Went & did some tire kicking

Got a surprise for Jr.'s Christmas in today, an original Hurst factory shifter. Just need to clean up the chrome the best I can, put in new shift rod bushings & find a box I can put it in to wrap. It did need a new dust cover which also came in today & already installed. I tripped over it by luck as the seller had no idea what it was for other than listing it as a GM OE unit. After the holidays I might swap out the ITM that's already mounted on his Saginaw.

Wish I took pics when he opened it nut somebody's eyes were pretty big when the shifter was pulled out of the box. Ended up using the Hurst box my shifter came in which gave Jr. a confused look at first but after the packing was pulled out leading to some chrome then to the Hurst stamping changed that expression. Even mom was impressed with me finding it for his gift. He also got his first tool set, the Craftsman three drawer box from Lowe's. Then after seeing "low stock" for the dash yesterday I checked my OPGI account after the gifts were opened to see there's one getting ready to ship. As long as I get a tracking number it'll be a nice extra for Christmas for Jr.

It's official, dash is on its way. Went thru Anaheim, Ca overnight & the expected date is the 2nd. I do expect the same spots not trimmed on my dash to be needed trim on Jr.'s. Maybe OPGI will allow the review for this one to stay unlike the one for mine but I'll post one on the fourm.

It arrived today in great shape. The inner side looks a little rougher than mine, no oval hole for the ashtry light as expected, mounting holes & bosses need cleaned & tapped. I'll need to grab some of the exterior parts of the dash & test fit them. Planning to try this weekend to get the test fiting & pics for the review.

I'll be posting the review on the dash & it might have to already be warrantied as there's a warped spot at the driver side speaker hole, looks of some glue in two spots. But after what I used for test fitting Jr. wants to swap out the black trim for wood grain like my '81 along with a passenger cable remote mirror. Just give me some time & the review will be posted.

Talked to OPGI this evening about the issues on the dash. Had to send pics of the issues. For good measure sent a link to the review covering the issues. Now it's a wait to see what they plan to do.

OPGI called this afternoon about the dash. They're going to exchange it but it could be 6-12 month wait for a replacement. The guy said the review was great with the most detail anyone has given for the pros & cons. He even said they don't know whats going on with the supplier (Dashes Direct) with the timing. I'm tempted to give them a call too & forward a link to the review. Then Jr. & I had a talk about the dash about waiting for another "correct" one or just use the one I have for me then just have them change the dash over to another '81-'88 dash. Going this route I'll need to find an '81 base Malibu side trim/vent panel with the grain texture & Landau emblem. Jr. also said he wants to keep the black trim on the dash bezel & radio plate for why I'ld need that trim/vent plate.