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1957 Dinsmore Compass - IS THIS CORRECT??

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10K views 13 replies 10 participants last post by  D'S56  
#1 ·
Good evening folks.

Need some guidance please. I have a stock all original 1957 Chevy Bel Air. Since I purchased it, I have been on a mission to collect ALL of the GM accessories that were sold for this vehicle. There is a Dinsmore Compass on eBay Item number: 290561240851 . The person listing it thinks its for a 55 or 56. Now from what I have researched on this sight (only 1 thread) it would lead me to believe the eBay listing is not for a 1957 car.

HOWEVER, in my parts/GM Accessories Installation book pages 70-72, the item/part number for a correct 1957 compass is 987137. This is what is listed on eBay.

Can someone please confirm if this is the correct part? I have seen correct boxes with wrong parts on eBay and wanted to make sure this was not the case. Thanks everyone!
 
#2 ·
I saw that one one bay the other day. The thing that conserns me is that it has a lot of letters and numbers on the top of it. If I remember the original ones I have seen before they didn't have all that writing on the top if I remember correctly. You might ask if any one has a picture of an original one and also I might be wrong because I'm not positive about the ones I saw before it has been a long time ago. For the price it is at now I would want to be sure about it.

Mike
 
#10 ·
So what about the clamp shell compass? It does not look square-ish on the top.
 
#7 ·
Thanks for the responses. So far everyone's thinking has been right where I am at too. I looked at the 1957 little accessoroes booklet and yes the compass pictured on the dash appears to be squared off. But, I am not sure if anyone has the "Chevrolet 1957 Passenger Car and Truck Accessories Installation Reference Manual." This manual is 211 pages and has part numbers and directions on how to install every accessory for 1957 cars and trucks by Chevrolet. On Pages 70-72 it has the instructions on how to install and calibrate the compass. On page 70 there is the part number which is 987137 and a picture of the compass. The picture of the compass in this book is NOT the same as the compass pictured in the accessories booklet. This compass matches the eBay auction number I referenceed ( Item number: 290561240851 )

Question is...which is the correct compass??? I am REALLY confused sicne I have 2 different pieces of literature that clearly have different compasses? Does anyone have a 1957 Bel Air w/a compass and if so, can you please share a picture? Thanks so much!!
 
#9 ·
I agree !!!! remember the part number may be the same but the item maybe different a compass is a compass though they changed the compass style, the part # still shows a part number from 55 upward ,,if you went into a dealer in 57 and asked for a compass you might get a "55" compass because thats what was on the shelve ,,is it a compass yes does it have the same part number yes does it do the same job yes ,,remember GM didnt make these items they contracted them out so when the manufactor changed the item GM just got the new style ,,did the tissue box part # change? i dont think so but the style did from 55 to 57 same part # different looking box but they all did the same function ---:anim_25:
 
D
#14 · (Edited)
Compass


Check out item #2608 238 78803...this is a correct 56 or 57, i think that the red bowtie is missing or perhaps they add the red bowtie, can anyone confirm on this?

This is a 55 or early 56 compass. 56 and 57 are the same. Square body with white background and black letters. 58 looks the same but has black background with white letters. So you need a Dinsmoore with square body, white background and black letters. Oh, some have a arrow shape little red emblem and some have a red bowtie emblem as well. I would stick with the red Chevy bowtie.
The reason i say early 56, is because these accessories were carried over to 56 until they were all sold. So if you have an early 56 Oct-Dec., then you will be ok. Daniel
 
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