DDK - Die Deutschen Klassiker

I’ve commenced a few jobs on the restoration of my ’74 Carrera Coupe (you know, the IB car that drives like an RS but isn’t one).
I will start a thread about the restoration on here (if I’m allowed) to run parallel with one on Impact Bumpers but for now I’d just like to report on one facet of the rebuild.
One of the tasks was to get the gauges looking better.



As far as I’m aware all the gauges worked but they needed a clean-up. Now I’ve restored an early 911 speedo myself before (and got it working fine thanks) but it’s a bugger getting the bezels off. I’ve still got scars on my hand and a screwdriver stuck in the garage wall. Not again. I thought this time I’d just throw money at the problem and it would go away, why not get the professionals to do it?
First to mind was Speedy Cables. It would be only right & proper to use them as they are UK based. However, they have had a bit of a bad press around here so I thought I’d try them and report back with my experience. Therefore I’m happy to put the record straight with evidence from an actual order. Thing is, just how quick is ‘Speedy’?
And how reasonably priced?

I packed the gauges up carefully and shipped them via CityLink (on a next-day service). They left my care late on Monday afternoon at 4.30pm.
I sent a letter to accompany my order. It had all my contact details, address, phone numbers & email addresses and requested the following: “Dear Sir, Could you please refurbish this set of 5 gauges. They are from a 1974 Porsche 911.
As far as I’m aware they are all in good working order but they would certainly benefit from cosmetic improvement. At the very least could you kindly clean them and re-paint the bezels.
If you could advise the likely cost I would appreciate it”.

The consignment arrived safely (and was signed for) with Speedy Cables the next morning. That was Tuesday, 11.00am and therefore I consider the clock running from then.

The question is: “How long did they take to refurbish the gauges and have them back in my hand? (i.e. including the transit back to me).
I cannot offer a fabulous prize but – along with the kudos – the winner will receive a genuine DDK keyring (hey, it’s all I’ve got).
In the event of a draw I’ll pick a winner from the answer to the tie-break question: “How much did they charge to refurbish a set of 5 gauges?”
So, please guess at both the timescale and cost. The nearest answer wins a keyring.
How many days and how many £’s?

Is this, in fact, a trick question?

My guess is they've lost them already....

Not a trick question. I have the gauges back and they look lovely.

4 hours and 1 million pounds.

I'll pm you my address.

Oh ok - in that case on your desk 09:10 Thursday morning

How many days Steve? (you may be thinking it was last Monday?)

It wasn't last Monday? Now I'm confused

I give up - I'm losing too much sleep trying to figure out what those pesky neutrinos are up to....

What date did you send them? My guess was based upon last Monday and that you had them returned last Thursday morning hence reinstating their name (and reputation) of Speedy Cables.

I'll go now...

In your hands, 10am Monday morning?

That gives you enough time to feast your eyes before posting.

whatever it is, it has to be better than the 6 months for one gauge that came back wrong experience that I had!

4 days - £120?

3 days 119.50

4 days - £ 225 + VAT

OK, I think I might be a little out with my initial estimate, so:

11 days, FOC

5x gauges @ £100 per gauge = £500+VAT

Back with you within 5 working days.

Think I might be a bit heavy on the price, as I reckon it depends whether it was just a bit of spit and polish or a full refurb, but oh well