What to do with the AC front panel?

[sargentrs]

Ok, I'm about at the point of closing up my AC box and need to decide on this before I can. Here's the rebuild thread http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... =8&t=80023 The original panel was plastic, chromed edges and woodgrain insert. Mine's all busted up so I've replaced it with an aluminum panel. I'll be attaching it with some stainless button head allen screws and my new vent registors are chrome and black. I can't seem to make up my mind so what do you guys think? Here's photos of the old and the new and the inside color of my cab. I'll have black carpet and black upholstery with red piping, I think (another decision). Options I've considered...

1. Line grain finish and clear coat.
2. Paint red interior color.
3. Carbon Fiber overlay.
4. Woodgrain overly.
5. Gloss black with F-O-R-D hood letters.
6. Gloss black with blue oval Ford script badge and V8 badge.
7. Chrome powder coat or rattle can paint with clear coat/no clear

Anybody got any other ideas? Any and all input/advice is greatly appreciated.

[Canonman67]

I like the idea of the line grain finish. Option #6 seems like it'd be too busy.

[sargentrs]

Thanks for input, Canonman!

[48prerunner]

What do you have for an instrument cluster? I think it should match.

[scotty642]

If you would prefer to use the original registers, I have a CAD file with which you can easily have a steel panel made and can be painted.

Here's a pic of what mine looks like.

[sargentrs]

What do you have for an instrument cluster? I think it should match.

I'm using an F600 gauge panel with Autometer Sport Comp gauges. I've about decided to chrome powder paint it. Have a local shop that has a chrome powder that is really nice. It's one of my employers vendors and they'll hang it for free in one of their chrome batches.

[sargentrs]

If you would prefer to use the original registers, I have a CAD file with which you can easily have a steel panel made and can be painted.

Here's a pic of what mine looks like.

That looks awesome scotty! My original registers are toast and I'm ok with what I've improvised. Couldn't find 2 original registers that matched and the one's I did, 1 wheel type and 1 bar type, were too expensive for my budget. That's a great job you did on that panel. Hadn't thought about a two tone scheme.

[Ranchero50]

I would find 2 register that match out of something new (they usually just snap in to place) and make the panel simple satin black like the OEM would. I try to not draw attention to the custom stuff I've done, keep it subtle and sophisticated.

[sargentrs]

Thanks for the input, Jamie!

[48prerunner]

if you are going "chrome look" what about vinyl wrap if you dont like it pull it off.

http://alsacorp.com/alsa_film/all_films ... hrome.html

[sargentrs]

That's some cool stuff! Thanks for posting that link.

[mimku1971]

What did you do for the resitor on your fan switch ?

[sargentrs]

Going to go ahead and buy the Mustang/Torino variety and redrill the holes in my case. http://www.cjponyparts.com/scott-drake- ... 70/p/HSR3/