How To Restore and Detail an Original Gauge Cluster

[Cenla 64 Chevy]

Great thread! This is one of the things I can do in my spare time without spending a huge chunk of change to do it.

[chewiebarker]

Fantastic thread. Thanks! You are an amazing craftsman!

[Fredthecat]

This has been most helpful. Thanks!

Anyone know a source for the aftermarket tach used (mfg, model, size) that will fit using Jason/LMC decals mentioned?

Very nice work. Thanks

[SouthpawGarage]

Do you know the reason the backside of the intermediate plate has that pattern on it, rather than being a solid color? Do you think there would be any harm in painting the whole backside with the jade green?

[theastronaut]

Originally Posted by SouthpawGarage

Do you know the reason the backside of the intermediate plate has that pattern on it, rather than being a solid color? Do you think there would be any harm in painting the whole backside with the jade green?

Not sure why its like that, may have just been how they masked it to keep overspray off the front side? Should be fine to paint it solid.

[SouthpawGarage]

Thanks, I sprayed it solid jade, looks pretty good.

I've got another question for you. I can't seem to source SparVar S120 silver. Amazon just keeps showing me a listing for white with options for green, blue, and yellow. Can you recommend an alternative product?

[theastronaut]

Originally Posted by SouthpawGarage

Thanks, I sprayed it solid jade, looks pretty good.

I've got another question for you. I can't seem to source SparVar S120 silver. Amazon just keeps showing me a listing for white with options for green, blue, and yellow. Can you recommend an alternative product?

It's been discontinued, Bright Beauty Dull Aluminum bbl380 lacquer is a good match.

http://m.oreillyauto.com/mt/www.orei...0485&ppt=C0171

[SouthpawGarage]

Thanks theastronaut, this thread was my go-to resource throughout the whole process. Really happy with the way it turned out! I used different decals on the odometer that matches the original text, and made custom warning light lenses. That probably took the longest. Anyway, thanks again for the great instructions!

[roll_the_dice]

What a great read! I have been lurking on this site for a while, but had to join after reading this thread!

Does anyone know where to get a relatively cheap cluster with gauges these days? Seems like rough shaped ones have sky rocketed in the 2 years or so this thread was written. Cheapest i have seen is over $150...and that seems steep to me unless that is the going rate these days. Thanks again for a great read!

[theastronaut]

Originally Posted by SouthpawGarage

Thanks theastronaut, this thread was my go-to resource throughout the whole process. Really happy with the way it turned out! I used different decals on the odometer that matches the original text, and made custom warning light lenses. That probably took the longest. Anyway, thanks again for the great instructions!

Looks great, glad the thread was a help! I usually only use the supplied odometer decals if the original wheels are in rough shape as they aren't an exact match to the originals, that's my only complaint with Greenback's decal set.

Originally Posted by roll_the_dice

What a great read! I have been lurking on this site for a while, but had to join after reading this thread!

Does anyone know where to get a relatively cheap cluster with gauges these days? Seems like rough shaped ones have sky rocketed in the 2 years or so this thread was written. Cheapest i have seen is over $150...and that seems steep to me unless that is the going rate these days. Thanks again for a great read!

Welcome to the forum! You should be able to find one for $75 or less. Deals are still out there; I recently picked up a semi-restored tach/air cluster in excellent condition for $325 shipped.

[Paul Y]

Thanks to Mr Astronaut and Tom even a Ham Fisted Buffon such as I can get good results!



Mocked up ahead of replacing the overspeed with a shift light and check engine light for the other damaged warning light.

P.

[roll_the_dice]

Originally Posted by Paul Y

Thanks to Mr Astronaut and Tom even a Ham Fisted Buffon such as I can get good results!



Mocked up ahead of replacing the overspeed with a shift light and check engine light for the other damaged warning light.

P.

Looks great...where did you get the 8k tach? Thanks

[Paul Y]

Originally Posted by roll_the_dice

Looks great...where did you get the 8k tach? Thanks

It's a Sunpro one that I got from Summit, think it was about $130.

P.

[TBONE1964]

I agree with under $75.00 for a full gauge non tach cluster. If you pay anymore, I would want to make sure all the gauges and speedometer function OK.

The other thing to consider is the wiring harness. If the wiring harness is included and is in good (un cut / un spliced) condition, that is worth $40.00.

Be patient and you will find what you are looking for.

Take care,
Tom

[roll_the_dice]

Thanks everyone...I will be on the lookout for one in that range. I like working on stuff myself if I can, and this looks like a project that I would get satisfaction out of.

Originally Posted by Paul Y

It's a Sunpro one that I got from Summit, think it was about $130.

P.

I think I found the gauge...thanks! Since it isn't "oem" was it just as easy to install? This is the one i found...

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/bgs-fst8050

[TBONE1964]

Originally Posted by roll_the_dice

Thanks everyone...I will be on the lookout for one in that range. I like working on stuff myself if I can, and this looks like a project that I would get satisfaction out of.



I think I found the gauge...thanks! Since it isn't "oem" was it just as easy to install? This is the one i found...

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/bgs-fst8050

I have used that same tach in a 64 - 66 cluster. It will stick out of the back of the cluster about 3/8 of an inch or so if I recall. I used two stock back plates and made a custom one. You will have to do a little trimming on the main tin around where the back plate attaches. You also need to take the chrome bezel off the front. If I recall that was just crimped on.

Hope this helps,
Tom

[roll_the_dice]

Thanks Tom, that helps.

[luvtrucks]

Originally Posted by theastronaut

It's been discontinued, Bright Beauty Dull Aluminum bbl380 lacquer is a good match.

http://m.oreillyauto.com/mt/www.orei...0485&ppt=C0171

I have found that there is Spavar S120 on eBay. I still think its color is the best. just my opinion.

[TBONE1964]

Originally Posted by luvtrucks

I have found that there is Spavar S120 on eBay. I still think its color is the best. just my opinion.

Do you have the eBay link for this. I have been looking on and off for 4 years to find that paint with no luck.

Thank you,
Tom

[luvtrucks]

Originally Posted by TBONE1964

Do you have the eBay link for this. I have been looking on and off for 4 years to find that paint with no luck.

Thank you,
Tom

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Spavar-S120-...263898&vxp=mtr


Hope this helps. I know a lot of people looking for it. Pass the Word!!

[TBONE1964]

Originally Posted by luvtrucks

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Spavar-S120-...263898&vxp=mtr


Hope this helps. I know a lot of people looking for it. Pass the Word!!

Great!!! Thank you for sharing that and I will do the same.

Have a good weekend,
Tom

[Kenfuzed]

Originally Posted by luvtrucks

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Spavar-S120-...263898&vxp=mtr

Wow checked out your ebay auction (appears to be you), $40 for a can of spray paint is steep but I guess its supply and demand

[luvtrucks]

Originally Posted by Kenfuzed

Wow checked out your ebay auction (appears to be you), $40 for a can of spray paint is steep but I guess its supply and demand

Kenfuzed I didn't mean to offend anyone. I do have the listing on eBay for a friend of mine that had a Mercedes shop that closed some years back. Since am a old car truck guy he asked me to help sell some of his things. The paint was last listed on Amazon for like $49.00. So my friend set the price. Since you commented I have talked him into lowering price some and also add make an offer. Will try to take all reasonable offers. Also if anyone is interested in buying by the case not through eBay I can make some deals!! Without having to pay all the fees. So anyway I can help you guys out I will. Just a car guy trying to sell 84 cans of Sparvar s120 Silver. Peace out!

[Kenfuzed]

Originally Posted by luvtrucks

Kenfuzed I didn't mean to offend anyone. I do have the listing on eBay for a friend of mine that had a Mercedes shop that closed some years back. Since am a old car truck guy he asked me to help sell some of his things. The paint was last listed on Amazon for like $49.00. So my friend set the price. Since you commented I have talked him into lowering price some and also add make an offer. Will try to take all reasonable offers. Also if anyone is interested in buying by the case not through eBay I can make some deals!! Without having to pay all the fees. So anyway I can help you guys out I will. Just a car guy trying to sell 84 cans of Sparvar s120 Silver. Peace out!

Understand and everyone here always appreciates those who help to improve our trucks. The part that rubs many the wrong way is when someone comes on the forum who has never posted before and says "I have found that there is Spavar S120 on eBay" when in fact that ebay ad is your own. I personally would have preferred to see your post simply state that you had the item available on ebay. Others might consider your post a shameless plug.

Again, always appreciate a helpful tip, I just would have approached this differently.

[roll_the_dice]

OK, back on topic. I picked up a used gauge cluster and am going to restore it, but is there anyway to bench test the gauges before I start? I want to make sure everything works while I am ordering the reface kit, etc. Thanks