Got My Tach Cluster Rebuilt - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**LockDoc** · 04-01-2014, 02:31 PM

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I finished this up this morning. I’ve been waiting on the new lens. I was washing the original one with dish soap and water mixture and the numbers and letters started flaking off of it….Bummer. The figures on the new one are not quite as bold as the original but it looks good.

I may put it in the ’71 when I get it together.

LockDoc

**jabborabbo** · 04-01-2014, 03:20 PM

Looks great!

Mike's money pit · 04-01-2014, 03:55 PM

That looks awesome, Leon

**too much stuff** · 04-01-2014, 06:04 PM

Looks good.
Sometimes just plain water wipes the old original lenses clean if you aren't careful.

sambudo · 04-01-2014, 07:39 PM

Great Job looks awesome. I am getting ready to pull mine out of the truck tonight. Wish me luck.

Sammy · 04-01-2014, 09:16 PM

I put a new bezel on my non-tach cluster sure does make them shiny.

**LockDoc** · 04-01-2014, 09:23 PM

Thanks gents.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sambudo

Great Job looks awesome. I am getting ready to pull mine out of the truck tonight. Wish me luck.

You will be fine with it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sammy

I put a new bezel on my non-tach cluster sure does make them shiny.

Hey Ron, be sure and wash any oil from your hands off of the chrome. If there is any acidity in it the chrome may turn dark in those areas.

LockDoc

1stchevy · 04-01-2014, 09:35 PM

Looks nice, good job

Sammy · 04-02-2014, 11:00 AM

Very happy with mine also. I was very careful not to get carried away in cleaning.

davepl · 04-02-2014, 02:58 PM

Does anyone know of a good Tester's paint or something that is a GOOD match for the factory color on the needles? My speedo is faded, but the rest are good (and the tach is a new repop). I'd rather not do them all and risk messing up, so if I could just do (or buy if anyone sells them separate) the one it'd be better.

Sad cluster story: After years of searching I finally found a rally cluster for my 2+2, and went to gently clean it. The paint has basically all turned to powder, and touching it in any way caused them all to come off. So I have a half-blank one somewhere. Eventually found another. Was going to get the original re-lithographed but it would have been real expensive.

**TBONE1964** · 04-02-2014, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davepl

Does anyone know of a good Tester's paint or something that is a GOOD match for the factory color on the needles? My speedo is faded, but the rest are good (and the tach is a new repop). I'd rather not do them all and risk messing up, so if I could just do (or buy if anyone sells them separate) the one it'd be better.

Sad cluster story: After years of searching I finally found a rally cluster for my 2+2, and went to gently clean it. The paint has basically all turned to powder, and touching it in any way caused them all to come off. So I have a half-blank one somewhere. Eventually found another. Was going to get the original re-lithographed but it would have been real expensive.

This is what I use.

Testors - 2041 Model Master Fluorescent Red Orange FS28913

If your other needles have any fade at all this will not work for matching. Just a word of advise, do not tape directly on the gauge faces when painting. Use a piece paper of paper behind trhe needle. Tape will pull off the original graduation paint on the gauge face.

Good luck,
Tom

**LockDoc** · 04-02-2014, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davepl

Does anyone know of a good Tester's paint or something that is a GOOD match for the factory color on the needles? My speedo is faded, but the rest are good (and the tach is a new repop). I'd rather not do them all and risk messing up, so if I could just do (or buy if anyone sells them separate) the one it'd be better.

Sad cluster story: After years of searching I finally found a rally cluster for my 2+2, and went to gently clean it. The paint has basically all turned to powder, and touching it in any way caused them all to come off. So I have a half-blank one somewhere. Eventually found another. Was going to get the original re-lithographed but it would have been real expensive.

I used "Model Master" Fluorescent Red #28915 purchased at "Hobby Lobby" craft supply store. Just remember that no matter how good the originals are they are still going to be faded. I didn't paint a couple of the small gauge needles but you have to look real close to see any difference.

LockDoc

LockDoc

**FirstOwner69** · 04-02-2014, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davepl

Does anyone know of a good Tester's paint or something that is a GOOD match for the factory color on the needles? My speedo is faded, but the rest are good (and the tach is a new repop). I'd rather not do them all and risk messing up, so if I could just do (or buy if anyone sells them separate) the one it'd be better.

Sad cluster story: After years of searching I finally found a rally cluster for my 2+2, and went to gently clean it. The paint has basically all turned to powder, and touching it in any way caused them all to come off. So I have a half-blank one somewhere. Eventually found another. Was going to get the original re-lithographed but it would have been real expensive.

Here's a link to a previous thread with lots of paint info and pictures. Looks like you had some posts in it.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=524139

**LockDoc** · 04-02-2014, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TBONE1964

Leon,

Your cluster looks great. Sometimes the paint on the original lens get old and brittle over the years and this will happen. There is not much you can do with it. Even plain water will wipe the printed/painted figures off.

If you are interested in a NOS lens, please contact me by PM. I also have some nice original ones that I can get buffed up for you.

Tom

Thanks Tom. I don't own anything that deserves a NOS lens...

.. I usually have pretty good luck buffing the front of them but I haven't had any of the figures flake off from washing them with a mild soap solution before.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ol Blue K20

Looks good Leon, how's the Longhorn coming I haven't seen an update in a while

Thanks Dale. I haven't pulled it out of hibernation yet to finish it up. The weather just won't cooperate. Maybe next week.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcbassin

Very nice work Leon

!

Thanks Mike.

LockDoc

**TBONE1964** · 04-02-2014, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LockDoc

-
I finished this up this morning. I’ve been waiting on the new lens. I was washing the original one with dish soap and water mixture and the numbers and letters started flaking off of it….Bummer. The figures on the new one are not quite as bold as the original but it looks good.

I may put it in the ’71 when I get it together.

LockDoc

Leon,

Your cluster looks great. Sometimes the paint on the original lens get old and brittle over the years and this will happen. There is not much you can do with it. Even plain water will wipe the printed/painted figures off.

If you are interested in a NOS lens, please contact me by PM. I also have some nice original ones that I can get buffed up for you.

Tom

**Ol Blue K20** · 04-02-2014, 04:13 PM

Looks good Leon, how's the Longhorn coming I haven't seen an update in a while

mcbassin · 04-02-2014, 04:21 PM

Very nice work Leon

!

Sammy · 04-03-2014, 02:42 AM

I have a can of that Testors model spray paint from a previous cluster touch up. But figured since it is several years old in the garage doubtful it has survived the cold.

nolimitssjca · 04-03-2014, 03:41 AM

Leon,

That looks amazing! I got a tach cluster a week ago. I ordered a new lens and bezel that should arrive before the weekend. I hope it turns out as well as yours.

no_rice · 04-03-2014, 01:19 PM

well, you could always just let me put that in mine if its to nice for you now...! its way to nice for my truck, but i'll deal with it

i was down at Arts getting some parts right after he shipped that lens off to you. picked up some goodies

got all the window seals and a disc/drum mastercyinder and proportioning valve. those vent windows are a pain in the ass to rebuild. especially smashing the rivets by hand with a hammer and tool!

**LockDoc** · 04-03-2014, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by no_rice

well, you could always just let me put that in mine if its to nice for you now...! its way to nice for my truck, but i'll deal with it

i was down at Arts getting some parts right after he shipped that lens off to you. picked up some goodies

got all the window seals and a disc/drum mastercyinder and proportioning valve. those vent windows are a pain in the ass to rebuild. especially smashing the rivets by hand with a hammer and tool!

This one is OK for my truck because it doesn't have a NOS lens in it...

Nice guy that Art. I was going to mention that about the vents but I didn't want to spoil the fun for you...

LockDoc

no_rice · 04-03-2014, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LockDoc

This one is OK for my truck because it doesn't have a NOS lens in it...

Nice guy that Art. I was going to mention that about the vents but I didn't want to spoil the fun for you...

LockDoc

thaaaanks! i had already watched a 47 minute video on youtube of a guy rebuilding them so i had a good idea. we have one of those nice expensive rivet tools at work so i thought id get lucky. it technically would work, but i tried it on one and it doesnt flare the rivet flat like it needs to be. i need a different flare end for the tool and we dont have it.

**LockDoc** · 04-03-2014, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by no_rice

thaaaanks! i had already watched a 47 minute video on youtube of a guy rebuilding them so i had a good idea. we have one of those nice expensive rivet tools at work so i thought id get lucky. it technically would work, but i tried it on one and it doesnt flare the rivet flat like it needs to be. i need a different flare end for the tool and we dont have it.

Didn't you get a hand rivet tool with the gasket kit? That's what I used and it actually worked pretty good with the wifey helping hold the window.

LockDoc

**LockDoc** · 04-03-2014, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nolimitssjca

Leon,

That looks amazing! I got a tach cluster a week ago. I ordered a new lens and bezel that should arrive before the weekend. I hope it turns out as well as yours.

Thanks, I'm happy with it. I'm sure yours will turn out great also.

LockDoc

wrager · 04-03-2014, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LockDoc

-
I finished this up this morning. I’ve been waiting on the new lens. I was washing the original one with dish soap and water mixture and the numbers and letters started flaking off of it….Bummer. The figures on the new one are not quite as bold as the original but it looks good.

I may put it in the ’71 when I get it together.

LockDoc

Looks awesome! My 71 Burb needs this. What did you do to redo the chrome?
Where is the new lens from? Thanks Loc Doc!

04-01-2014, 02:31 PM	#1
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,402	Got My Tach Cluster Rebuilt - I finished this up this morning. I’ve been waiting on the new lens. I was washing the original one with dish soap and water mixture and the numbers and letters started flaking off of it….Bummer. The figures on the new one are not quite as bold as the original but it looks good. I may put it in the ’71 when I get it together. LockDoc Attached Images __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 -

04-01-2014, 03:55 PM	#3
Mike's money pit Registered User Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Atlanta Posts: 553	Re: Got My Tach Cluster Rebuilt That looks awesome, Leon

04-01-2014, 06:04 PM	#4
too much stuff Roadtrip! Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Grand Rapids MN Posts: 13,713	Re: Got My Tach Cluster Rebuilt Looks good. Sometimes just plain water wipes the old original lenses clean if you aren't careful. __________________ 67 gmc custom lwb dakota truck. Sold...And bought back 69 swb 4x4 project (in progress) 70 c-10 lwb texas truck 70 4x4/BB/bkts/posi/tach(retired) 70 swb (wifes) 70 jimmy camper 71 K-5 factory 2wd 71 cheyenne 4x4/tach/posi/ plow rig 71 Cheyenne20 BB, buckets, tach, tilt, 4 speed 72 jimmy CST wyoming rig 72 jimmy Colorado rig 72 lifted texas 4x4 3/4 ton burb 65 fury conv. 383/auto 65 chrysler 300 "L" 413 auto

04-01-2014, 07:39 PM	#5
sambudo Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Vancouver,Wa Posts: 339	Re: Got My Tach Cluster Rebuilt Great Job looks awesome. I am getting ready to pull mine out of the truck tonight. Wish me luck. __________________ 1968 C10, 250, L6 4spd OTF, Fleetside Upgrades: Power Steering .......................____ .........________//__{\_____ ,,,,,,,/__(O)___//___/__(O)_/

04-01-2014, 09:16 PM	#6
Sammy Registered User Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Bonne Terre, Mo Posts: 3,005	Re: Got My Tach Cluster Rebuilt I put a new bezel on my non-tach cluster sure does make them shiny. __________________ '69 Chevy Long Fleet & '71 GMC Short Step & Project "ODD BALL" "You can wash a pig, soak it in most expensive perfume. In the end it is still just a pig." ODD BALL build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=478629"

04-01-2014, 03:20 PM	#2
jabborabbo Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Podunk, Texas Posts: 743	Re: Got My Tach Cluster Rebuilt Looks great!

04-01-2014, 09:35 PM	#8
1stchevy Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Randleman, NC Posts: 785	Re: Got My Tach Cluster Rebuilt Looks nice, good job

04-02-2014, 11:00 AM	#9
Sammy Registered User Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Bonne Terre, Mo Posts: 3,005	Re: Got My Tach Cluster Rebuilt Very happy with mine also. I was very careful not to get carried away in cleaning. Attached Images __________________ '69 Chevy Long Fleet & '71 GMC Short Step & Project "ODD BALL" "You can wash a pig, soak it in most expensive perfume. In the end it is still just a pig." ODD BALL build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=478629"

04-02-2014, 02:58 PM	#10
davepl Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Redmond, WA Posts: 6,332	Re: Got My Tach Cluster Rebuilt Does anyone know of a good Tester's paint or something that is a GOOD match for the factory color on the needles? My speedo is faded, but the rest are good (and the tach is a new repop). I'd rather not do them all and risk messing up, so if I could just do (or buy if anyone sells them separate) the one it'd be better. Sad cluster story: After years of searching I finally found a rally cluster for my 2+2, and went to gently clean it. The paint has basically all turned to powder, and touching it in any way caused them all to come off. So I have a half-blank one somewhere. Eventually found another. Was going to get the original re-lithographed but it would have been real expensive. __________________ 1970 GMC Sierra Grande Custom Camper - Built, not Bought 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Coupe 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Convertible

04-02-2014, 04:13 PM	#16
Ol Blue K20 Proprietor of Dale's Corner Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Vacaville , CA Posts: 15,982	Re: Got My Tach Cluster Rebuilt Looks good Leon, how's the Longhorn coming I haven't seen an update in a while __________________ "Some Days Chickens And Some Days Feathers" Dale XNGH ECV Sam Brannan 1004 R.I.P. 67ChevyRedneck R.I.P. Grumpy Old Man

04-02-2014, 04:21 PM	#17
mcbassin Still Learning Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Central Oklahoma Posts: 10,108	Re: Got My Tach Cluster Rebuilt Very nice work Leon! __________________ Mike "69 Short Wide" My Project 86 Silverado Landen's Project Instagram: @mcbassin My Website C/10 Club Oklahoma Facebook Group

04-03-2014, 02:42 AM	#18
Sammy Registered User Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Bonne Terre, Mo Posts: 3,005	Re: Got My Tach Cluster Rebuilt I have a can of that Testors model spray paint from a previous cluster touch up. But figured since it is several years old in the garage doubtful it has survived the cold. __________________ '69 Chevy Long Fleet & '71 GMC Short Step & Project "ODD BALL" "You can wash a pig, soak it in most expensive perfume. In the end it is still just a pig." ODD BALL build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=478629"

04-03-2014, 03:41 AM	#19
nolimitssjca Registered User Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 69	Re: Got My Tach Cluster Rebuilt Leon, That looks amazing! I got a tach cluster a week ago. I ordered a new lens and bezel that should arrive before the weekend. I hope it turns out as well as yours.

04-03-2014, 01:19 PM	#20
no_rice Registered User Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: nevada iowa Posts: 285	Re: Got My Tach Cluster Rebuilt well, you could always just let me put that in mine if its to nice for you now...! its way to nice for my truck, but i'll deal with it i was down at Arts getting some parts right after he shipped that lens off to you. picked up some goodies got all the window seals and a disc/drum mastercyinder and proportioning valve. those vent windows are a pain in the ass to rebuild. especially smashing the rivets by hand with a hammer and tool!



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