Acquired an Aristocrat Dash - Face Restoration

[fivefix]

After years of searching, I found this dash at a recent swap meet. The seller was firm on his price and I left it behind but got his phone number. After a week of tough phone negotiations we settled on his original price and I bought it.

It has the original temperature gauge but a replacement US Gauge Co oil gauge.

I'm going to refurbish and use it in my Tudor. I say refurbish because it's well used and I'm not going to try to remove the battle scars. I'll polish as is and make it presentable.

Has anyone ever restored the face and if so how? What worked well? Suggestions?

 

[Ray in La Mesa]

What a great find! I would just polish it lightly to preserve the pattern.

 

[john in illinois]

I would not polish it at all. You would loose the original patina. It would be a slippery slope.
Very nice dash.
John

 

[burner31]

Well that's just too cool.
I'd inquire what the negotiated price was...but I'm afraid to ask.
I agree, just make it presentable and use as is...great find

 

[Bud]

I agree, use as-is.

As I understand these dashes, the gauges have to have an offset port in the rear to clear the gas tank. The Dunn gauges and the Rex-a-Co gauges are made that way. Other brands have a central port and may not clear the gas tank.
That was a nice purchase.