Looking for dash gauge cluster restoration thread

[burbluv]

I just pulled out my dash gauges because my speedometer needle broke off and I am replacing it with the one pictured below. I know somewhere on here I found a thread of restoration people had done on these but now I can not find it. I was also wondering what the exact color I should repaint it if my Suburban is a 62. I know it will be the offsetting color to the fawn and I am pretty sure it is the color I will do the door panels, steering wheel and glovebox (not sure on that one)?

Also looking to order from American Autowire the Classic Update 500560 and was wondering if anyone knew where I could get the best deal or find a discount code or coupon.
Thanks,
AJ

[1963c-10]

I used florescent orange needle paint, got mine from PPG down the road.

[burbluv]

Sorry maybe is mistyped. The picture is of a whole new dash panel that I am putting in to replace my old one. I am looking for the thread that shows how to pull it apart, clean it and repaint it. I found a great long thread about 6 moths ago but now I lost it.
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[mikesacs]

I just refurbished mine and I'll give you a few tips. It's easy to disassemble as long as you go slow. Some of the screws have different threads so keep them in different piles. I used a plastic polish on the face. After about 20 minutes, it looked like glass. Use soap, warm water, and a tooth brush to get all the white paint out of the grooves in the clear plastic. Once it is all clean use water based paint (not oil paint) and just wipe it in the grooves with a paper towel. It will look messy at first but keep wiping with the paper towel folded so you avoid the grooves.

The gauge faces can be cleaned with a soapy rag and wipe them dry.

The odometer number stickers are very fragile. Be careful or you'll wipe them off.

If your speedometer needle pops off easy, I would disassemble to clean and lube the odometer gears. Use a light grease. If it does not pop off easy, you run the risk of breaking the pin below the needle. I broke 2 out of 4 when I did it.

Check the speedometer and odometer by using a cordless drill in reverse. I cut a ink pen open and used the 1/8" tube to go from drill to speedo. I'd do this before and after. You can check what speed your drill runs in MPH and confirm that you reasymboled it correctly. Many times the odometer gear is stripped due to hard grease.

Clean the idiot light lenses with soap and water.

[burbluv]

Thanks Mike! Starting to pull it apart now.
Can anyone help me on the paint color or the thread link?
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[j.kirn]

check out greenback decal .com

[burbluv]

Unfortunately they do not carry for 1962.

[theastronaut]

Burbluv, check out my Goldilocks and '65 resto threads, both have pics and explanations of what I did for those gauge clusters. There's links in my signature. I'd post pics here but I'm posting from my phone.
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[theastronaut]

Forgot to post that the paint for the needles can be found at any store that sells model cars. You should be able to find a small bottle for a couple bucks.
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[j.kirn]

DID you call them to see if they came out with their 60-63 decals?

[Captainfab]

Try here for your gauge decals. You can get different colros if you like.....

http://www.whitegauges.net/pages/White-Face-Gauges.html

[1963c-10]

Wish they had them for the 63 factory guages. I only see them for the warning light guages

[burbluv]

Is my needle supposed to be red or orange and where do I find plastic polish? It has a ton of fine scratches.
Thanks,
AJ
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[mikesacs]

Originally Posted by burbluv

Is my needle supposed to be red or orange and where do I find plastic polish? It has a ton of fine scratches.
Thanks,
AJ
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You can get plastic polish at any auto parts store. It might be labeled for polishing plastic headlight lenses.
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[burbluv]

Oh yeah I also forgot what is the exact color for the white frame and is the same as the steering wheel and door panels?
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[theastronaut]

The needle is supposed to be florescent/safety orange. Can't help you on the frame color, I'm a 64-66 guy.
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