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XJ 900 tach lense

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by quebecois59, Apr 2, 2014.

  1. quebecois59

    quebecois59 Well-Known Member

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    Here is what my tach lens looks like in the moment:

    [​IMG]

    My questions are: is it easy to change it without ruining the rest of the cluster? Where can I find a new one, or at least one that looks better?
     
  2. lacucaracha

    lacucaracha Member

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    Check on ebay. I looks like they are serviceable, so I'm sure you could find a whole tack. The other option is using plexi-glass or similar as a replacement. Getting the old stuff away from the trim ring is the hard part.
     
  3. quebecois59

    quebecois59 Well-Known Member

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    I don't want to buy a complete cluster at 100$ just to get a clear lense.
     
  4. hogfiddles

    hogfiddles XJ-Wizard, Host-Central NY Carb Clinic Moderator Premium Member

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    They are service-able IF you are willing to separate glued plastics.....AND--- the lens is not flat either..... They are domed to reduce glare.

    Best thing is to replace the whole front cover.
     
  5. quebecois59

    quebecois59 Well-Known Member

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    Thanks Dave

    It doesn't look like it will be an easy fix.
     
  6. lacucaracha

    lacucaracha Member

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    Wow, I spelled it tack....not tach.

    Sorry...embarrassed.

    You may get lucky actually. You may try throwing the face into the oven at a low temp and see if the adhesive gets tacky.

    That or a heat gun/blow drier.

    I had to do that to replace the bulb retaining assembly in my car, and it worked wonderfully.

    If it gets tacky, you can play around with temp to get it to separate.
     
  7. hogfiddles

    hogfiddles XJ-Wizard, Host-Central NY Carb Clinic Moderator Premium Member

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    There's more than just ' a lens in a cover'. I believe that there is a plastic retaining ring that is ALSO held in place by some plastic 'studs' that help anchor it.

    Iirc........

    Dave
     
  8. quebecois59

    quebecois59 Well-Known Member

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    I removed 4 black screws from the back of the cluster but it made no difference' I still can't separate the face form the rest of the cluster.

    Did I miss sonething?
     
  9. bigfitz52

    bigfitz52 Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    Did you remove the back COVER from the cluster?

    It's been my experience that most of the screws holding the "face" cover on are hidden under the rear cover; and on the 550 Secas one is really hidden, it's buried deep in a hole next to the block of "idiot lights."

    Take a look here; while not a 900 the "family similarities" are there, it might get you pointed in the right direction: http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=14948.html
     
  10. RickCoMatic

    RickCoMatic Well-Known Member

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    The Instrument Panel's Plastic "Lenses" can be replaced.
    Flat or Domed Glass replacements lenses can be procured from the very nice people at TimeSavers.com

    http://timesavers.com/

    The original plastic cover needs to be "Surgically" removed. The process requires a great deal of time and finesse.

    The original cover needs to be very carefully removed by cutting a hole in the center and gradually enlarging the hole toward the outside diameter.

    I use a DREMEL Sanding Barrel of Medium Grit attached to the end of the accessory Flex Wand.
    Using medium -to- medium slow revolutions, ... Sand the Plastic Cover's INSIDE diameter away LEAVING a small / narrow LIP to support the Outside Diameter of the Replacement Lens.

    As you approach the point where the New Lens Supporting LIP will be left to support the New Glass, ... Sand-away the Plastic edge by hand.

    Tape 320 or 400 Grit Sandpaper to a cylindrical "Sanding Block".
    I used a Round Screwdriver Handle that had a rubber grip.

    Once you have the small, narrow LIP remaining to support the New Glass you mount the New Glass using Black 5-Minute Epoxy.
    First you set the New Glass on the ridge without adhesive for fit.
    Mask the Outside-EDGE Diameter of the GLASS with Vinyl Electrical Tape.

    Apply the Epoxy in stages.
    Mix dime-sized amounts and GLAZE the Lens to the Panel.
    Do a small section at a time.
    Peel the tape from the glass as you go, ... leaving behind a precise line of adhesive as the tape is peeled-away.
     
  11. hogfiddles

    hogfiddles XJ-Wizard, Host-Central NY Carb Clinic Moderator Premium Member

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    Qeubecois, since I've built/repaired/restored a number of these, and have several still here, I'll take on back apart and show you the inside before you take yours apart. That way you'll have a better idea of what you'll be needing to do.

    Dave fox
     
  12. quebecois59

    quebecois59 Well-Known Member

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    Thank you guys, I appreciate your help.

    Rick, do you suggest I sand the lense without separating the face cover from the rest of the cluster?

    Fitz,

    I obviously removed the black back cover when I fixed one of the post. I'll have a closer look to see if I miss a hidden screw.


    Dave,

    I'll wait until I see your pictures.
     
  13. quebecois59

    quebecois59 Well-Known Member

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    Guess what? I found a hidden screw! First I thought there were foru screws:

    [​IMG]

    But I found another one under the wires:

    [​IMG]
     
  14. adrian1

    adrian1 Active Member

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    Interesting thread! MR Comatic's fix is ingenious..
     
  15. RickCoMatic

    RickCoMatic Well-Known Member

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    You need to have the Cover removed from the Inst Panel.

    The Sanding is messy plus you need room to do the work.

    Trying to hurry the job will have the project go south real fast.

    The Plastic lens needs to be removed s-l-o-w-l-y.
    Too much speed on the Sander causes the friction to melt fouling the sanding drum.

    The job needs to be done away from the Inst's because sanding dust or dripping epoxy will ruin the mechanisms and faces.
     
  16. quebecois59

    quebecois59 Well-Known Member

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    Thanks Rick, that's what I thought but I just wanted to make sure.

    As for the diameter of the replacement lense, would you recommend I buy the more accurate diameter possible or just a tad smaller? FOr example, if the exact diameter would be 3" 5/16 , should I buy 3"1/4 or 3" 5/16?
     
  17. RickCoMatic

    RickCoMatic Well-Known Member

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    Not sure!

    I'll have to dig through boxes to find the lenses I bought and measure.

    I'm not doing so-well, these days ... might take me a few days to find them.
     
  18. quebecois59

    quebecois59 Well-Known Member

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    RIck

    Take your time, i'm not in a hurry, I'll have to take care of my front forks before I work on the cluster.
     

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