Gauge Cluster Chrome
 

The chrome on Zane's gauge cluster is badly faded. After researching here and on the web, decided to wrap it with chrome wrap. Turned out better than I expected. The wrap was easy to work. Had to learn to stretch it to get the wrinkles out.

Painted the gauge needles with Tester fluorescent orange. Another good tip from the forum.

Still may paint the black.

Re: Gauge Cluster Chrome
 

Chrome wrap?? Like what they use on the outside of cars?? Where did you get the stuff?

Re: Gauge Cluster Chrome
 

How do you do this? Any pictures to show or products to share?

Re: Gauge Cluster Chrome
 

Yes, same stuff used on car exterior.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B072Q...op_mb_pd_title

Re: Gauge Cluster Chrome
 

Cool though I'd like to see some pics of the work and result!

Re: Gauge Cluster Chrome
 

The top pic was the finished gauge, but does not show the wrap. I will get a better pic tonight.

Re: Gauge Cluster Chrome
 

The finished product is good, not perfect. For $12, works well for me. Took some close up pictures.

To get a smooth finish on the corners, you have to stretch the material. It starts to lose it's shine if you stretch it too much. I cut a piece of material bigger than the entire gauge panel. Then stretched it over the sides. Once the wrinkles were stretched out, I trimmed it around the chrome edge to remove the center piece. On the back side, I just trimmed the excess off and did not worry about wrinkles.

For the gauge edges, I cut a 1" or so strip and worked it around the inside edge. The taper of the edge made the material want to not follow the inside perimeter. This required stretching the material as it is applied. There is a seam doing it this way. May be able to cut a circle out and stretch the inside to fit. This may require stretching it more than it is intended.

If I was doing it again, I would cut a 2" or so wide strip long enough to wrap around the outer perimeter. Then work it around like tape.

Edit: Just noticed the numbers 717 written on the back of the piece. That is not something I wrote. Must have been on their when built.

Re: Gauge Cluster Chrome
 

I knew they made product for car modeling, but that stock is small. This looks great as far as looking chrome... looking like original. Got a picture straight on of the whole thing? Were you able to do the outer edge in one piece? So it shrinks and stretches for compound curves?

Re: Gauge Cluster Chrome
 

Not sure how to shrink, probably heat applied properly. Stretch was easy and covered the outer corners well.

Re: Gauge Cluster Chrome
 

looks great

Re: Gauge Cluster Chrome
 

Wow!!! Thanks for the up close pictures and the know how!!

Re: Gauge Cluster Chrome
 

Looks Good ! I like cheap improvements that I can do myself...Thanks for posting !