72 dash restoration tips

[Jcfcamaro]

Hello everyone, wondering if there is any model paint ect to repaint the needles on my gauge cluster?

[Tom Vogel]

I have done this before with past restorations. It is simple. Use a piece of tin foil to cover the gauge. Poke a hole in the foil and thread through the gauge needle, then spray with any common day-glo orange spray paint. Done! It will lok brand new.

[HeavyD]

I used Testors "Model Master" Flourescent Orange paint, and it worked well if you prefer to brush them. Just be very careful as the needles will bend very easily.

Paint can be found at any hobby place that sells plastic models.

[dfwright]

I will recommend the Testors Model Master paint also. It worked well, and was very close to original. Whatever you do, don't order any of the 1/2 ounce "flourescent speedo and gauge" paints off ebay. They are worthless. After 10 coats without good coverage, I gave up and went with the Testors.

[onebigjohn]

I don't mean to hijack your thread.....But what if your needle is peeling?
Can a 40 year old needle withstand a good paint prep?
I don't want to damage it!

[FirstOwner69]

Here's a link to one of many threads on this topic.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=524139

[Jcfcamaro]

Onebigjohn, never seen any of them peel like your describing. But suppose it's possible. Thanks for all the tips guys. Now I just need to order a new lense and the black and chrome body, and factory tach circuit board. Any suggestions on who sells the best parts?

[custom10nut]

Testor's Flourescent Red, is the closest to the factory( in my opinion). There are "actual factory color" paints in catalogs but they are much more expensive.

[dfwright]

Originally Posted by onebigjohn

I don't mean to hijack your thread.....But what if your needle is peeling?
Can a 40 year old needle withstand a good paint prep?
I don't want to damage it!

My gas guage was peeling pretty badly. The nice part is that where it's peeling, the paint is very loose. I used a dental pick to gently pry off the peeling paint. You can see in this pre-repaint picture, I've removed all the paint from the center of the needle

[Jcfcamaro]

Wow.

[pdawg]

I ordered a tach conversion kit from Brothers when they had a sale on. It was a nice quality but I haven't been able to get the tach to function consistently. I'm using it with an HEI distributor so they said I needed a tach capacitor, but I borrowed one off my son's corvette & it made no difference. They said they would work with me but she's put away for winter. I'll trust that they will honor their word.

[firedemon]

use led bulbs and paint inside one half with duplicolor chrome it makes a world of difference being able to see all the lower gauges nice and clear

[88Stanger]

finger nail polish will work also as another idea