quote:
Originally posted by Classicus
Classicus Posts: 09 December 2007 : 20:00:16
Unfortunately I've hardly seen any cars with your earlier dashboard layout, however having seen the close-up pics it does look a bit different. I know the factory had a continuous programme of improvements and would happily add extras if required for any brand new car or existing owner, yet although it's only a guess I wouldn't have thought that much would have been altered in the basic package offered between CF 7 and CF 9.
In the pic above of CF 7 it's hard to tell if there's a clock or not in the central console, however it is angled back whereas yours looks to be upright - obviously for the airco.
Fortunately, I am the current owner of CF 7 and I can comment on this.
OK, currently #91;and as we received it from Mr. Whitlam from London#93; the upper part of the instrument panel is as pictured. It has the angled back top center swich panel, and the driver's instrument cluster has a 8 guage cluster including: Speedo, Tachy, oil temp, oil pressure, fuel, water temperature, clock, Ampmeter. The clock #91;surprisingly enough#93; is top and center in this guage #91;I would have put the water temp flanked with oil pressure and oil temp personally#93;.
Where the current panel differs is below the central vertical divide of the panel... In the picture above there is a "J" shaped central portion which includes the heater controls and an ash tray... In CF 7 currently, this panel is different, it has a flat panel which fits the contours of the upper more closely, and includes the heater controls and a space for a radio, and a cigar lighter, the ashtray is now mounted on the transmission hump directly on top of the carpet.
quote:
Originally posted by Classicus
If you haven't already have a look at some of the interior pics on the Register for comparisons as well.
The switches on your central console are the same as on CF 7 although it looks like they replaced the window lift switches with the same switches used for the windscreen washer moter on CF 7. CF 7 also does NOT have A/C so the upper center panel is entirely different as a result.
The steering wheel looks very much aftermarket to my eyes, and the instruments themselves do not seem to be as well matched as the set in CF 7.
quote:
Originally posted by Classicus
Best of all ask Chuck Maddox who owns CF 7 for his opinion as by the sound of it his car is still very original.
Well, you have my opinion
... =) As I said the central bottom of CF 7's panel was modified between the time it was tested in all those magazines and the time Mr. Whitlam offered her for sale. Overall I prefer the current lay out to the "J" shaped center bottom panel.
quote:
Originally posted by Classicus
In fact in one of his early posts I remember him saying the seats still have the same crease patterns today as in some photos taken in the late 60's ! He might take a few interior photos for you ?
Can't help with the colour question I'm afraid....
[/quote]
Lighting is going to be a problem for photos #91;and it's a coupe too which restricts shooting angles, but I'll see if I can take a few if I get the chance...
As for color, I can't help you any more than Cass can... Other than to say, I would not be particularly enamoured of the Frua in White. Too plain Vanilla for me. The Frua looks great in nearly any color #91;Pink and white would be a couple of colors I'd try to avoid#93;. I'd recommend looking at the various colors other Frua's are displayed in the registery that Cass is working on, as well as some of the articles I and others have posted for ideas, if you're going to change colors.
I'll see if I can get some snaps taken, but I have been fighting the flu the past week #91;nasty business that#93; am not 100% and I still have Christmas shopping to do and all that.
-- Chuck
