Can discolored factory gauges be polished out? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**leddzepp** · 06-28-2012, 04:09 AM

I was wondering if there is a way to polish out the "discoloration" that occurs on many OEM gauge numbers and letters and make them look new again? Here is an example of what I am talking about. The black background is not "perfect" on the gauge, but other than the lettering and hatch marks being discolored, it isn't too bad. I have seen many others where the discoloration is a lot worse.

**leddzepp** · 06-28-2012, 11:33 PM

70 views and no responses....I guess not

**70cst** · 06-28-2012, 11:36 PM

Ok...a bump

**jocko** · 06-28-2012, 11:52 PM

yes. or maybe no. I was assuming you were referring to the plastic lens, which would normally be a yes. Then the first time I read, I thought you were talking about polishing the black. NOW I understand - the white stuff. Problem is, I don't know how the factory applies the lettering/numbering/white stuff - but it HAS to be after/on top of the black, so I would think you could lightly polish by hand, maybe with an extremely low grit type of polish - maybe just a little more abrasive than wax - or maybe start with a "cleaner wax" and slowly work your way towards sandblasting (just kidding, but that direction I mean). If you wouldn't use it as is, then it probably can't hurt to give it a try. Perhaps plastic lens polish or the stuff they use on headlights nowadays? Does anyone make new full background appliques?

Lee H · 06-28-2012, 11:57 PM

I recently took a gauge like that to redline gauge works. They said the discoloration was actually rust under the paint and silk screen. They said the only way to clean it up was to restore the gauge. Not real expensive if they have the art work to reapply the markings. Very expensive if they have to create the art work.
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**FirstOwner69** · 06-28-2012, 11:59 PM

I don't think so. As I recall, if you so much as rub the white printing on some of the gauges with anything damp it'll wipe off or, at best, smear. I think it is the big gauges (speedo and fuel). I'd hate to see what any compounds, or waxes would do. I have masked the orange area on the temp gauge and painted it without a problem.

Duvall · 06-29-2012, 12:05 AM

Every time I have tried the white smears. I have tried everything from water to thiner. No luck with any. Lost patience and bought a new one. Good luck.

1972RedNeck · 06-29-2012, 12:37 AM

Why are all of my gauges like this one and get stuck a little bit to the C side? I thought is was just the air up here.

06-28-2012, 04:09 AM	#1
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 19,995	Can discolored factory gauges be polished out? I was wondering if there is a way to polish out the "discoloration" that occurs on many OEM gauge numbers and letters and make them look new again? Here is an example of what I am talking about. The black background is not "perfect" on the gauge, but other than the lettering and hatch marks being discolored, it isn't too bad. I have seen many others where the discoloration is a lot worse. Attached Images __________________ 1972 C/10 Cheyenne Super SWB. Restored, loaded, slammed. 1968 C/10 50th Anniversary LWB. Unrestored, stock, daily driver/work truck. RIP ElJay RIP 67ChevyRedneck RIP Grumpy Old Man

06-28-2012, 11:33 PM	#2
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 19,995	Re: Can discolored factory gauges be polished out? 70 views and no responses....I guess not __________________ 1972 C/10 Cheyenne Super SWB. Restored, loaded, slammed. 1968 C/10 50th Anniversary LWB. Unrestored, stock, daily driver/work truck. RIP ElJay RIP 67ChevyRedneck RIP Grumpy Old Man

06-28-2012, 11:36 PM	#3
70cst Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: New Madison, Ohio Posts: 21,365	Re: Can discolored factory gauges be polished out? Ok...a bump __________________ A husband can be right...or...A husband can be happy. 67-72 Chevy and GMC Trucks...The Classic Truck for the Classic Folk. 1970 CST Two tone green, 402BB, 400 Automatic, Tach, Buckets, AC, AM-FM, Tilt, GM CB, GM 8 Tract, LWB, etc JOHN 17:3...The better side of "LIFE" Remember: Everyday is a good day...Some are just gooder!

06-28-2012, 11:52 PM	#4
jocko Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Godley, TX Posts: 17,945	Re: Can discolored factory gauges be polished out? yes. or maybe no. I was assuming you were referring to the plastic lens, which would normally be a yes. Then the first time I read, I thought you were talking about polishing the black. NOW I understand - the white stuff. Problem is, I don't know how the factory applies the lettering/numbering/white stuff - but it HAS to be after/on top of the black, so I would think you could lightly polish by hand, maybe with an extremely low grit type of polish - maybe just a little more abrasive than wax - or maybe start with a "cleaner wax" and slowly work your way towards sandblasting (just kidding, but that direction I mean). If you wouldn't use it as is, then it probably can't hurt to give it a try. Perhaps plastic lens polish or the stuff they use on headlights nowadays? Does anyone make new full background appliques?

06-28-2012, 11:57 PM	#5
Lee H Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Upland Ca Posts: 4,141	Re: Can discolored factory gauges be polished out? I recently took a gauge like that to redline gauge works. They said the discoloration was actually rust under the paint and silk screen. They said the only way to clean it up was to restore the gauge. Not real expensive if they have the art work to reapply the markings. Very expensive if they have to create the art work. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1972 C10 SWB, Air, PS, PB, 350/350THM. Second owner. 1965 Corvette roadster, 44K miles, 327/365 SHP, 4 speed, side exhaust, knockoffs, teak, second owner (bought in 1970), Have ALL numbers matching components. My frame off restoration thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=556703

06-28-2012, 11:59 PM	#6
FirstOwner69 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wisconsin & Arizona Posts: 4,842	Re: Can discolored factory gauges be polished out? I don't think so. As I recall, if you so much as rub the white printing on some of the gauges with anything damp it'll wipe off or, at best, smear. I think it is the big gauges (speedo and fuel). I'd hate to see what any compounds, or waxes would do. I have masked the orange area on the temp gauge and painted it without a problem.

06-29-2012, 12:05 AM	#7
Duvall Registered User Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Hanford Ca. Posts: 68	Re: Can discolored factory gauges be polished out? Every time I have tried the white smears. I have tried everything from water to thiner. No luck with any. Lost patience and bought a new one. Good luck.



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