Vintage Compass - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

kcfirstbuild · 10-10-2010, 08:05 PM

Is anyone running a year correct dash compass or window mounted compass. An air way compass is mounted in my truck but its all yellowed and doesnt work.
Might be in the market for a new/old one or a year correct version

'68 C-20 · 10-10-2010, 08:11 PM

Two on eBay today. One in black with no fluid and one in Gray with fluid. Not mine, I have no interest in it. Posting purely for information sharing.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/airwa...Q5fAccessories

**chewychevy67** · 10-16-2010, 09:41 PM

Does anybody have a 67 or 68 with the correct compass in them? where is the correct mounting location? i believe they look like the one pictured below.

BHyatt · 10-17-2010, 12:30 AM

Navigation 1.0 That is what I always tell everyone that my compass is.

kcfirstbuild · 10-17-2010, 09:03 AM

The original owner put that red air way in. He lowered the rear view mirror and used one of the holes.

**'68OrangeSunshine** · 10-17-2010, 09:10 AM

I have one I bought at the local Chevy dealer in the '90s. It has big chrome "GM" letters on the front, is oil-filled and black. I've seen them in the LMC catalog advertized as OEM and vintage. Maybe they're not lying this time? It's cool, but I kept it on the shelf [in Arizona] for at least a decade, and by the time I got around to installing it in my '71 Jimmy, half of the light machine oil filling leaked out, I put it on the dash last year when I also installed a Magellan GPS, as a back up unit. It's funny how often the mag compass is 90* out of phase. But I haven't "swung the compass" at a parking lot and dialed in a good magnetic North yet using the little tweaking tool they give you. That adjusts for magnetic fields generated by some of the accessories.
I don't know if there is a single "correct" mounting position, but I went with a mount at the center of the dash, above the dashpad, directly under the rearview mirror. If you have an in-dash speaker, this might not be a good location, as the pull from the magnets in the speaker cones could give you some interference. The GPS screen sits to the left of that.

LostMy65 · 12-18-2011, 12:09 AM

I'm trying to remember what the one in my Grandpa's truck looked like.

mbgmike · 12-18-2011, 01:38 AM

I thought most of those were for women

so they know witch direction they were headed in. They are in new trucks now but i never look at it. I remember looking at those in the 50's when i was a kid and never understood the need even back then. Its a cool item to have now i guess.

vin63 · 08-28-2012, 02:05 PM

Since we went through a pretty good heatwave in my area the previous couple of weeks, I spent most of that time doing projects in the AC of the house, and was able to do a little restoration job on the Airway compass. Tracked down a replacement bulb and contact spring, and got the light switch to work. Added mineral oil and polished the scratches out of the dome.

**RenoKeene** · 08-28-2012, 02:12 PM

Hey KC, I have this one in a 72 Custom Camper. I believe it works ok, you can have it for shipping cost if you want.

kcsa75 · 08-28-2012, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbgmike

I thought most of those were for women

so they know witch direction they were headed in. They are in new trucks now but i never look at it. I remember looking at those in the 50's when i was a kid and never understood the need even back then. Its a cool item to have now i guess.

I used to agree with you. Men don't get lost, that's why we don't have to ask for directions!

I have an electronic compass in the dash on my Explorer. I never realized how much I used it until this past weekend. Took my '72 on a little road trip to Lincoln, NE. Not only did I get lost (The GPS on my iPhone was useless), I had no idea what direction I was going half the time.

big mike71 · 08-28-2012, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kcsa75

I used to agree with you. Men don't get lost, that's why we don't have to ask for directions!

I have an electronic compass in the dash on my Explorer. I never realized how much I used it until this past weekend. Took my '72 on a little road trip to Lincoln, NE. Not only did I get lost (The GPS on my iPhone was useless), I had no idea what direction I was going half the time.

Oh Bill, First you get lost then you admit it, your feminine side is really showing. We need to get together for a beer and get you back to normal.

Frankthetank. · 01-30-2013, 11:39 PM

I found a nice nos airway on ebay. Still works pretty good but I can't get the light to come on. I tried looking for the same exact battery it had at radio shack but they didnt have anything that fit. Anyone been able to find one somewhere? I tried the triple A battery but it seems to big and the quadruple A is to small.
Posted via Mobile Device

**70cst** · 01-30-2013, 11:55 PM

Here you go ...

[IMG]

[/IMG]

69GWC · 01-31-2013, 12:01 AM

Thats cool, how old is that GM compass.
Posted via Mobile Device

Scott>72-GMC · 01-31-2013, 12:03 AM

Might have to find one of these
Posted via Mobile Device

truckster · 01-31-2013, 12:04 AM

Wow, that brings back memories. I had an genuine GM accessory compass back in the day.

**'68OrangeSunshine** · 01-31-2013, 01:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 70cst

Here you go ...

[IMG]

[/IMG]

Yeah, that's the one I had. I got it at the Chevy dealer's, years ago and put it on the shelf. Unfortunately the local heat [and time] got to it. When I installed it, half the oil had leaked out. By now all the oil has leaked out and it points South. Permanently.

**70cst** · 01-31-2013, 01:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by '68OrangeSunshine

Yeah, that's the one I had. I got it at the Chevy dealer's, years ago and put it on the shelf. Unfortunately the local heat [and time] got to it. When I installed it, half the oil had leaked out. By now all the oil has leaked out and it points South. Permanently.

I think there are places that can fix these compasses ...

**70cst** · 01-31-2013, 01:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 69GWC

Thats cool, how old is that GM compass.
Posted via Mobile Device

This style compass was a dealer option for our trucks.

Frankthetank. · 02-01-2013, 01:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frankthetank.

I found a nice nos airway on ebay. Still works pretty good but I can't get the light to come on. I tried looking for the same exact battery it had at radio shack but they didnt have anything that fit. Anyone been able to find one somewhere? I tried the triple A battery but it seems to big and the quadruple A is to small.
Posted via Mobile Device

Anyone?
Posted via Mobile Device

**'68OrangeSunshine** · 02-02-2013, 12:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 70cst

I think there are places that can fix these compasses ...

Well, I think it only cost about $17 bucks. How much would a guy charge to fix it?
I have thought of drilling a small hole in the clear top part, injecting some very light machine oil and sealing up the hole with epoxy. But where did it leak from to begin with?
I have an import one, not the "GM" style, also on a shelf. It will light up. Last time I looked, it had not leaked yet. I was saving it for the Orange '68 Stepside. The GM compass is in the blue '71 Jimmy. It's next to my new Magellan Roadmate 5045 GPS. I first installed it next to my old Roadmate 1200 [As an analog back-up], but the 1200 got its' glass screen broken after getting shoved into the glove box with too much stuff.

heeroyue2002 · 02-02-2013, 12:55 AM

im intrigued, if i find one ill install

**70cst** · 02-02-2013, 12:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by heeroyue2002

im intrigued, if i find one ill install

Watch ebay Prices will range about $100-125

Lattimer · 02-02-2013, 12:58 AM

Those little compasses go for big money on Ebay. I just looked and there are a few NOS ones going over $200.

10-10-2010, 08:05 PM	#1
kcfirstbuild Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Red Wing Mn Posts: 526	Vintage Compass Is anyone running a year correct dash compass or window mounted compass. An air way compass is mounted in my truck but its all yellowed and doesnt work. Might be in the market for a new/old one or a year correct version Attached Images Last edited by kcfirstbuild; 10-10-2010 at 08:08 PM.

10-10-2010, 08:11 PM	#2
'68 C-20 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Dansville, NY Posts: 248	Re: Vintage Compass Two on eBay today. One in black with no fluid and one in Gray with fluid. Not mine, I have no interest in it. Posting purely for information sharing. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/airwa...Q5fAccessories __________________ DIY body and paint work is cheap, making it look good... priceless -------------------------------------------- My Toys; ’26 Ford Model T ‘72 Triumph Spitfire 1500 '09 "The Briggs Flyer" Gettin' High.

10-16-2010, 09:41 PM	#3
chewychevy67 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Here Posts: 5,557	Re: Vintage Compass Does anybody have a 67 or 68 with the correct compass in them? where is the correct mounting location? i believe they look like the one pictured below. Attached Images

10-17-2010, 12:30 AM	#4
BHyatt Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: New Castle, IN Posts: 199	Re: Vintage Compass Navigation 1.0 That is what I always tell everyone that my compass is.

10-17-2010, 09:03 AM	#5
kcfirstbuild Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Red Wing Mn Posts: 526	Re: Vintage Compass The original owner put that red air way in. He lowered the rear view mirror and used one of the holes.

10-17-2010, 09:10 AM	#6
'68OrangeSunshine Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Tucson, AZ USA Posts: 7,513	Re: Vintage Compass I have one I bought at the local Chevy dealer in the '90s. It has big chrome "GM" letters on the front, is oil-filled and black. I've seen them in the LMC catalog advertized as OEM and vintage. Maybe they're not lying this time? It's cool, but I kept it on the shelf [in Arizona] for at least a decade, and by the time I got around to installing it in my '71 Jimmy, half of the light machine oil filling leaked out, I put it on the dash last year when I also installed a Magellan GPS, as a back up unit. It's funny how often the mag compass is 90* out of phase. But I haven't "swung the compass" at a parking lot and dialed in a good magnetic North yet using the little tweaking tool they give you. That adjusts for magnetic fields generated by some of the accessories. I don't know if there is a single "correct" mounting position, but I went with a mount at the center of the dash, above the dashpad, directly under the rearview mirror. If you have an in-dash speaker, this might not be a good location, as the pull from the magnets in the speaker cones could give you some interference. The GPS screen sits to the left of that. __________________ Every 25 years I like to rebuild that 292, whether it needs it or not. Last edited by '68OrangeSunshine; 10-17-2010 at 09:20 AM.

12-18-2011, 12:09 AM	#7
LostMy65 But Found Her 25yrs Later! Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Oregon City, Oregon Posts: 10,530	Re: Vintage Compass I'm trying to remember what the one in my Grandpa's truck looked like. __________________ I lost my 65 - Found it 25 years later: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=426650 66 C20 Service Truck: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=428035

12-18-2011, 01:38 AM	#8
mbgmike Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Pasadena,Tx /Pto Pta DR Posts: 5,415	Re: Vintage Compass I thought most of those were for women so they know witch direction they were headed in. They are in new trucks now but i never look at it. I remember looking at those in the 50's when i was a kid and never understood the need even back then. Its a cool item to have now i guess.

08-28-2012, 02:05 PM	#9
vin63 It's Better With Nitro Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Chino Hills, CA Posts: 2,262	Re: Vintage Compass Since we went through a pretty good heatwave in my area the previous couple of weeks, I spent most of that time doing projects in the AC of the house, and was able to do a little restoration job on the Airway compass. Tracked down a replacement bulb and contact spring, and got the light switch to work. Added mineral oil and polished the scratches out of the dome. __________________ 1963 C-10: Deluxe-optioned cab, shortbed, fleetside Pontiac 462 ci, Kauffman D-Port alum. heads 4L80E, narrowed sheetmetal Ford 9-inch Tubular front and rear suspension Custom 6-piston front disc and 4-piston rear disc brakes

08-28-2012, 02:12 PM	#10
RenoKeene Florida Edition Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Fruitland Park, FL Posts: 4,029	Re: Vintage Compass Hey KC, I have this one in a 72 Custom Camper. I believe it works ok, you can have it for shipping cost if you want. Attached Images __________________ 70 GMC Short Stepside "Rose"-An American Beauty: Factory 402/TH400, AM/FM, AC, Tilt, Tach, Buckets, Posi, PS, PB, 3-5 Drop, Complete Resto-Rod 67 C-20 Slant Back Wrecker "Mad Max" 67 C-10 Ratrod "Step-N-Wolf" 71 Serro Scotty Sportsman camper "Scotty" 97 LT1 Z28 "The Hornet" Link to more pics of "Rose" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...p?albumid=1684 Check out my "Cheap Tricks" thread and add to it if you can, lots of good info there. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=489394

01-30-2013, 11:39 PM	#13
Frankthetank. Registered User Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Lodi ca Posts: 9	Re: Vintage Compass I found a nice nos airway on ebay. Still works pretty good but I can't get the light to come on. I tried looking for the same exact battery it had at radio shack but they didnt have anything that fit. Anyone been able to find one somewhere? I tried the triple A battery but it seems to big and the quadruple A is to small. Posted via Mobile Device

01-30-2013, 11:55 PM	#14
70cst Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: New Madison, Ohio Posts: 21,373	Re: Vintage Compass Here you go ... [IMG][/IMG] __________________ A husband can be right...or...A husband can be happy. 67-72 Chevy and GMC Trucks...The Classic Truck for the Classic Folk. 1970 CST Two tone green, 402BB, 400 Automatic, Tach, Buckets, AC, AM-FM, Tilt, GM CB, GM 8 Tract, LWB, etc JOHN 17:3...The better side of "LIFE" Remember: Everyday is a good day...Some are just gooder!

01-31-2013, 12:01 AM	#15
69GWC Registered User Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 1,089	Re: Vintage Compass Thats cool, how old is that GM compass. Posted via Mobile Device

01-31-2013, 12:03 AM	#16
Scott>72-GMC Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: New providence ia Posts: 1,018	Re: Vintage Compass Might have to find one of these Posted via Mobile Device

01-31-2013, 12:04 AM	#17
truckster Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Orem, Utah Posts: 7,981	Re: Vintage Compass Wow, that brings back memories. I had an genuine GM accessory compass back in the day.



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02-02-2013, 12:55 AM	#23
heeroyue2002 fat old dude Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: fresno, california Posts: 1,424	Re: Vintage Compass im intrigued, if i find one ill install __________________ 1972 c-10 shortbed 350/400 build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=389157 1968 workhorse http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=446216 Accepting part donations

02-02-2013, 12:58 AM	#25
Lattimer Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Mickleton, NJ Posts: 1,776	Re: Vintage Compass Those little compasses go for big money on Ebay. I just looked and there are a few NOS ones going over $200. __________________ Shawn 1970 Chevy C-10 SWB, 350, TKO 600 5 speed My build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=559881

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