Warning light gauge cluster refresh - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

ClemsonChevy · 09-22-2013, 10:54 PM

So I removed my gauge cluster to day to check bad bulbs and such. I took the cluster apart, and was amazed at how faded and cracked the original warning light filters were:

Here they are held up to light:

I had a good read from the "How to restore and Detail and Original Gauge Cluster thread" found here. While I had it apart, I repainted the fuel and speedo needles that were faded. I painted them white then bright orange. I had the paint already for using on gun sights.

Heres the fun part. I looked around for translucent colored things to use as new filters for the warning lights. I found these clear colored folder things at staples for $5. They didn't have a dark enough orange, but the pack I bought had green and red (along with blue, purple and clear). I folded the folder to make three layers. Using the cardboard tubes that the filters mount to, I traced around the outside of the tube with a fine tipped marker. I cut the pattern out which gave me three pieces. I used three stacked together per cardboard tube to give a deeper color. I test fit the three pieces just into the rubber ring and trimmed away my pieces until they fit without being bubbled or wavy. Once satisfied, I put the cardboard tube back together with the rubber and the new filters. Mine were still lighter colored than the originals, but I like the look.

My truck is going to be mainly a daily driver/beater, so I didn't worry about the light rust on the speedo gauge or the scratched cluster lens. Maybe this will give someone some helpful tips or ideas.

perro13 · 09-23-2013, 12:16 AM

Looks nice % bright. Good job

LostMy65 · 09-23-2013, 12:16 AM

Neat trick with the warning lights.
Looks good.
Posted via Mobile Device

theastronaut · 09-23-2013, 12:26 PM

Looks good, I did the same thing on a couple warning light clusters. You're not too far away, I'm in Anderson/Belton.

ClemsonChevy · 09-23-2013, 02:27 PM

Wow, I didn't even notice your location when I was reading your thread!

Quote:

Originally Posted by theastronaut

Looks good, I did the same thing on a couple warning light clusters. You're not too far away, I'm in Anderson/Belton.

Posted via Mobile Device

09-22-2013, 10:54 PM	#1
ClemsonChevy 8 vehicles only 4 that run Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Clemson, SC Posts: 236	Warning light gauge cluster refresh So I removed my gauge cluster to day to check bad bulbs and such. I took the cluster apart, and was amazed at how faded and cracked the original warning light filters were: Here they are held up to light: I had a good read from the "How to restore and Detail and Original Gauge Cluster thread" found here. While I had it apart, I repainted the fuel and speedo needles that were faded. I painted them white then bright orange. I had the paint already for using on gun sights. Heres the fun part. I looked around for translucent colored things to use as new filters for the warning lights. I found these clear colored folder things at staples for $5. They didn't have a dark enough orange, but the pack I bought had green and red (along with blue, purple and clear). I folded the folder to make three layers. Using the cardboard tubes that the filters mount to, I traced around the outside of the tube with a fine tipped marker. I cut the pattern out which gave me three pieces. I used three stacked together per cardboard tube to give a deeper color. I test fit the three pieces just into the rubber ring and trimmed away my pieces until they fit without being bubbled or wavy. Once satisfied, I put the cardboard tube back together with the rubber and the new filters. Mine were still lighter colored than the originals, but I like the look. My truck is going to be mainly a daily driver/beater, so I didn't worry about the light rust on the speedo gauge or the scratched cluster lens. Maybe this will give someone some helpful tips or ideas. __________________ 95 2500 350 w/ 3.73 72 GMC 1500 SWB stepside 65 Chevy C10 SWB stepside 72 Chevy C10 LWB fleetside Last edited by ClemsonChevy; 09-23-2013 at 12:51 AM.

09-23-2013, 12:16 AM	#2
perro13 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Stockton CA Posts: 2,364	Re: Warning light gauge cluster refresh Looks nice % bright. Good job

09-23-2013, 12:16 AM	#3
LostMy65 But Found Her 25yrs Later! Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Oregon City, Oregon Posts: 10,530	Re: Warning light gauge cluster refresh Neat trick with the warning lights. Looks good. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ I lost my 65 - Found it 25 years later: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=426650 66 C20 Service Truck: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=428035

09-23-2013, 12:26 PM	#4
theastronaut Registered User Join Date: May 2011 Location: Anderson SC Posts: 3,901	Re: Warning light gauge cluster refresh Looks good, I did the same thing on a couple warning light clusters. You're not too far away, I'm in Anderson/Belton. __________________ Project Goldilocks '66 C10 Short Fleet BBW Build '65 C10 Highly Detailed Stock Restoration Thread '78 Camaro Targa Roof Build '55 International Metal/Body/Paint Work '66 F100 Full Rotisserie Restoration '40 Packard 120 Convertible Coupe Restoration How To Restore and Detail an Original Gauge Cluster How To Detail Sand Body Panels, Edges, Corners, Etc



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