "version 5" or "version 6" with the correct font to match the instrument clusters.

Thanks!

Josh Q

[1batt4u]

Any updates on replacements? DMC is out still with no ETA. I would prefer the "version 5" or "version 6" with the correct font to match the instrument clusters.

Thanks!

Josh Q

I kinda dropped everything for awhile, but pursing it as we speak. Which Versions are 5 and 6 again?

[Mark D]

http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=29178&d=1406150280

It was also recently pointed out to me by Dave M that version 5 has the red and blue bars switched on the center mode switch dial for the "Bi-Level" setting. This was corrected in version 6 back to Red on the top and Blue on the bottom.

[1batt4u]

http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=29178&d=1406150280

I went back and was looking at it as we write! lol

Thank you!

[Brian_SS_TT]

I vote for version 6¡ :thumbup:

[Mark D]

I can't help but smile when I think about the poor guy that had to work with the supplier to revise this part 5 times in less than 2 years. And I wonder what the supplier thought about DMC not being able to make up their minds.

[kajcienski]

I can't help but smile when I think about the poor guy that had to work with the supplier to revise this part 5 times in less than 2 years. And I wonder what the supplier thought about DMC not being able to make up their minds.

I'd be rather curious to know the story behind so many design changes.

[Mark D]

From the changes that were made it just seems like they kept making slight improvements to make it easier to use, resolve complaints, and to calm someone's OCD.

The initial concept was that the panel would be completely black when the car was off, and would only be lit when the car was running. From what I've read this made it difficult to see at times and to photograph for promotional materials. Version 1 was phased out very early on. The functionality of the lights did not change however, so that is why as soon as you turn on the ignition the backlighting behind the panel is always on. Had they done their due dilligence I think eventually the panel backlighting would have been changed to only come on with the headlights (as do the binnacle lights). Making a harness change is much more difficult than a label change, so at the time it probably didn't make sense from a cost standpoint to change the lighting behavior.

...

From version 1 to version 2: Changing from blackout to the fully outlined colored version was reportedly done to make the controls visibile when the ignition was off, and to make it easier to photograph.

From version 2 to 3: The bright colored and outlined text on the defrost and warning lights would have made it difficult to tell if these features were on or off in bright daylight, so this section of the label was changed back to the blackout style.

From version 3 to 4: Someone must have decided the green text with outline in white was too hard to read, or solid white looked better.

From version 4 to 5: Someone finally noticed the font did not match the binnacle instrument cluster, and also got rid of the remaning outlining on the temp dial. They also fixed the 'oops' in the previous revision where they forgot to make the top snowflake blue. They must have still been getting complaints about not being able to read the defrost symbol when lit, so that detail got changed from black to white.

From version 5 to 6: Someone must have noticed they screwed up the red and blue bars on the Bi-level switch, and also decided to get rid of the text on the temp dial.

[Bitsyncmaster]

There was a change in the indicator font size that does not show up in the photos. My OEM (think it was #5) had a large font which showed up the fan fail and door lock very well. I updated to the last one DMCH was selling and those letters are very hard to see when lit because they are so small.

[DeloreanJoshQ]

what do we have to do to make #6 available so i can buy one and replace my scratched up one?

[1batt4u]

what do we have to do to make #6 available so i can buy one and replace my scratched up one?

As I posted above I am currently working on them. Final details on colors.

[mburshtain]

Hey there, any updates on the reproduction project ?

[Bitsyncmaster]

Hey there, any updates on the reproduction project ?

DMCH now has new decals. I'm just waiting to need other parts to order one since the shipping charges were $18 on just the decal.

[DMC5180]

DMCH now has new decals. I'm just waiting to need other parts to order one since the shipping charges were $18 on just the decal.

Which version is it?

[Bitsyncmaster]

Which version is it?

I think it was the one I had and liked the best. It was shown on facebook. I will see if I can find a photo.

Edit:
This is a copy of the FB photo, copied to word, then created with a PDF. So the photo is not that good.

[DMC5180]

I think it was the one I had and liked the best. It was shown on facebook. I will see if I can find a photo.

Thanks Dave,

My current one is version #4. It is not original to the car though, but rather a replacement I bought from Darryl T. 20 years ago. I'm kinda partial to it. I like the crisp outline of the temperature arcs.

[Mark D]

One thing I noticed about the DMCH reproduction is that it's more of a hybrid between versions 5 and 6.

Version 5 is the only one that has the red and blue bars on the "Bi Level" indicator incorrectly swapped so that blue is on top. This was fixed in version 6, and the words Heat and Cool were also removed from the temp setting dial.

DMCH's reproduction has the Version 5 incorrect blue over red indicator for Bi Level mode, but has the Version 6 temp setting dial without the wording. Its hard to tell but it also looks like the size of the text is a little smaller, and the symbols are a bit larger, especially the defrost indicator.


DMCH Repro:
http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=37687&d=1446212410




.
.
.
Versions 5 and 6 for comparison:
http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=37689&d=1446212936

[Bitsyncmaster]

I've got one of the new DMCH decals on order but for some reason they are not shipping yet. When I get it, I can compare the results with my LED board.

[DMC5180]

I don't know if there is a set industry standard.

How I look at it is:

Bi-level is the location of the air source.

Upper vents typically blow cold air (blue)
Lower floor vents blow hot air (red)

To me the temperature arcs are backwards. The arcs should be mirrored
Cold on left (under) hot on right (over)
Rotate the dial CCW to turn down the temp and rotate CW to turn up the temp.

I guess it's just the perspective of how I see things in a logical way.

There is no right or wrong, the mechanics of the system are what they are.

If l was the designer of the system, I would change the temperature control. I'm sure back in the day, not much thought was given to it. The designers just used off the shelf mechanicals.


Dennis

[Mark D]

I don't know if there is a set industry standard.

How I look at it is:

Bi-level is the location of the air source.

Upper vents typically blow cold air (blue)
Lower floor vents blow hot air (red)

To me the temperature arcs are backwards. The arcs should be mirrored
Cold on left (under) hot on right (over)
Rotate the dial CCW to turn down the temp and rotate CW to turn up the temp.

I guess it's just the perspective of how I see things in a logical way.

There is no right or wrong, the mechanics of the system are what they are.

If l was the designer of the system, I would change the temperature control. I'm sure back in the day, not much thought was given to it. The designers just used off the shelf mechanicals.


Dennis

That's a good point about the actual function of the bi-level mode. I had to re-read the users manual to try and figure out which would actually be correct. This is the text from the manual:


BI-LEVEL - In this position and with the temperature control in mid-position, conditioned air is provided to he face level and door vents while conditioned warmer air is provided to the footwells and a lesser amount to the windscreen, Adjusting the temperature control will vary the temperature accordingly.

It sounds like blue on the top may somewhat correct, although the original drawings for the A/C label do show it as red over blue being correct. You could really interpret it both ways:

Warm on top from the windscreen vent, cool on bottom for the face and door vents.

OR

Cool on top for the face and door vents, warm on bottom for the footwell vents.

[Andrew]

PM sent!