Refinishing Gauges

Has anyone ever refinished the faded red on their gauges? If so, What type of paint and method was used? How were the results?
Thanks

 

Not sure if it would work on the gauge, but Fitz posted some pics of how he used speedometer paint to restore the needle.

 

Heres the problem with the faces: They're not what they appear to be. They're molded of either yellow or white plastic, the numbers and colored areas (like the redline) are screened with translucent paint and only the black is opaque. This allows the non-black areas to "light up" when lit from behind by the instrument lights. If you repaint the red, unless you use something translucent and get it REAL EVEN it will just look black in the dark (or look streaky.) If you never ride at night I guess it's not an issue.

 

Hey Fitz, maybe you could use some of that translucent red tape they use on broken tailights. That would be evenly tinted. My only concern would be if it starts to peel.

mikeg

 

ok, that all makes sense. I didn't think about the lights. Is there any way to get and install new faces or is the only option NOS gauges?

 

NOS gauges aren't that easy to find, and are usually expensive. I LUCKED OUT getting my NOS 150mph unit for $20.

The best bet is to watch eBay for some that aren't faded too bad; that's what I've done with great success. Then you can mix-n-match parts/guts to get the best combo. Plus it never hurts to have a spare.

 

Nope. Paint'em. I did with estes flourescent model paint (orangy red). I put it on the needle (remanufactured needle since the break real easy) and on the face of the guage, even around the 55. My highly critical buddy was amazed and at night it lights up just fine...Did both gauges, the fun part is getting those suckers open...

 

Does "remanufactured" mean you used supergle and a tiny bit of baking soda to make it cure INSTANTLY? That's what I did and it worked great! You are rightm. The needles are very fragile.

 

No, in this case I had about 12 pieces. I took a toothpick cut to length and glued it on, then coated it in epoxy a couple of times to get it a good shape. Painted and its good to go. Got that from Either rickomatic or bill, but could be mistaken there...

 

A couple of hours ago my speedo was howling so I stopped and got some lithium grease spray, doused the cable and hoorah, but right before I got to O'Reilly's the top half of the need just...broke off, so now i'm left with the bottom half only. Can you order just a new needle, I haven't really seen them.

 

Search the site for a gauge or instrument rebuild article by bigfitz. You don't have to buy a new needle. Take a tiny amount of baking soda and put some on each of the broken edges of the needle. Align carefully and put a drop of cyanoacrylate (super) glue on the BACK side of the repair. The glue will set instantly with a fair amount of heat so be careful where your fingers are or you will wind up part of the needle!

Loren

 

Not sure, but chances are if you try to take the needle off (it won't cooperate) it may never work again.

Bad experience talking here!

 

I'll see what I can do, that you much.