VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1937-1945 Compass

I originally posted these photos at the end of wawuzit's, "This is getting out of hand!" thread but apparently no one saw them. Since there was quite a buzz in that thread about compasses, I thought I would show you mine since it is apparently quite old, works good, and was free! It is a Dinsmore made in Flint, Mich. That is all I know about it. Beamer

Just about guaranteed to be the only kid on the block to own one.

Beamer,
I agree that you have a nice compass. It's having been made in Flint, MI is a big plus, also.

Nonetheless, the instant issue does not turn on the simple desire to have a directional device in the old car. It is to have the right, original, accessory item in the old car. Accordingly, you may have missed the point some have tried to make over the stretch of this instant thread.

An original compass for a 37, 41, etc., is rare, as are some of the other accessories for a particular year. And they are, hence, more desirable and costly.

A good repo may bring the price down but a nice originals will always trump everything else.

Besides, unless you remove the non-approved accessory from the vehicle when it is judged, it may cause points to be deducted.

Many of us have saved up over the years and pinched pennies in order to have some nice accessories for our old Chevrolets. If we cannot have the original or a close reproduction then we might as well keep our bucks in our pockets. The "have nots" may scoff at our lack of good sense and thrift but the "haves" will understand wink at one another. All understand the dynamics involved. To each his own.

I am one of the ones who loves original accessories on a car. Not all of them but nice fog lights, bumper tips, radio, heater, hood ornament and most of the other chrome items are desirable and I am always interested in obtaining them. Even when the price is not even within reason. I have lived by that old slogan I heard at Hershey many years ago: "You can pay too soon but you can't pay too much" or words to that effect.

I can't speak for the others who desire to obtain accessories but I will readily admit that I ain't jest right in the head and can be properly classified as stupid. I need a red head flashlight. I have a military L-shaped one but it just ain't the same. You know.
Charlie

Beamer, I'm not sure what charlie just said, but I like your compass!

Beamer,

That's a cool item. Apparently not "gen-u-wine" Chevrolet; but a cool item. Lots of ways to look at the accessories.

As Charley suggests, original is (probably) best. (I think that's what Charlie said.) For sure original is best if VCCA judging is involved.

On the other hand, an aftermarket type item "from the period," like you have, is pretty dang cool.

Others of us --- who prefer the 'clean,' un-cluttered look --- aren't interested in all those goodies.

See.....same old deal: to each his own.

Well anyway, thanks for showing us your compass!!

Bill.

Uncle Ed, I am with you. I just wanted to show you all what a free compass looks like. I know it isn't an approved Chevy accessory but it is an old time one. I will never be showing my car, at least not for judging, nor will it be loaded up with accessories, but when I get something free that is from the time period, I might add it to the car. As a matter of fact, you can see "my" clock in a very well known green, highly chromed, '38 Chevy coupe because I decided not to add a lot of accessories to my car. Anyone need a complete '37 radio or original NOS '38 radio head? I am not offering these for sale here as I know this isn't the right venue for selling parts. I am just backing up my point by letting folks know I am getting rid of some accessories. Once I got the compass, I knew what direction to take on this subject! Beamer

Beamer, I like your compass. If you find another one for that price, let me know. I will gladly double your money for it!!

I'll keep you in mind. That's about what I am getting in interest on my savings!! Beamer

Beamer, I like accessories as long as they were common back in the time the cars were still in use. I really don't care if they are genuine GM as lomg as they were commonly used at the time. I have a chevy clock, heater/defroster, ash tray and lighter that are chevy accessories, but I also have a spot light, fog lights, turn signals that are after market.

One I just found'''''''''

Mike,

I've noticed over the years, you have a lot of really neat stuff. And cool cars too!! Lucky guy....

Bill.

1941 special dlx - That is a beauty!

Thanks Bill,
In regards to cars and parts all of us that even can have one old car is lucky' In recent time I realize real luck is having good health and family and freinds who we love and love us back'
Old Chevys rule''''''''

I double that.

Health and people around us are most important before our *old* cars

Jianis

Nice looking compass. I don't imagine there are many of these GM originals around. Beamer

Hi Mike, Is that the Compass you want me to buy for $100.00 ?

Well I'll take it. And it will look nice in my Green '41 Coupe.

See you at the Felix show I hope.

Enjoy the ride,
Michael41

Michael,
You can just have it'
I will be at the Felix show'
See Ya'