HVAC panel-Ouline vs. Solid Lettering -VIN cut-offs?
I have 3307 with outlined letters.
Is the only difference the lettering, or are there other differences between the two?
Either one more rare?
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HVAC panel-Ouline vs. Solid Lettering -VIN cut-offs?
I have 3307 with outlined letters.
Is the only difference the lettering, or are there other differences between the two?
Either one more rare?
There are at least four different panel designs. Some people will claim that different designs were specific to diferent VIN ranges, but I personally don't believe it...I have seen too many untouched cars with panels that don't fit the alleged rangs, and I refuse to believe that changing out an A/C panel is a common ocurrance...especially on cars that have sat neglected for a couple decades.
There was a big topic on this on Old DMCtalk. There are 4 or 5 different models. They weren't VIN specific. James had mentioned that when the design was changed, they would dump the new labels on top of the stack of old ones. So once those were used up, they use the old ones again. And so on.
http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphot..._6087072_n.jpg
This is the panel from 3307.
Will anyone put pics up of different variations? How about what the panel looks like if you buy the decal from DMCH?
Here's a pic of #2100's. I personally really like this decal opposed to the others out there. I know Wolff has the outline style in #1768
Attachment 5134
Attachment 5135
Here is the non-outline version with HEAT and COOL labeling...
http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?at...6&d=1316115497
I've made it no secret I prefer the non-outline version the best of all of them. Too bad its not available new. Mine has a few scuffs on it. Perhaps I'll have some re-made when I get the instrument cluster decals made for my electronic/backlighting project.
When counting total styles of decals, lets not forget about the black-out ones on some protos and VIN 500.
Wow this is an even richer story than I thought. I didn't realize there were multiple versions of the non-outline decal as well, I thought it was just the first attempt and was replaced with the outline variants. These pics are proving very interesting. :)Quote:
Originally Posted by dmc6960
Here is the version you can currently buy from DMC...
http://www.delorean.com/store/images...rge/108921.JPG
Definitely don't love that one. The fonts don't go with the rest of the car and the outlines make it look like it's faded :( I've been handling mine like a baby when it's out of the car so I don't ever need to replace it!Quote:
Originally Posted by dmc6960
Another thing to note about the non-outline versions myself and jawn101 have, is that they are the only styles to match the typeface of the instrument cluster. Another reason why I think it is the best style. Never having seen a blackout one lit up, I'm unsure what the typeface on those look like.
Hear, hear. See my comment above :)Quote:
Originally Posted by dmc6960
And for posterity, here is the blackout one...
http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?at...4&d=1314149167
I like Jim's the best so far with the Heat and Cool Labeling....
So that is 4 variations so far if you count the "black-out" version, which we don't have any pictures of lit up.
I can tell you for sure a 5th version is just like Josh's, only the 3 warning lights for Cooling Fan Fail, Defrost, and Lock Doors have bright daytime labeling, not blackout like his is. Someone with that style will have to post a picture.Quote:
Originally Posted by DeloreanJoshQ
So I wonder how many of each style were made and in what order they were made.
We can assume the black-out version was first....
Mine is currently out of the car. I know some of these molded pieces have mold dates and part numbers on them. I wonder if they're all the same P/N? I will check mine for identifying marks when I get home and report back.
Here ya go.Quote:
Originally Posted by dmc6960
Attachment 5137
I can go get a better pic if you want.
And while you're out there, flip the cap on your headlight switch over! :) lolQuote:
Originally Posted by Ron
LMAO!...that is an old pic from before I put an auto-off one in.
(I've been looking for a turquoise lens to make it match better.)
Not much better....good cam had bad batteries.
If someone doesn't post a better one, I will:
Attachment 5140
Is your defrost on in that pic, lighting up the indicator?Quote:
Originally Posted by Ron
This is very interesting...
No, I think that's the "daylight" writing that was referred to - the text is printed as well as backlit. I think that's kind of crappy design as it really takes away from the 'eye catching' factor of having a previously unoccupied area suddenly light up on the center console.Quote:
Originally Posted by DeloreanJoshQ
This is what I have in 1601, too, and its my favorite of them as well. I was going to replace it; even bought the new decal, but I don't like the way the other looks, so its going to stay as-is.Quote:
Originally Posted by dmc6960
Send it back to Houston! We should send the message that we don't like the new decal and they should re-pop it in the no-outline style. Or at least make different versions :)Quote:
Originally Posted by Dracula
Same type on 2109. Here's another shot of that plate type:Quote:
Originally Posted by Ron
http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?at...9&d=1316140900
What luck, I was only 9 VINs (or less!) away from the outline type panel :) whew!!Quote:
Originally Posted by Ozzie
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ozzie
I'm sure that some might actually prefer that, and no offense is meant, but I really don't like it at all. I can't believe that was approved for production.
Is that what Houston is selling these days? I got a replacement from them 5 years ago that is the all blackout version.
It would be really interesting to get Nick in on this thread and see if he knows what order they came in. Maybe the outline plates were the early ones and were superseded by the ones we all seem to like better?
This is how it is in 2245, In my opinion it's the best design of the lot. Funny how people have different preferences on the AC decal.Quote:
Originally Posted by DeloreanJoshQ
This is also what's in 1905, and I would be VERY surprised if it wasn't original to the car. I, too, think this is the best design, I prefer no lettering/icons visible at the bottom.Quote:
Originally Posted by r00b
I got confused, so I have sorted them into what I see as 6 different types, in what I assume is the chronological order, but am probably way off
Type 1: Original blacked out type
http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?at...4&d=1314149167
Type 2: Solid Font without “heat” & “Cool” text, non-outlined heater colors, semi-blacked out warning lights
http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?at...4&d=1316113069
Type 3: Solid Font with “heat” & “Cool” text, non-outlined heater colors, semi-blacked out warning lights
http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?at...6&d=1316115497
Type 4: Solid Font with “Heat” & “Cool” text, outlined heater colors, blacked out warning lights (current DMC offering)
http://www.delorean.com/store/images...rge/108921.JPG
Type 5: Outline Font with “Heat” & “Cool” text, outlined heater colors, blacked out warning lights
http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphot..._6087072_n.jpg
Type 6: Outline Font with “Heat” & “Cool” text, outlined heater colors, highlighted warning lights
http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?at...9&d=1316140900
3416 has the same style as Jim's (#3 in Dangermouse's post), and it's also my favorite. I would only ever consider swapping it for a fully blacked out one if that was ever available. And I do need a new one as mine is all scuffed and scratched.
I really like #3 the best as well. I didn't know there was a version like mine (#2, non-outline) that had the 'Heat' and 'Cool' lettering. I think that balances the look nicely and is probably my favorite of the options.Quote:
Originally Posted by AdmiralSenn
I stand corrected. I have #4 in 1905 and as I said I believe very strongly it is original.Quote:
Originally Posted by Dangermouse
You have the same one that DMCh is currently selling? I wonder if they are NOS and do they have several different types available?Quote:
Originally Posted by tiger38117
2743 has Type 2 above, the same as 2100.
The VIN to panel correlation seems to be totally random (at least based on this limited sample set) - which is so fascinating to me I can barely express it. This goofy thread about fan speed stickers has really got me thinking :)Quote:
Originally Posted by Dangermouse
VIN 2075 has Type 6 & I have no reason to believe it's not original (looks like really old glue holding the face on the panel). Looks just like Ozzie's (VIN 2109)
You don't say. Let me guess about 30 years old just like the 30 year old NOS decals DMCH sells. There ALL Old. How about: the glue looks really weathered like its been there a long time.Quote:
Originally Posted by jmettee
Sorry couldn't resist.:biggrin:
FWIW: I've seen Type 6 on very early VIN's and have always associated that rather unrefined look to the early cars.
VIN 5180 originally had type 3 but now has type 4
Yeah, yeah, we get it, you guys are all down on type 6 decals.
:)
For me, not driving any other DeLorean, it is what I associate with, and what belongs to 2109. It would be odd to have one of the other decal types, at this point.
Nah, type 6 just isn't MY favorite. You are correct though an early car would not seem right with a late style in it. But then again unless you happen to know the difference, it really would not matter to a new owner who did not know there was a difference. I had type 3, which had started to peel up and look shabby. When I replaced it 16 years ago I had no idea I would be getting a different looking NOS decal. But of all the types I like type 4 the best. But that's just me.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ozzie
The fact that 5 of these types are not available NOS makes a person want to take care of what they have, because the replacement will not be the same.
I'd like to hear from some 82 or 83 owners to hear what they have. 5180 is the latest owner here and that's about the 1/2 way point in the vins.