Not having a lens in my hand , is it possible that they could be reproduced in small quanities using sheet as described and cutting on a cnc router or even a laser. Sheet usually comes protected and plexi is avail with a/r anti scratch coating that holds up quite well. Just a thought
Just an FYI, there is hardly any area of this lens that is flat. About the only area is the short section between each gauge pod. The area over each gauge pod is curved. At the top of each gauge pod the plastic makes a 90 degree turn and extends down to connect with the plastic gauge housing. There are indents where each of the attachment points are to attach the lens to the housing. If someone were to make a replacement lens out of flat plastic they would need to come up- with a new way to attach it to the plastic housing.
Randy Goodling
CCOA #95
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Don tells me that this would sell maybe 15 per year. Not good. Usually I try to split tooling over about 700 units (or more). Here is a thought: use 3d to print everything but the parts that have to be clear. Use flat clear lenses as inserts. It won’t be a commercially successful product but it might make a few people happy.
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Randy:
You are right about the lens’ concave/convex properties, but the rest of it is just to “place” the lens as molded, properly. While I know you think this may be crude, my lens has been in the dash now for over 10 years, is dust free, and works. Yes, I would like to have a factory part, but all the ones out there are ridiculously expensive by themself, or even more if I buy a gauge/lens package. I love Cougars to death, but, seriously, I built mine to drive and have fun in.
I never said that your repair method was crude. And it really does not matter what I think as long as you are happy with it. In fact I applaud your ingenuity in finding an alternative method to have clear lenses. My above reply was geared to answering drdesoto and xr7g428.
Randy Goodling
CCOA #95
Randy, no, you never said any of the stuff I mentioned. You have to understand that some of my methods or approaches to making some repairs or part substitutions sometimes nets me a bit of heckling, etc. I do have a thick hide and love to “start something” just to keep the true restorers on their toes. My ‘72 was rescued from a junkyard, and I’ve spent the last 10 years putting it back in ship shape. It’s a conglomeration of Cougar parts from ‘67-’76. The most fun I have with it is seeing if anyone can spot which part came from which year. The rest is Lowes, Tractor Supply, and ebay. It’s all fun.
Malcolm Greer
CCOA #10395
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