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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Cedar Hill TX
Posts: 44
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cutting dash Lens
I'm looking to install a PSI gauge in my dash in the empty dash pod and was wandering the best way of cutting a hole in the dash lens. Of course I don't want to crack or break the lens. what method to use?
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-Breakin sh1t sense 1971 |
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#2 |
PROJECT 7DEUCE
![]() Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: GRANTS PASS OR
Posts: 21,608
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Re: cutting dash Lens
Dremel with a cut off wheel..
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GO BIG GREEN ![]() MEMBER #6377 72 k-5 daily driver 6'' lift 35'' 350-350-205 slowly getting rust free. Project "7DEUCE" check out my build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=267665 Tim Powell..R.I.P EastSideLowlife..... R.I.P.. |
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#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Mtn. Home, Idaho
Posts: 906
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Re: cutting dash Lens
If you are wanting to cut a round hole I would suggest a hole saw in a drill press you could also just use a hand drill but it will be a bit more challenging. Place the lens on a piece of wood and secure it with blocks of wood around the edges securing the blocks with screws and use as slow a speed as you can and go slow the plastic will get hot and instead of cutting it will melt make sure you cover the lens with wide masking tape to keep from scratching it up.BTW you have disassembled the gauge cluster I would assume dont know how you could do it any other way.
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#4 | |
One day.....
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Ocala, FL.
Posts: 702
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Re: cutting dash Lens
Quote:
DZL1. |
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#5 |
"THE GREEN GOBLIN"
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Fremont Ca.
Posts: 1,025
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Re: cutting dash Lens
Can't you just wipe off the markings on the Dash lens with some type of cleaner without causeing it to haze or damaging the plastic lens, another thought would be polishing the markings away and put PSI gauge in from the back?
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![]() "THE GREEN GOBLIN" 1972 Cheyenne 10 Short Fleet Side Front 2.5inch Spindles with 2inch Springs Rear 4inch drop Springs. 454BBC TH400,Posi 1971 Cheyenne 10 Long Fleet Side 454BBC TH350,Posi ![]() Drive it like you stole it! ![]() Petey-pablo@sbcglobal.net |
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#6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Little Rock,Ar.
Posts: 6
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Re: cutting dash Lens
Just an added note to what dzl1 suggested. In order to protect your lens, tape it up using removable masking tape blue or green works well. It won't protect if your bit walks on you but it will keep minor scuffs and scratches down. Just a note: if you want to try and buff it out if the scratches aren't too bad. The plastic headlight restore kit works well on that kind of plastic. Good luck A.J.
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#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Pasadena,Tx /Pto Pta DR
Posts: 5,415
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Re: cutting dash Lens
I've cut a lot of plastic in my life up to 2" thick down to 1/16". (LExan and Plexiglass) Like stated use a drill press and lay it flat. If you have some double sticky tape, Tape it to a flat piece of wood. I would use a Fly cutter but they kind of scare some people. That way you can get the exact diameter you need. The fly cutter is adjustable. Go slow on speed and feed. The cutter will cut the plastic not melt it and you have a nice clean sharp edge with no flashing. You use the cutter with the flat towards the direction you cut if not familiar with it. You will know when its right. No need to clamp it down (unless you want to) just lay one hand on the board and use the other to lower the cutter. carefully pull up plastic from wood.
Just for info they do make plastic drill bits. much steeper angle then a twist drill. Not in that diameter however. Last edited by mbgmike; 01-23-2010 at 07:15 PM. |
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