Polished gauge needles for a custom touch?
 

Hello all,

I was doing some work in the shop this evening and began polishing up a speedometer needle. This is the result compared to the painted needle. Don't mind the less than perfect speedometer faces. They are not being used in a restoration job, just here as an example for the needle work.

Maybe not for everyone but thought I would show what it looked like here. I am thinking of building one with all polished needles and see what it would look like as a complete finished cluster.

Let me know what you think and thanks for looking,

Tom

Re: Polished gauge needles for a custom touch?
 

I think it is a great look!

Re: Polished gauge needles for a custom touch?
 

it might look nice , how does it show up at night? I prefer visability

Re: Polished gauge needles for a custom touch?
 

When I had mine apart I made the mistake of painting my needle with red enamel instead of needle (fluorescent) paint. Now it is hard to see at night.

Re: Polished gauge needles for a custom touch?
 

I like it a lot, the only concern would be visibility.

If it’s hard to see, you could paint just the end of it. That may be a cool look too.

Re: Polished gauge needles for a custom touch?
 

Polished needles are very unique, I've not seen that before! I love the look and would have to agree with Clay...Paint the tips if visibility is bad at night. I am assuming that they will not oxidize and look bad in short order. If so, some clear coat would be needed.

I voting for the polish because I could live with reduced visibility and love the shiny unique look!

Re: Polished gauge needles for a custom touch?
 

It looks great. As said before may need to paint the tip for night visibility.

Re: Polished gauge needles for a custom touch?
 

In a custom truck I like it!

Re: Polished gauge needles for a custom touch?
 

I agree :metal:

Re: Polished gauge needles for a custom touch?
 

Cool look! Maybe a 1/4" of fluorescent paint on the end for visibility sake.

Re: Polished gauge needles for a custom touch?
 

Looks good!! As for the concerns of visibility, I have ridden motorcycles my whole life that don't even have speedometers. If you've been driving for more than 10 years you can probably gauge your road speed pretty accurately. Every nerd on a cell phone is doing 10 over anyway.

Re: Polished gauge needles for a custom touch?
 

I like it but can only imagine how tough it is to polish them without bending the snot out of them. :lol:

Re: Polished gauge needles for a custom touch?
 

You make a good point Ryan and they do like to curl up. Especially the small ones. It takes a little time to get them back in shape but not bad.

Re: Polished gauge needles for a custom touch?
 

Great stuff guys.

I see there is an interests for a painted tip which is not a problem. This is tedious work but very rewarding.

Also there was a mention of oxidation and I do like the clear coat idea as well although I believe the sheen would last for years as most (not all) of these trucks are garage kept when no being driven. It depends a lot on your geographical location. Phoenix would be brutal as it is on painted needles as well.

I think when time permits, I am going to build a cluster with them all polished, behind the lens and see what the whole cluster would look like.

Thanks all,

Keep the comments coming ;)

Tom

Re: Polished gauge needles for a custom touch?
 

That guy on the cell phone just came flying up behind me, I'm looking at my speedometer to make sure i'm not parked.:lol: And ya the painted tip might work.I'm in to see how it looks completed

Re: Polished gauge needles for a custom touch?
 

Any updates?

Re: Polished gauge needles for a custom touch?
 

:bsf:

Re: Polished gauge needles for a custom touch?
 

Just my opinion.... it might be a good look for a show truck, but for me, when I'm driving I want to see that needle without looking for it. I want it to be highly visible at all times and that goes for the entire needle, not just the tip. I see a lot of members disagree with me and that's fine. Like I said, this is just my opinion. :)

Re: Polished gauge needles for a custom touch?
 

Of all the things god gave me, the ability to make a choice and have an opinion are my two favorites :)

Re: Polished gauge needles for a custom touch?
 

As far as an update, I have had no time to work on the idea as other work is getting done for customer jobs.

Looks like it is YES/NO even again. I will certainly post up when I get something together.

Thanks all,
Tom

Re: Polished gauge needles for a custom touch?
 

This for sure! More like 1/2 inch for me!

Re: Polished gauge needles for a custom touch?
 

I still haven't got my needles changed yet . how 'bout you ? any update?

Re: Polished gauge needles for a custom touch?
 

Tom I know how hard you work and the quality of it. I wouldn't have the patience to polish all the needles. I think they look great for a custom, but I prefer the bright orange look for visibility, especially at night with the dash lights being as dim a they are.

Re: Polished gauge needles for a custom touch?
 

I apologize guys. I have been super busy with other work lately and the idea just got pushed off.


I appreciate all of the feedback and can see that it is not for everyone and I get that.

Hope all have a great Christmas and New Year,
Tom