Info for a newbie

[Morgy]

Hi Ned
   
   I have seen 3 dash types... i may have this wrong tho. FAI and 427 style flat lower and one with a curved lower section in the middle?

[Cobra Ned]

I believe each of the AC 289's were equipped with the same flat-bottomed dashboard.

[rsk289]

Sorry Ned, not according to p. 80 of Rinsey Mills' book (aided by one N. Scudder!) - the 289 pictured has the drop-down centre for the clock, as on a leafspring car.
   
   Roger

[rstainer]

The central instrument layout is, I believe, the key. If it's 3, 2, 1 (from top to bottom) the dash has a drop-down centre. If it's only 3, 2, the dash is flat bottomed.
   
   All road-going leaf spring cars and all 289 Sports coil-spring cars had, I believe, a 3, 2, 1 arrangement with drop-down centre dash when originally made; all 427s had a 3, 2 arrangement with flat-bottomed dash. But I could be wrong.
   
   RS

[A-Snake]

quote:Originally posted by rstainer
   
The central instrument layout is, I believe, the key. If it's 3, 2, 1 (from top to bottom) the dash has a drop-down centre. If it's only 3, 2, the dash is flat bottomed.
   
   All road-going leaf spring cars and all 289 Sports coil-spring cars had, I believe, a 3, 2, 1 arrangement with drop-down centre dash when originally made; all 427s had a 3, 2 arrangement with flat-bottomed dash. But I could be wrong.
   
   RS
   I'd say this one breaks the 3,2,1 rule ;-)
   
   

[A-Snake]

COX6126 was sold without an engine and it breaks the rule having a 3,2,1 flat dash.
   

[A-Snake]

This car is clearly a AC 289 Sport with a 3,2,1 drop down dash. This one is described as an 'early' 289 Sport in Mill's book. Notice it has a glove box lock like the ones used in leaf spring cars while the later AC 289 Sports show the type handle used on coil spring cars.
   Perhaps there is an early/late difference in the dash layout? [?]
   
   

[nikbj68]

quote:Originally posted by A-Snake:
   I'd say this one breaks the 3,2,1 rule ;-)
   

Is it possible this one was 'flatted' later in life to allow access for the fire extinguisher?

[rstainer]

A-Snake,
   
   6126 was 427-ized after arriving in the US (427 engine, side pipes, Halibrands etc), so no conclusions can be drawn from it regarding AC/Shelby period dash manufacture.
   
   Likewise from the green car: it has many other incorrect features, so its 3, 2, 1 non-compliance doesn't tell us much.
   
   RS

[A-Snake]

Article from Oct. 1967 showing drop down dash.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

[rstainer]

This is 6106 which, together with 6107, are the only AC coil spring 61XX cars to have early 427 type rectangular rear lights.
   
   RS

[rsk289]

quote:Originally posted by rstainer
   
This is 6106 which, together with 6107, are the only AC coil spring 61XX cars to have early 427 type rectangular rear lights.
   
   RS
   

   
   Interesting.  As this is a 'C' reg, for 1965 first registration (as presumably was 6107), that implies that AC went right down to the wire (Sept. '65) of the legislative cutoff before changing the design of the tail lamps.  Other, more 'mainstream' manufacturers, pre-empted this change well in advance.
   Thank heavens AC weren't stuck with an old job-lot of trafficators!

[A-Snake]

quote:Originally posted by rstainer
   
This is 6106 which, together with 6107, are the only AC coil spring 61XX cars to have early 427 type rectangular rear lights.
   
   RS
   

   
   This is COB6124 that shows a flat dash with early glove box lock.
   
   
   Hard to get a clear consensus of what dash is 'correct' on a AC 289 Sport ;-)

[rstainer]

It's not that hard if photo examination is restricted to cars in original condition. 6124 was '427-ized' (bonnet scoop, Webers, S/C rear wheelarch flares, 7.5"/9.5" alloy wheels) and only returned to more standard configuration recently.
   
   The 3, 2, 1 theory stands (I think).
   
   RS

[Morgy]

HI..
   
   I was told by the Vendor that the Dash was Original... or to his best knowledge it was Original..
   It had the same dash when in it was in its Black 427 look [:(] but i can not find any images of the car before this change...