Polished gauge needles for a custom touch? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**TBONE1964** · 03-09-2018, 01:37 AM

Hello all,

I was doing some work in the shop this evening and began polishing up a speedometer needle. This is the result compared to the painted needle. Don't mind the less than perfect speedometer faces. They are not being used in a restoration job, just here as an example for the needle work.

Maybe not for everyone but thought I would show what it looked like here. I am thinking of building one with all polished needles and see what it would look like as a complete finished cluster.

Let me know what you think and thanks for looking,

Tom

OregonNed · 03-09-2018, 02:02 AM

I think it is a great look!

**3757chevy** · 03-09-2018, 02:09 AM

it might look nice , how does it show up at night? I prefer visability

**3757chevy** · 03-09-2018, 02:19 AM

When I had mine apart I made the mistake of painting my needle with red enamel instead of needle (fluorescent) paint. Now it is hard to see at night.

**clay68c10** · 03-09-2018, 09:15 AM

I like it a lot, the only concern would be visibility.

If it’s hard to see, you could paint just the end of it. That may be a cool look too.

sick472 · 03-09-2018, 10:57 AM

Polished needles are very unique, I've not seen that before! I love the look and would have to agree with Clay...Paint the tips if visibility is bad at night. I am assuming that they will not oxidize and look bad in short order. If so, some clear coat would be needed.

I voting for the polish because I could live with reduced visibility and love the shiny unique look!

**Ol Blue K20** · 03-09-2018, 11:19 AM

It looks great. As said before may need to paint the tip for night visibility.

davepl · 03-09-2018, 01:31 PM

In a custom truck I like it!

**70cst** · 03-09-2018, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davepl

In a custom truck I like it!

I agree

**HO455** · 03-09-2018, 11:07 PM

Cool look! Maybe a 1/4" of fluorescent paint on the end for visibility sake.

Keystone_Hate · 03-09-2018, 11:29 PM

Looks good!! As for the concerns of visibility, I have ridden motorcycles my whole life that don't even have speedometers. If you've been driving for more than 10 years you can probably gauge your road speed pretty accurately. Every nerd on a cell phone is doing 10 over anyway.

**Dieselwrencher** · 03-09-2018, 11:35 PM

I like it but can only imagine how tough it is to polish them without bending the snot out of them.

**TBONE1964** · 03-10-2018, 12:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dieselwrencher

I like it but can only imagine how tough it is to polish them without bending the snot out of them.

You make a good point Ryan and they do like to curl up. Especially the small ones. It takes a little time to get them back in shape but not bad.

**TBONE1964** · 03-10-2018, 12:40 AM

Great stuff guys.

I see there is an interests for a painted tip which is not a problem. This is tedious work but very rewarding.

Also there was a mention of oxidation and I do like the clear coat idea as well although I believe the sheen would last for years as most (not all) of these trucks are garage kept when no being driven. It depends a lot on your geographical location. Phoenix would be brutal as it is on painted needles as well.

I think when time permits, I am going to build a cluster with them all polished, behind the lens and see what the whole cluster would look like.

Thanks all,

Keep the comments coming

Tom

**3757chevy** · 03-10-2018, 02:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keystone_Hate

Looks good!! As for the concerns of visibility, I have ridden motorcycles my whole life that don't even have speedometers. If you've been driving for more than 10 years you can probably gauge your road speed pretty accurately. Every nerd on a cell phone is doing 10 over anyway.

That guy on the cell phone just came flying up behind me, I'm looking at my speedometer to make sure i'm not parked.

And ya the painted tip might work.I'm in to see how it looks completed

**3757chevy** · 03-29-2018, 04:55 PM

Any updates?

harpo231 · 03-29-2018, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keystone_Hate

Looks good!! As for the concerns of visibility, I have ridden motorcycles my whole life that don't even have speedometers. If you've been driving for more than 10 years you can probably gauge your road speed pretty accurately. Every nerd on a cell phone is doing 10 over anyway.

**Stocker** · 03-29-2018, 05:47 PM

Just my opinion.... it might be a good look for a show truck, but for me, when I'm driving I want to see that needle without looking for it. I want it to be highly visible at all times and that goes for the entire needle, not just the tip. I see a lot of members disagree with me and that's fine. Like I said, this is just my opinion.

**TBONE1964** · 03-29-2018, 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stocker

Just my opinion.... it might be a good look for a show truck, but for me, when I'm driving I want to see that needle without looking for it. I want it to be highly visible at all times and that goes for the entire needle, not just the tip. I see a lot of members disagree with me and that's fine. Like I said, this is just my opinion.

Of all the things god gave me, the ability to make a choice and have an opinion are my two favorites

**TBONE1964** · 03-29-2018, 11:44 PM

As far as an update, I have had no time to work on the idea as other work is getting done for customer jobs.

Looks like it is YES/NO even again. I will certainly post up when I get something together.

Thanks all,
Tom

toolboxchev · 03-30-2018, 12:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HO455

Cool look! Maybe a 1/4" of fluorescent paint on the end for visibility sake.

This for sure! More like 1/2 inch for me!

**3757chevy** · 12-12-2018, 10:44 PM

I still haven't got my needles changed yet . how 'bout you ? any update?

**VetteVet** · 12-13-2018, 03:20 AM

Tom I know how hard you work and the quality of it. I wouldn't have the patience to polish all the needles. I think they look great for a custom, but I prefer the bright orange look for visibility, especially at night with the dash lights being as dim a they are.

**TBONE1964** · 12-15-2018, 01:26 PM

I apologize guys. I have been super busy with other work lately and the idea just got pushed off.

I appreciate all of the feedback and can see that it is not for everyone and I get that.

Hope all have a great Christmas and New Year,
Tom

View Poll Results: Do you like the needle polished?
Yes	23	40.35%
No	23	40.35%
Undecided	11	19.30%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 57. You may not vote on this poll

03-09-2018, 01:37 AM	#1
TBONE1964 Cluster King Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Junction City, OR Posts: 5,262	Polished gauge needles for a custom touch? Hello all, I was doing some work in the shop this evening and began polishing up a speedometer needle. This is the result compared to the painted needle. Don't mind the less than perfect speedometer faces. They are not being used in a restoration job, just here as an example for the needle work. Maybe not for everyone but thought I would show what it looked like here. I am thinking of building one with all polished needles and see what it would look like as a complete finished cluster. Let me know what you think and thanks for looking, Tom Attached Images __________________ Contact me on all of your gauge cluster needs. I specialize in restoration, repair and parts sales for 67-72 Chevy and GMC trucks. email me at tbonegarris@yahoo.com I am also a dealer for Counterpart for gauge cluster parts only. Also see my facebook page, CG&C

03-09-2018, 02:02 AM	#2
OregonNed Registered User Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Vancouver, Washington Posts: 1,644	Re: Polished gauge needles for a custom touch? I think it is a great look! __________________ 1968 Chevrolet C/10 LWB - 327, TH350 - 4/5 Drop

03-09-2018, 02:09 AM	#3
3757chevy Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Near Canon City ,Colorado Posts: 4,074	Re: Polished gauge needles for a custom touch? it might look nice , how does it show up at night? I prefer visability __________________ '35 1/2 ton Pickup (bought 2020) '68 C10 Suburban (bought 2021) '72 K5 Blazer (bought 2013) '67 Stepside (bought 1997-sold 2021) '96 Bronco Eddie Bauer (inherited 2010) My 1st day here-'67 C10(sold)and '72 K5 Blazer http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=702056 "Another Blue Chevy"(1935) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=799203 '68 Burb...https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=822994 MIKE

03-09-2018, 02:19 AM	#4
3757chevy Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Near Canon City ,Colorado Posts: 4,074	Re: Polished gauge needles for a custom touch? When I had mine apart I made the mistake of painting my needle with red enamel instead of needle (fluorescent) paint. Now it is hard to see at night. Attached Images __________________ '35 1/2 ton Pickup (bought 2020) '68 C10 Suburban (bought 2021) '72 K5 Blazer (bought 2013) '67 Stepside (bought 1997-sold 2021) '96 Bronco Eddie Bauer (inherited 2010) My 1st day here-'67 C10(sold)and '72 K5 Blazer http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=702056 "Another Blue Chevy"(1935) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=799203 '68 Burb...https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=822994 MIKE

03-09-2018, 09:15 AM	#5
clay68c10 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Centennial, CO Posts: 2,991	Re: Polished gauge needles for a custom touch? I like it a lot, the only concern would be visibility. If it’s hard to see, you could paint just the end of it. That may be a cool look too. __________________ ClusterTruck: 68 C10 Bought in 89, wrecked in 03. Slow low $ rebuild started '17. 6.0 & TKO http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=788602 93 K1500 Short Step, 350, NV4500, EBL flash ECU. Vortec heads & roller cam someday... 05 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. 3” lift & 6-speed 02 E320 the insurance total “free car” 13 Tahoe LTZ

03-09-2018, 10:57 AM	#6
sick472 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Sedalia Mo. Posts: 1,131	Re: Polished gauge needles for a custom touch? Polished needles are very unique, I've not seen that before! I love the look and would have to agree with Clay...Paint the tips if visibility is bad at night. I am assuming that they will not oxidize and look bad in short order. If so, some clear coat would be needed. I voting for the polish because I could live with reduced visibility and love the shiny unique look! __________________ He who is without oil shall throw the first rod. Compressions 8.7:1 1972 C10 1976 C10 (parts truck) 1985 K20

03-09-2018, 11:19 AM	#7
Ol Blue K20 Proprietor of Dale's Corner Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Vacaville , CA Posts: 16,245	Re: Polished gauge needles for a custom touch? It looks great. As said before may need to paint the tip for night visibility. __________________ "Some Days Chickens And Some Days Feathers" Dale XNGH ECV Sam Brannan 1004 R.I.P. 67ChevyRedneck R.I.P. Grumpy Old Man R.I.P. FleetsidePaul

03-09-2018, 01:31 PM	#8
davepl Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Redmond, WA Posts: 6,332	Re: Polished gauge needles for a custom touch? In a custom truck I like it! __________________ 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

03-09-2018, 11:07 PM	#10
HO455 Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Portland Oregon Posts: 11,393	Re: Polished gauge needles for a custom touch? Cool look! Maybe a 1/4" of fluorescent paint on the end for visibility sake. __________________ Thanks to Bob and Jeanie and everyone else at Superior Performance for all their great help. RIP Bob Parks. 1967 Burban (the WMB),1988 S10 Blazer (the Stink10 II),1969 GTO (the Goat), 1970 Javelin, 1952 F2 Ford OHC six 4X4, 29 Model A, 72 Firebird (the DBP Bird). 85 Alfa Romeo If it breaks I didn't want it in the first place The WMB repair thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=698377

03-09-2018, 11:29 PM	#11
Keystone_Hate Registered User Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Colorado Springs Posts: 129	Re: Polished gauge needles for a custom touch? Looks good!! As for the concerns of visibility, I have ridden motorcycles my whole life that don't even have speedometers. If you've been driving for more than 10 years you can probably gauge your road speed pretty accurately. Every nerd on a cell phone is doing 10 over anyway.

03-09-2018, 11:35 PM	#12
Dieselwrencher 6>8 Plugless........ Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Prairie City, Ia Posts: 17,142	Re: Polished gauge needles for a custom touch? I like it but can only imagine how tough it is to polish them without bending the snot out of them. __________________ Ryan 1972 Chevy Longhorn K30 Cheyenne Super, 359 Inline 6 cylinder, Auto Trans, Tilt, Diesel Tach/Vach, Buckets, Rare Rear 4-link and air ride option Build Thread 1972 GMC Sierra Grande Longhorn 4x4 1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20 Long Step side tilt, tach, tow hooks, AC, 350 4 speed 1972 C10 Suburban Custom Deluxe 1969 Chevy milk truck 1971 Camaro RS 5.3 BTR STG3 Cam Super T10 1940 Ford 354 Hemi 46RH Ford 9" on air ride huge project *Tired of spark plugs? Check this out.*

03-10-2018, 12:40 AM	#14
TBONE1964 Cluster King Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Junction City, OR Posts: 5,262	Re: Polished gauge needles for a custom touch? Great stuff guys. I see there is an interests for a painted tip which is not a problem. This is tedious work but very rewarding. Also there was a mention of oxidation and I do like the clear coat idea as well although I believe the sheen would last for years as most (not all) of these trucks are garage kept when no being driven. It depends a lot on your geographical location. Phoenix would be brutal as it is on painted needles as well. I think when time permits, I am going to build a cluster with them all polished, behind the lens and see what the whole cluster would look like. Thanks all, Keep the comments coming Tom __________________ Contact me on all of your gauge cluster needs. I specialize in restoration, repair and parts sales for 67-72 Chevy and GMC trucks. email me at tbonegarris@yahoo.com I am also a dealer for Counterpart for gauge cluster parts only. Also see my facebook page, CG&C

03-29-2018, 04:55 PM	#16
3757chevy Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Near Canon City ,Colorado Posts: 4,074	Re: Polished gauge needles for a custom touch? Any updates? __________________ '35 1/2 ton Pickup (bought 2020) '68 C10 Suburban (bought 2021) '72 K5 Blazer (bought 2013) '67 Stepside (bought 1997-sold 2021) '96 Bronco Eddie Bauer (inherited 2010) My 1st day here-'67 C10(sold)and '72 K5 Blazer http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=702056 "Another Blue Chevy"(1935) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=799203 '68 Burb...https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=822994 MIKE

03-29-2018, 05:47 PM	#18
Stocker 20' Daredevil (Ret) Join Date: May 2003 Location: Jefferson State Posts: 13,728	Re: Polished gauge needles for a custom touch? Just my opinion.... it might be a good look for a show truck, but for me, when I'm driving I want to see that needle without looking for it. I want it to be highly visible at all times and that goes for the entire needle, not just the tip. I see a lot of members disagree with me and that's fine. Like I said, this is just my opinion. __________________ - Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay



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03-29-2018, 11:44 PM	#20
TBONE1964 Cluster King Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Junction City, OR Posts: 5,262	Re: Polished gauge needles for a custom touch? As far as an update, I have had no time to work on the idea as other work is getting done for customer jobs. Looks like it is YES/NO even again. I will certainly post up when I get something together. Thanks all, Tom __________________ Contact me on all of your gauge cluster needs. I specialize in restoration, repair and parts sales for 67-72 Chevy and GMC trucks. email me at tbonegarris@yahoo.com I am also a dealer for Counterpart for gauge cluster parts only. Also see my facebook page, CG&C

12-12-2018, 10:44 PM	#22
3757chevy Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Near Canon City ,Colorado Posts: 4,074	Re: Polished gauge needles for a custom touch? I still haven't got my needles changed yet . how 'bout you ? any update? __________________ '35 1/2 ton Pickup (bought 2020) '68 C10 Suburban (bought 2021) '72 K5 Blazer (bought 2013) '67 Stepside (bought 1997-sold 2021) '96 Bronco Eddie Bauer (inherited 2010) My 1st day here-'67 C10(sold)and '72 K5 Blazer http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=702056 "Another Blue Chevy"(1935) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=799203 '68 Burb...https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=822994 MIKE Last edited by 3757chevy; 12-12-2018 at 10:48 PM. Reason: spelling

12-13-2018, 03:20 AM	#23
VetteVet Msgt USAF Ret Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan Posts: 8,719	Re: Polished gauge needles for a custom touch? Tom I know how hard you work and the quality of it. I wouldn't have the patience to polish all the needles. I think they look great for a custom, but I prefer the bright orange look for visibility, especially at night with the dash lights being as dim a they are. __________________ VetteVet metallic green 67 stepside 74 corvette convertible 1965 Harley sportster 1995 Harley wide glide Growing old is hell, but it beats the alternative.

12-15-2018, 01:26 PM	#24
TBONE1964 Cluster King Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Junction City, OR Posts: 5,262	Re: Polished gauge needles for a custom touch? I apologize guys. I have been super busy with other work lately and the idea just got pushed off. I appreciate all of the feedback and can see that it is not for everyone and I get that. Hope all have a great Christmas and New Year, Tom __________________ Contact me on all of your gauge cluster needs. I specialize in restoration, repair and parts sales for 67-72 Chevy and GMC trucks. email me at tbonegarris@yahoo.com I am also a dealer for Counterpart for gauge cluster parts only. Also see my facebook page, CG&C

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