Paint color of Gadge Needles - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

*dtlilly* · 03-23-2003, 02:47 AM

I want to paint my gadge needles the original orange. Does anyone know who makes the correct color? Does Testors model paint have an orange that will work?

Thanks, Don.

rusty ol' 69' · 03-23-2003, 03:52 AM

I used krylon model paint called glow orange. I think it turned about as close to stock as you can get. I got a couple close-ups shots of it. Here's a pic with my new wheel. Let me know if you want to see a close-up.

Hooter · 03-23-2003, 04:39 AM

Testors orange is what I have used, worked great for me

**'68OrangeSunshine** · 03-23-2003, 04:45 AM

I used an old spray can color called "Stoplight Red." It's a neon. Makes it look so new I thought my GMAC payment book was still in the glovebox.

Blue Beard · 03-23-2003, 10:20 AM

With some of the other posts I've seen..............I've gotta ask....................

Does any of these choices make it faster..................................?

*dtlilly* · 03-23-2003, 11:46 AM

Thanks for the replys and suggestions

Rusty 'Ol 69, I might have to find some of that Krylon, and no I don't need ant close uo pics at this time.

68OrangeSunshine, is that an old paint that is not made anymore? If so, can you send it to me? You can keep the GMAC payment book LOL.

Here's an adendment to the original question:

How do I remove the needles without bending or damaging them?

sbrban · 03-23-2003, 12:01 PM

Just mask off your gauges.Dull your tape first by rubbing it on your jeans.If it sticks too good & your gauge print is in poor condition it can pull some of it off.I've never tried pulling the needles off-how would you spray them w/o any finger prints on them.It amazes me how many people don't take the time to do the needles-I just cringe when I look inside a sweet looking truck and I see the old ratty gauges unrestored!

rusty ol' 69' · 03-23-2003, 12:33 PM

The easiest way is to cut a slit in a piece of paper and slide it over the top of the needle then tape the slits. That way you don't risk harming the surface of the gauge and you don't have to risk mashing the needle trying to get it off.

Blue Beard · 03-23-2003, 12:41 PM

I gather from everyones comments that the needles don't come off very easy......

JoetheMobster · 03-23-2003, 12:42 PM

If you go the tape route, 3M makes some "Low Stick" tape, used for painting. Last time I had my gauge cluster out, I regret not painting the needles! Easy fix I suppose...plan to do it one of these days.

JoetheMobster · 03-23-2003, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Blue Beard
With some of the other posts I've seen..............I've gotta ask....................

Does any of these choices make it faster..................................?

LMAO!!!

**'68OrangeSunshine** · 03-24-2003, 05:19 AM

DTILLY,
I used the paper slit method,[ I didn't want to upset the instrument calibration] and lo-tack 3M masking on the Instrument Gauge Bezel.[And it still lifted some of the silver mist from around the inside individual instrument holes.] Also I bagged the speedo and fuel gauges in plastic so overspray wouldn't get into the movements and jam stuff.
I'll check tomorrow what brand that Stoplight Red was. I'm keeping it, as I still have a '71 Jimmy and a '67 K/10 Sub I also need to work on.
The GMAC book got paid off in '75 or '76, I think. I didn't really keep it, I was only having a flashback.

jmanz69 · 03-24-2003, 07:34 AM

I used testors Model Master Fourescent Red, it's almost a dead on match for the original color. I don't know if it comes in rattle can though. Here is a pic of how it looks.

Alex Hayley · 03-24-2003, 12:00 PM

I used tin foil to protect the guage while painting. Quick to put on and take off. Did not get any overspray.

*dtlilly* · 03-24-2003, 12:39 PM

Excellent suggestions from everyone, and something tells me I'm not going to be the only one taking apart their gadges. It's shocking how something so small, and easy to fix, can stand out like a sore thumb.

Thanks again, Don

**'68OrangeSunshine** · 03-24-2003, 05:20 PM

That "Stoplight Red" I mentioned was made by Plasti-Cote. It is their p/n FL-6 and the barcode on the back of the can is:
71915 00606.
Of course any of these colors will work as long as you use only the same shade and manufacturer for all your projects. Consistency = Professionalism!

*dtlilly* · 03-24-2003, 05:32 PM

Thanks 68orangesunshine,

I'll try to find that, or the krylon color, and follow the advice from the other posts.

03-23-2003, 02:47 AM	#1
dtlilly Account Suspended Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Shadow of Lambeau Field Posts: 5,597	Paint color of Gadge Needles I want to paint my gadge needles the original orange. Does anyone know who makes the correct color? Does Testors model paint have an orange that will work? Thanks, Don.

03-23-2003, 03:52 AM	#2
rusty ol' 69' Grubbin' Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Chico, CA Posts: 293	I just redid mine I used krylon model paint called glow orange. I think it turned about as close to stock as you can get. I got a couple close-ups shots of it. Here's a pic with my new wheel. Let me know if you want to see a close-up. Attached Images __________________ project rust attack 1969 Chevrolet LWB w/ 307. I got power steering now woohooooo!!!!!!!

03-23-2003, 04:39 AM	#3
Hooter My other Love Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Castlegar B.C. Canada Posts: 4,085	Testors orange is what I have used, worked great for me __________________ Castlegar B.C.The great white North (Canada Eh!) Hooter_5@hotmail.com First generation Monte Carlo club pictures of my life

03-23-2003, 10:20 AM	#5
Blue Beard Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Washington State Posts: 8,834	With some of the other posts I've seen..............I've gotta ask.................... Does any of these choices make it faster..................................? __________________ 1970 Chev CST 2003 Harley Fatboy 1975 Chevrolet Step Van 1956 Chev Bel Air 1977 Blazer 2WD For Sale $3000.00 1978 Blazer 2WD For Sale $7000.00 1978 Silverado 2005 Monte Carlo

03-23-2003, 12:01 PM	#7
sbrban Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Iowa Posts: 236	Just mask off your gauges.Dull your tape first by rubbing it on your jeans.If it sticks too good & your gauge print is in poor condition it can pull some of it off.I've never tried pulling the needles off-how would you spray them w/o any finger prints on them.It amazes me how many people don't take the time to do the needles-I just cringe when I look inside a sweet looking truck and I see the old ratty gauges unrestored! __________________ you never have too many suburbans....

03-23-2003, 04:45 AM	#4
'68OrangeSunshine Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Tucson, AZ USA Posts: 7,423	I used an old spray can color called "Stoplight Red." It's a neon. Makes it look so new I thought my GMAC payment book was still in the glovebox.

03-23-2003, 11:46 AM	#6
dtlilly Account Suspended Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Shadow of Lambeau Field Posts: 5,597	Thanks for the replys and suggestions Rusty 'Ol 69, I might have to find some of that Krylon, and no I don't need ant close uo pics at this time. 68OrangeSunshine, is that an old paint that is not made anymore? If so, can you send it to me? You can keep the GMAC payment book LOL. Here's an adendment to the original question: How do I remove the needles without bending or damaging them?

03-23-2003, 12:33 PM	#8
rusty ol' 69' Grubbin' Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Chico, CA Posts: 293	The easiest way is to cut a slit in a piece of paper and slide it over the top of the needle then tape the slits. That way you don't risk harming the surface of the gauge and you don't have to risk mashing the needle trying to get it off. __________________ project rust attack 1969 Chevrolet LWB w/ 307. I got power steering now woohooooo!!!!!!!

03-23-2003, 12:41 PM	#9
Blue Beard Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Washington State Posts: 8,834	I gather from everyones comments that the needles don't come off very easy...... __________________ 1970 Chev CST 2003 Harley Fatboy 1975 Chevrolet Step Van 1956 Chev Bel Air 1977 Blazer 2WD For Sale $3000.00 1978 Blazer 2WD For Sale $7000.00 1978 Silverado 2005 Monte Carlo

03-23-2003, 12:42 PM	#10
JoetheMobster Listening since '86 Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Canada Posts: 1,799	If you go the tape route, 3M makes some "Low Stick" tape, used for painting. Last time I had my gauge cluster out, I regret not painting the needles! Easy fix I suppose...plan to do it one of these days. __________________ 2007 Saturn Aura - hey it WAS a GM product

03-24-2003, 05:19 AM	#12
'68OrangeSunshine Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Tucson, AZ USA Posts: 7,423	DTILLY, I used the paper slit method,[ I didn't want to upset the instrument calibration] and lo-tack 3M masking on the Instrument Gauge Bezel.[And it still lifted some of the silver mist from around the inside individual instrument holes.] Also I bagged the speedo and fuel gauges in plastic so overspray wouldn't get into the movements and jam stuff. I'll check tomorrow what brand that Stoplight Red was. I'm keeping it, as I still have a '71 Jimmy and a '67 K/10 Sub I also need to work on. The GMAC book got paid off in '75 or '76, I think. I didn't really keep it, I was only having a flashback. Last edited by '68OrangeSunshine; 03-24-2003 at 05:25 AM.

03-24-2003, 07:34 AM	#13
jmanz69 Careful, they attack... Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Waterford, MI, USA Posts: 1,107	I used testors Model Master Fourescent Red, it's almost a dead on match for the original color. I don't know if it comes in rattle can though. Here is a pic of how it looks. Attached Images

03-24-2003, 12:00 PM	#14
Alex Hayley Registered User Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: NC Posts: 987	I used tin foil to protect the guage while painting. Quick to put on and take off. Did not get any overspray.

03-24-2003, 12:39 PM	#15
dtlilly Account Suspended Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Shadow of Lambeau Field Posts: 5,597	Excellent suggestions from everyone, and something tells me I'm not going to be the only one taking apart their gadges. It's shocking how something so small, and easy to fix, can stand out like a sore thumb. Thanks again, Don

03-24-2003, 05:20 PM	#16
'68OrangeSunshine Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Tucson, AZ USA Posts: 7,423	STOPLIGHT RED That "Stoplight Red" I mentioned was made by Plasti-Cote. It is their p/n FL-6 and the barcode on the back of the can is: 71915 00606. Of course any of these colors will work as long as you use only the same shade and manufacturer for all your projects. Consistency = Professionalism!



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03-24-2003, 05:32 PM	#17
dtlilly Account Suspended Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Shadow of Lambeau Field Posts: 5,597	Thanks 68orangesunshine, I'll try to find that, or the krylon color, and follow the advice from the other posts.

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