How To Restore and Detail an Original Gauge Cluster

[theastronaut]

Originally Posted by Acksman

This is a great guide. I have been following it step by step. There was only a couple of places I changed things.

On the intermediate plate I was able to soda blast and came out without any warping or pitting. Did a nice job.

Also on the back of the intermediate plate I used Krylon Glowz to see if that will help with a brighter cluster. Here is the Glowz http://www.krylon.com/products/glowz/

Still waiting on a few parts to finish, but will post some pics once I'm done.

I didn't try soda blasting, great to know that works well on the thin aluminum! The glow in the dark paint will keep the cluster illuminated even after you turn the switch off at night, pretty neat.

[theastronaut]

I picked up a 60-63 cluster to restore, does anyone know if the tach needle is supposed to be below the backing plate at rest? I'm thinking it's broken. I know that 64-66 tachs are visible at rest, but those are a different model tach.




It doesn't have a pin to rest on like the air pressure gauge does.

[duallyjams]

Another cool one to watch.

[1963c-10]

great idea on the turn signal tubes
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[1963c-10]

& tach needle looks broke....mine stops at 0
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Went out this a.m., my tach needle holds about 1/4" below zero if it helps any.

[scum1]

Does anyone know the ac delco part number for the speedometer GEARS..mine are broken and no one seems to be able to replace them. i just need the gear inside. one guy said if i find the part number he can most likely get it, but not without it. any help?? thanks!

[Budman56]

Originally Posted by theastronaut

I picked up a 60-63 cluster to restore, does anyone know if the tach needle is supposed to be below the backing plate at rest? I'm thinking it's broken. I know that 64-66 tachs are visible at rest, but those are a different model tach.




It doesn't have a pin to rest on like the air pressure gauge does.

theastronaut take a look at the gage when you get it out it should stop on the 0 or real close the needle may have come loose from the magnet. I had one that did that and I used a little super glue to reglue it to the magnet.

[theastronaut]

Originally Posted by Budman56

theastronaut take a look at the gage when you get it out it should stop on the 0 or real close the needle may have come loose from the magnet. I had one that did that and I used a little super glue to reglue it to the magnet.

Thanks, hopefully it can be fixed. It is certainly well below the zero mark.

*Edit*, checked it and it was broken loose at the magnet like you posted. Just needs gluing back together. Thanks for the tip!

[Budman56]

Originally Posted by Acksman

This is a great guide. I have been following it step by step. There was only a couple of places I changed things.

On the intermediate plate I was able to soda blast and came out without any warping or pitting. Did a nice job.

Also on the back of the intermediate plate I used Krylon Glowz to see if that will help with a brighter cluster. Here is the Glowz http://www.krylon.com/products/glowz/

Still waiting on a few parts to finish, but will post some pics once I'm done.

did the glow in the dark paint come in jade green? what was the part number on the can?

[1963c-10]

the astronaut, I think I have a delete plate for the factory gauges if you decide not to use the air guage or a vacuum guage.

[burbluv]

Anyone know what black spray was used for the interior?
Thx
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[theastronaut]

Originally Posted by burbluv

Anyone know what black spray was used for the interior?
Thx
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Krylon Satin Black.

[blazer719]

Astronaut, nice cluster restore. Last one I did was a 1938 chevy. The 60's trucks have a lot more parts. Very Nice documentation for sure!

[Old Bleu]

This thread gave me the confidence to tear into my cluster. But does anyone have a tip for getting a stuck bulb out of a rusty socket? I was able to work all of them out but one. This last one does not want to push in or turn at all...

[NEWFISHER]

Originally Posted by Old Bleu

This thread gave me the confidence to tear into my cluster. But does anyone have a tip for getting a stuck bulb out of a rusty socket? I was able to work all of them out but one. This last one does not want to push in or turn at all...

Soak it with penetrating oil overnight

[Old Bleu]

Thanks Newfisher. After I posted I actually did soak it with PB Blaster. Then after dinner I got some needle nose pliers down on the base under the glass, and was able to get it moving and out.

These old trucks sure teach you patience!

[theastronaut]

Finished a 60-63 tach/air cluster a couple weeks ago.

[Budman56]

Originally Posted by theastronaut

Finished a 60-63 tach/air cluster a couple weeks ago.

looks good, FYI I have the decals for this 60 to 63

[JWheeler331]

I am redoing one that does not have any of the control knobs on the bezel. When I look in LMC or other catalogs the wiper knob does not appear to have the part in the middle of the knob that I see in some of the photos.

I don't know what that part is for so I guess im wondering what it is and also wondering that if I order those parts from someone will they come with the right knobs.

[Lugnutz65]

Originally Posted by JWheeler331

I am redoing one that does not have any of the control knobs on the bezel. When I look in LMC or other catalogs the wiper knob does not appear to have the part in the middle of the knob that I see in some of the photos.

I don't know what that part is for so I guess im wondering what it is and also wondering that if I order those parts from someone will they come with the right knobs.

Some trucks came with a washer fluid squirt button like this one I have from a 66 parts truck.

[JWheeler331]

Oh okay. I didn't know what that was for. I just seen some with and some without. I don't even know what line came with but I think prob without. Don't recall seeing a reservoir under the hood.

[lenguini]

Just want to say fantastic work here ! Thank you for sharing.

Subscribed.

[theastronaut]

Originally Posted by lenguini

Just want to say fantastic work here ! Thank you for sharing.

Subscribed.

Thanks!

[64shortc10]

How much you charge for a 64-66 cluster with tach, and clock installed? The tachs work with hei distributor don't they? You do such nice work!Thanks
Tony from Norcal

[VonDog]

Hey astronaut, thanks soooo much for this thread!!! I rebuilt mine in my 60 K-20 about a month ago and it's Awesome! Now the speedo and odometer work and the fluorescent red is spot on! This site is so fricken cool!!! Thanks again!