gauge cluster cleaning? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

TheBlueBomber · 09-13-2013, 04:23 PM

So the other day I pulled apart my gauge cluster to clean/fix bulbs and gauges that werent working.

How do you clean the gauges themselves without smearing the painted letters/numbers? I tried using a dry paper towel but it started smearing just a tiny bit. Thanks.

RandyP · 09-13-2013, 05:53 PM

Compressed air and a clean and dry detail brush/paint brush.

nheller76 · 09-13-2013, 11:26 PM

While u have it out I would suggest, in my humble opinion, to get some chrome rattle can and take your gauges out then spray the back drop. It will make it a lot brighter for way cheeped.
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motornut · 09-15-2013, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nheller76

While u have it out I would suggest, in my humble opinion, to get some chrome rattle can and take your gauges out then spray the back drop. It will make it a lot brighter for way cheeped.
Posted via Mobile Device

this is the best idea for them since they have a blue hue to them
and paint the front too the metal rusts
I used air and Qtips for dusting,dry paper towels
carefully tho as too hard will leave swirls on the face
I used green dash bulbs in it

RandyP · 09-15-2013, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by motornut

I used air and Qtips for dusting,dry paper towels
carefully tho as too hard will leave swirls on the face

I'll bet you a toonie there was in fact a sawzall also involved.

motornut · 09-15-2013, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RandyP

I'll bet you a toonie there was in fact a sawzall also involved.

not till i put the radio in lol

motornut · 09-15-2013, 10:19 AM

and i added a second colour red to the 78

TheBlueBomber · 09-23-2013, 12:05 PM

Thanks for the responses yall.

Quote:

Originally Posted by motornut

and i added a second colour red to the 78

Did you ever have any problems with the circuit board on the back? Mine is falling apart.

MalibuSSwagon · 09-23-2013, 12:47 PM

Don't use chrome or silver paint, it will make the lighting worse. paint the cluster case gloss white, it'll increase the lighting dramatically.

I tried the chrome paint first, it turned out terrible, could barely see the gauges at night. I pulled the whole cluster apart again to replace the printed circuit, and I re-did the inside of the case with gloss white. Far better, with just the stock bulbs it was much brighter.

motornut · 09-23-2013, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheBlueBomber

Did you ever have any problems with the circuit board on the back? Mine is falling apart.

some paths lifted but flatted them out and used crazy glue to hold them back down
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BONUSCAB · 09-15-2013, 10:32 AM

Silver paint and LED 194 bulbs. I got mine from superbrightleds.com. And obviously a sawzall.

BONUSCAB · 09-15-2013, 10:37 AM

The clear part can be shined up with a headlight buffing kit.

ron350 · 09-23-2013, 11:51 PM

Motornut can you please give details on how you painted the gauge needles?

motornut · 09-24-2013, 06:33 AM

I had them out of the cluster
cut squares of printer paper
and a thin slit to the middle
slide under the needle, pulling the pin into the slit
turn paper as needed
Posted via Mobile Device

ron350 · 09-24-2013, 11:58 AM

Thank you Motornut I was wondering if something like that might work.

09-13-2013, 04:23 PM	#1
TheBlueBomber Registered User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Cary, NC Posts: 816	gauge cluster cleaning? So the other day I pulled apart my gauge cluster to clean/fix bulbs and gauges that werent working. How do you clean the gauges themselves without smearing the painted letters/numbers? I tried using a dry paper towel but it started smearing just a tiny bit. Thanks. __________________ Austin 1996 Chevrolet K1500 Silverado 1979 Chevrolet K10 Scottsdale - Carolina K10 - My 4.8L Twin turbo build - Project Short Stroke - Instagram - TheBlueBomber1996

09-13-2013, 05:53 PM	#2
RandyP Getting Old; Going Broke Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Owasso OK Posts: 2,764	Re: gauge cluster cleaning? Compressed air and a clean and dry detail brush/paint brush. __________________ *Why is every used 350 sbc out of a corvette?* There's only two things that excite a man, expensive toys and real expensive toys. *VEGETARIAN: That's an old Indian word meaning "I don't hunt so good."* When the going gets tough, switch to power tools.

09-13-2013, 11:26 PM	#3
nheller76 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: salem oregon Posts: 281	Re: gauge cluster cleaning? While u have it out I would suggest, in my humble opinion, to get some chrome rattle can and take your gauges out then spray the back drop. It will make it a lot brighter for way cheeped. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ Faith and Patience with my truck, that is what i pray for every day! See my build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=580013

09-15-2013, 10:19 AM	#7
motornut 78K & 79C Jimmys Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Ottawa Ont CANADA Posts: 7,901	Re: gauge cluster cleaning? and i added a second colour red to the 78 Attached Images __________________ John 1978 GMCJimmy4X4-350/203 1979 GMCJimmy4X2-305/350

09-23-2013, 12:47 PM	#9
MalibuSSwagon Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Weare,NH Posts: 1,592	Re: gauge cluster cleaning? Don't use chrome or silver paint, it will make the lighting worse. paint the cluster case gloss white, it'll increase the lighting dramatically. I tried the chrome paint first, it turned out terrible, could barely see the gauges at night. I pulled the whole cluster apart again to replace the printed circuit, and I re-did the inside of the case with gloss white. Far better, with just the stock bulbs it was much brighter. __________________ Eric 1992 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser 1986 Chevrolet C10\|5.3L\|TKO600\|Shortbed\|Custom Deluxe 1983 Malibu Wagon\|TPI 305\|T5 5 speed\|3.73 non-posi

09-15-2013, 10:32 AM	#11
BONUSCAB Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: east troy, WI Posts: 341	Re: gauge cluster cleaning? Silver paint and LED 194 bulbs. I got mine from superbrightleds.com. And obviously a sawzall. __________________ Few things in life will make you look stupider than putting a dollar sign after a number.

09-15-2013, 10:37 AM	#12
BONUSCAB Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: east troy, WI Posts: 341	Re: gauge cluster cleaning? The clear part can be shined up with a headlight buffing kit. __________________ Few things in life will make you look stupider than putting a dollar sign after a number.

09-23-2013, 11:51 PM	#13
ron350 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Birmingham AL Posts: 266	Re: gauge cluster cleaning? Motornut can you please give details on how you painted the gauge needles? __________________ Stock 75 C10 step side. 350 2 BBL, 350 trans. 150K miles.

09-24-2013, 06:33 AM	#14
motornut 78K & 79C Jimmys Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Ottawa Ont CANADA Posts: 7,901	Re: gauge cluster cleaning? I had them out of the cluster cut squares of printer paper and a thin slit to the middle slide under the needle, pulling the pin into the slit turn paper as needed Posted via Mobile Device __________________ John 1978 GMCJimmy4X4-350/203 1979 GMCJimmy4X2-305/350

09-24-2013, 11:58 AM	#15
ron350 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Birmingham AL Posts: 266	Re: gauge cluster cleaning? Thank you Motornut I was wondering if something like that might work. __________________ Stock 75 C10 step side. 350 2 BBL, 350 trans. 150K miles.



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