Lighted Dash Label strip replacement

[sanibel]

On my 79 FC33, there is a backlit strip on the dash, has the labels for all the switches. It is getting pretty fragile, a little worse each time I go into the dash. Mine is still good for the time being, but looking ahead...

Anyone replaced it, any fabrication sources? Thanks

[mynavion]

Originally Posted by sanibel

On my 79 FC33, there is a backlit strip on the dash, has the labels for all the switches. It is getting pretty fragile, a little worse each time I go into the dash. Mine is still good for the time being, but looking ahead...

Anyone replaced it, any fabrication sources? Thanks

I wonder if a sign making company that makes plastic badges (like the fellow that used to be at the rallies) could replicate the strip. It is thinner material than a typical badge but because so, when their machine cuts the letters in the plastic it is thin enough for light to shine through. It might be worth looking into....

[MRPutz]

Two Crazy Ladies? They make all the Name tags, etc for a lot of our groups.

[Crit Bliss]

A friend worked at a marina where they made that sort of thing for boats, labeling equipment and so on.

[45forever]

Not being very knowledgeable on this subject but, the photo looks like something our graphic arts department used to do and it was done with a camera. The material was actually a film.

[sanibel]

it is a special plastic designed for backlighting, yellowish translucent back rather than white opaque, engraved like a name badge. Mine has a strip of blue clear plastic on the back, that may be a later addition for strengthening or to tone down glare.

The whole assembly seems a little "homemade" underneath. The channel that holds the light bulbs is a section of embossed aluminum roof panel. It is a perfect match for my barn roof incidentally. The bulb sockets are just crimped to the channel. But... still going strong 34 years later.

[Mustang88]

And here I thought somebody had butchered my dash! Mine is the same way but the strip has just about had it! Sorry, no solution yet, but I will post if I find anything.

[mynavion]

Originally Posted by sanibel

it is a special plastic designed for backlighting, yellowish translucent back rather than white opaque, engraved like a name badge. Mine has a strip of blue clear plastic on the back, that may be a later addition for strengthening or to tone down glare.

The whole assembly seems a little "homemade" underneath. The channel that holds the light bulbs is a section of embossed aluminum roof panel. It is a perfect match for my barn roof incidentally. The bulb sockets are just crimped to the channel. But... still going strong 34 years later.

John,

Since some of those lights were out, I replaced the whole row with a single LED strip. Works great, and shines through nicely though you may have to play around a bit aligning the LED strip for best effect....

[Crankous]

I know this is an old thread but I just cracked the end of mine off.... doh! Im going to super glue it but it needs to be replaced. Any luck anyone?

[Crankous]

Ok found a way to make some new ones. Unfortunately they are 80 bucks a piece if anyone is interested. I am going to get them made by middle of next week. Msg me if interested in getting one. Ill post pics as soon as they are done.