Repainted instrument needles - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

mightyatom · 12-02-2010, 09:56 PM

Last weekend I finally got around to removing the dash and repainting the needles on the instruments as they were very faded and chipped. While I was in there I gave it all a good clean and replaced a bunch of dead bulbs. I have also since changed the old bezel although I don't have a photo of that yet. It turned out better than I thought it would for a quick job and makes a massive difference especially in the dark with the nice shiny needles and good back-lighting.

Jay

kcfirstbuild · 12-02-2010, 10:58 PM

How did you go about this? I'm thinking of doing that too.

oldblue72c10 · 12-02-2010, 11:05 PM

The way im going to do it is use a small model brush and some testors model paint it will only cost like 3 bucks

sameyrasmea72 · 12-02-2010, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kcfirstbuild

How did you go about this? I'm thinking of doing that too.

On the speedo and gas guage, I make a tiny hole in the center of a piece of paper and cut one line from edge to dot. Then wrap paper around needle base and overlap the cut edge and spray away LIGHTLY. BE CAREFULL THO.

Your cluster looks very good by the way.

**JJorgensen52** · 12-02-2010, 11:20 PM

I did mine with a brush and the Testor's model paint as mentioned above (though I think I used a brighter orange color)

I took an index card and slit it about halfway, then slid it under the needles to protect the face from drips / stray brushmarks

mightyatom · 12-02-2010, 11:28 PM

For mine I just masked the main bits with paper and the dial faces with small zip-lock bag. I cut the zip-lock back and opened it up, then cut a small slit in the bag so I could slide it over the face of the dial with the needle in the slot. Once the slot got to the needle, I taped the slot closed so only the needles were showing. I did a little weight to keep the plastic away from the back of the needle so it would not stick to it when the paint dried. I then just used some orange duplicolor spray paint from the local auto parts store.

Jay

**70shortfleet** · 12-05-2010, 12:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kcfirstbuild

How did you go about this? I'm thinking of doing that too.

I just hand paint the small needles. The big needles I just remove them from the gauges but if you do not want to remove them then take an 8X11 piece of paper and cut a square out of the middle as shown in the pictures, then slide one half of the paper under the needle and take the other half and slide it under the other half. You will have a great overlap and can tape the two halves together before you paint and just spray away! It is very easy and hope this helps with your restoration

Alex Hayley · 12-02-2010, 11:57 PM

One other way (not necessarily better than using a piece of paper) is to use tin foil. The tin foil holds it shape with out tape and you do not have the slit that paint can slip through.

tubbedII · 12-03-2010, 12:16 AM

I too used a model brush and some paper. I like the paper because it "soaked" up the paint that came off the edges of the needles. I think if I didn't use the paper, it might have dripped on to the gauge itself. I also used a neon red color.

Here's a before:

And an after:

BP68 · 12-03-2010, 12:37 AM

Looks good

arkansas · 12-03-2010, 11:51 AM

I used finger nail polish once. It came out pretty nice and lasted as long as I had the cluster in use without fading.

into69z · 12-03-2010, 01:11 PM

one thing I can add is I used 3M rubbing compound to polish the lens-I have a lens that has a tach/air gauge set-up (so replacing wasn't an option). I used a buffer and but it can be done by hand too-really makes the finished product to outstanding!

ERASER5 · 12-03-2010, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arkansas

I used finger nail polish once. It came out pretty nice and lasted as long as I had the cluster in use without fading.

OK Nancy, turn in your man card. Nail polish is for gurlz! Me and Alfalfa, don't play like dat!

Just kidding! Not that i would admit to using nail polish, but I have used the acetone polish remover.

Stubbs67 · 12-03-2010, 02:12 PM

I use nail polish, on model cars, its cheaper than testors and has brush in cap! I will keep my man-card and my money lol

although I do get strange looks from cashiers! So I make my wife buy it or at least make her put it on the belt lol.

C. M. Wolf · 12-03-2010, 11:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stubbs67

I use nail polish, on model cars, its cheaper than testors and has brush in cap! I will keep my man-card and my money lol

although I do get strange looks from cashiers! So I make my wife buy it or at least make her put it on the belt lol.

"Nancy", they sure can talk mean to ya around here, huh?

Besides... testors doesn't even offer any kind of "Glow-in-the-dark" or good, bright colored "metal-flakes" paints!

That's a very good job on your panel.

Michael

arkansas · 12-03-2010, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ERASER5

OK Nancy, turn in your man card. Nail polish is for gurlz! Me and Alfalfa, don't play like dat!

Just kidding! Not that i would admit to using nail polish, but I have used the acetone polish remover.

HaHa. I'm secure in my manhood. You should have seen me using lipstick while fitting a trapper pistol lock to the stock a few months ago on a muzzleloader project. Lets you know exactly where to chisel next for a good tight fit.

Fastfun · 12-03-2010, 08:56 PM

Looks good

kcfirstbuild · 12-04-2010, 02:33 PM

The TV show trucks did a segment on this but cant find the clip. Im going to do mine today !

kcfirstbuild · 12-04-2010, 05:34 PM

well, just finished. Used Krylon glow orange and a brush. It worked on the the small needles. the larger needles i should have sprayed. It left brush marks, shouldn't be able to tell sitting in the drivers seat, but i know they are there.

Valhalla · 12-04-2010, 06:05 PM

Looks great.

72BlckButy · 12-04-2010, 08:55 PM

Still trying to determine the correct color of paint to return the needles to original condition.

Were the needles originally flat in color, glossy, etc.?

Anyone know?

72BlckButy · 12-05-2010, 01:26 AM

70shortfleet... what kind of paint did you use?

**70shortfleet** · 12-05-2010, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 72BlckButy

70shortfleet... what kind of paint did you use?

I use Krylon Fluorescent-red glowing orange fluorescent 3101

72BlckButy · 12-06-2010, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 70shortfleet

I use Krylon Fluorescent-red glowing orange fluorescent 3101

Thanks!

Are all three shots above using the Krylon? Or is the middle one the original color?

**70shortfleet** · 12-06-2010, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 72BlckButy

Thanks!

Are all three shots above using the Krylon? Or is the middle one the original color?

Yes, all three shots are the same painted needle, it just looks different because of the way the flash from the camera hit it at a angle

12-02-2010, 09:56 PM	#1
mightyatom Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 76	Repainted instrument needles Last weekend I finally got around to removing the dash and repainting the needles on the instruments as they were very faded and chipped. While I was in there I gave it all a good clean and replaced a bunch of dead bulbs. I have also since changed the old bezel although I don't have a photo of that yet. It turned out better than I thought it would for a quick job and makes a massive difference especially in the dark with the nice shiny needles and good back-lighting. Jay Attached Images __________________ Jay ----------------------------------- { 1972 Chevrolet C-10 Fleetside, 350 V8, 5.7L. } -----------------------------------

12-02-2010, 10:58 PM	#2
kcfirstbuild Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Red Wing Mn Posts: 526	Re: Repainted instrument needles How did you go about this? I'm thinking of doing that too.

12-02-2010, 11:05 PM	#3
oldblue72c10 LIGHT' EM UP!!!!!!!!!! Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Collinsville Oklahoma Posts: 243	Re: Repainted instrument needles The way im going to do it is use a small model brush and some testors model paint it will only cost like 3 bucks __________________ BONDO IS YOUR FRIEND WOULD YOU EVER USE YOUR FRIEND 1972 custom 10 longbed current 360 building a racing 355

12-02-2010, 11:20 PM	#5
JJorgensen52 Simple? What's simple? Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Southeast CT Posts: 1,472	Re: Repainted instrument needles I did mine with a brush and the Testor's model paint as mentioned above (though I think I used a brighter orange color) I took an index card and slit it about halfway, then slid it under the needles to protect the face from drips / stray brushmarks __________________ CURRENT '50 GMC 100 shortbed Gen IV 4.8 LS - 4L65E (Secret truck, Shhh!!!) Build '63 Buick Wildcat Coupe 401ci Nailhead (Very much in pieces) Photos '66 Impala SS convertible 327-QJet-glide (4 speed swap one of these days...) Photos '69 CST/10 4x4 SWB Stepper 350 2bbl - NV4500/NP241C (Broken Truck!) '72 Sierra Grande 2WD LWB fleetside 350-TH350 Refresh '99 K2500 Silverado RCLB 5.7 Vortec - NV4500/NP241C (Daily) '99 K2500 Suburban 7.4 Vortec - NV4500/NP246 (still working out the bugs) SOLD '71 Custom/10 2WD LWB fleetside - '72 GMC K/3500 Dually (Sold to redryder)

12-02-2010, 11:28 PM	#6
mightyatom Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 76	Re: Repainted instrument needles For mine I just masked the main bits with paper and the dial faces with small zip-lock bag. I cut the zip-lock back and opened it up, then cut a small slit in the bag so I could slide it over the face of the dial with the needle in the slot. Once the slot got to the needle, I taped the slot closed so only the needles were showing. I did a little weight to keep the plastic away from the back of the needle so it would not stick to it when the paint dried. I then just used some orange duplicolor spray paint from the local auto parts store. Jay Attached Images __________________ Jay ----------------------------------- { 1972 Chevrolet C-10 Fleetside, 350 V8, 5.7L. } -----------------------------------

12-02-2010, 11:57 PM	#8
Alex Hayley Registered User Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: NC Posts: 987	Re: Repainted instrument needles One other way (not necessarily better than using a piece of paper) is to use tin foil. The tin foil holds it shape with out tape and you do not have the slit that paint can slip through.

12-03-2010, 12:16 AM	#9
tubbedII needs more $$$ Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Sacramento Posts: 1,936	Re: Repainted instrument needles I too used a model brush and some paper. I like the paper because it "soaked" up the paint that came off the edges of the needles. I think if I didn't use the paper, it might have dripped on to the gauge itself. I also used a neon red color. Here's a before: And an after: __________________ 1970 2wd Blazer

12-03-2010, 12:37 AM	#10
BP68 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Olive Branch, MS Posts: 824	Re: Repainted instrument needles Looks good __________________ 68 C10 Shortbed Fleetside 06 Chevy Ext Cab Fleetside 03 Grand Prix GTP My build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=269999

12-03-2010, 11:51 AM	#11
arkansas Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Pleasant Plains, Arkansas Posts: 51	Re: Repainted instrument needles I used finger nail polish once. It came out pretty nice and lasted as long as I had the cluster in use without fading.

12-03-2010, 01:11 PM	#12
into69z "brand new second-hand" Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: White House, Tennessee Posts: 526	Re: Repainted instrument needles one thing I can add is I used 3M rubbing compound to polish the lens-I have a lens that has a tach/air gauge set-up (so replacing wasn't an option). I used a buffer and but it can be done by hand too-really makes the finished product to outstanding! __________________ Steve 69 3/4t custom camper tilt,am/fm,speed warning,air gauge,buddy buckets,aux battery, big block,p/s,p/b,a/c 67 Camaro 96 Impala ss-sold 04 hybrid Honda-saving gas for the blue truck!:b69:

12-03-2010, 02:12 PM	#14
Stubbs67 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Venus, Tx Posts: 121	Re: Repainted instrument needles I use nail polish, on model cars, its cheaper than testors and has brush in cap! I will keep my man-card and my money lol although I do get strange looks from cashiers! So I make my wife buy it or at least make her put it on the belt lol. __________________ 67 Short Step Project -My other wife, ya know... (she takes all my time and money and I don't even realize it) 88 Subaru wagon 4wd -Daily driver and workhorse 98 Subaru Forester S - Wife and baby wheels My Build Thread! http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=433751 Need step tail gate and bed front, driver door, both front fenders (both are bondo'd nightmares). can trade fleetside bed parts real straight (except sides) or pay some cash (i am pretty broke) Last edited by Stubbs67; 12-03-2010 at 02:13 PM.

12-03-2010, 08:56 PM	#17
Fastfun Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Posts: 615	Re: Repainted instrument needles Looks good

12-04-2010, 02:33 PM	#18
kcfirstbuild Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Red Wing Mn Posts: 526	Re: Repainted instrument needles The TV show trucks did a segment on this but cant find the clip. Im going to do mine today !

12-04-2010, 05:34 PM	#19
kcfirstbuild Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Red Wing Mn Posts: 526	Re: Repainted instrument needles well, just finished. Used Krylon glow orange and a brush. It worked on the the small needles. the larger needles i should have sprayed. It left brush marks, shouldn't be able to tell sitting in the drivers seat, but i know they are there.

12-04-2010, 06:05 PM	#20
Valhalla Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Chandler, Arizona Posts: 295	Re: Repainted instrument needles Looks great. __________________ My build thread for Project TiC TaC/Jazzmin Oh Yeahhh Cheap work is never good and good work is never cheap. Lesson = learn to do it all the right way on your own. SqueegeeMan



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12-04-2010, 08:55 PM	#21
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: Repainted instrument needles Still trying to determine the correct color of paint to return the needles to original condition. Were the needles originally flat in color, glossy, etc.? Anyone know? __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package)

12-05-2010, 01:26 AM	#22
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: Repainted instrument needles 70shortfleet... what kind of paint did you use? __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package)

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