Tach / gauge / instrument face restoration

[rakort]

So I appear to have a good tach out of my donor dash except for the face which is tacky.

Any thoughts on techniques / resources / vendors to help restore or replace the face?

How are the needles removed without trashing things?

 

[Lionized]

Needle should pull straight off...gently.
You can then clean/scuff off the gauge face. Respray with black and apply this:

https://premiumdashdecals.com/produ...runner-gtx-belvedere-coronet-tachometer-face/

 

[rakort]

no back support required to pull the needle off? Worried about trashing the movement!

 

[Lionized]

no back support required to pull the needle off? Worried about trashing the movement!

If it's anything like the gauges I've done it'll pull straight off.

 

[rakort]

OK, I found a solution. NOS tach gauge face!

 

[Beekeeper]

Use a kitchen fork to remove the needle it works like a charm. To replace the face plate you need the brass semi tubular rivets and a tool to squeeze them. You would be better off with the decal they are spot on for fit and finish. If you go with replacement the link above, they have the correct rivets.

 

[rakort]

Use a kitchen fork to remove the needle it works like a charm. To replace the face plate you need the brass semi tubular rivets and a tool to squeeze them. You would be better off with the decal they are spot on for fit and finish. If you go with replacement the link above, they have the correct rivets.

Agreed on the semi tubular rivets. I do have a few clinchers for the rivets which I could make a tool for easily on the lathe if I don't have the right size already, but why wouldn't I just simply use a 4-40 button head machine screw?

Please correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure with the lens in place you can't see the rivets, correct? Therefore you wouldn't see a tiny button head machine screw.....

 

[Beekeeper]

yes you could certainly use a machine screw since they are hidden by the bezel

 

[rakort]

I'm guessing it couldn't look any worse than these cheesy replacements! Wow really!?

 

[Beekeeper]

boy that is a crappy example for sure

 

[rakort]

boy that is a crappy example for sure

right out of the classic industries online catalog!

 

[themechanic]

I used the stencils to repaint my 69 Coronet standard dash. Pull that needle off, strip the face, prime and paint. Use the stencil and repaint the white. Paint the needle and push back on. Judge for yourself.

 

[1968rick]

I used the stencils to repaint my 69 Coronet standard dash. Pull that needle off, strip the face, prime and paint. Use the stencil and repaint the white. Paint the needle and push back on. Judge for yourself.

View attachment 350670[/QUO
I need to take my dash out of the 68....what is the proceedure?

 

[themechanic]

Some detailed examples of this can be found by searching FBBO. Sometimes Google has a better search than the FBBO search function.

Off the top of my head, you need to unplug the gauges and ignition switch. Remove the switch panel through the lower dash pad. Remove the lower pad. Remove the gauge cluster.

 

[mferraro76]

I used the stencils to repaint my 69 Coronet standard dash. Pull that needle off, strip the face, prime and paint. Use the stencil and repaint the white. Paint the needle and push back on. Judge for yourself.

View attachment 350670

what color needle paint did you use? I have a 68 satellite - same dash.

 

[themechanic]

what color needle paint did you use? I have a 68 satellite - same dash.

what color needle paint did you use? I have a 68 satellite - same dash.

See quotes #22 and #26 here http://www.forbbodiesonly.com/moparforum/threads/dash-restoration.36259/page-2

 

[mferraro76]

See quotes #22 and #26 here http://www.forbbodiesonly.com/moparforum/threads/dash-restoration.36259/page-2

thanks - I knew I saw it on here somewhere but couldn't find the post.

 

[themechanic]

I hear you, brother.