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**pjmoreland** · 11-15-2023, 03:37 AM

I designed these decals because I don't like how the text looks on the reproduction lenses for the 8k tachometer conversion kits. The font is wrong, and the numbers aren't aligned well with the tach. Also, they apply the text and green paint both on the back of the lens, but the green paint was applied to the front of the lens on the originals. This makes the reproduction lenses not light up as well at night.

To design these stickers, I scanned an OE 5k tach and vac lens and used CAD software to trace the characters and set the spacing to align with the 8k tach. I borrowed the missing 6, 7 and 8 numbers from a scan of the speedometer.

These decals are cut out of adhesive-backed vinyl. Clear transfer tape is applied to the front of the decal to allow the decal to be removed from the white backing and then applied to the lens. Sometimes portions of the decal don't want to stay attached to the transfer tape, which requires firm rubbing of the transfer tape against the decal followed by peeling it off slowly while checking that each character lifts off the backing.

The original dummy gauge graphics on the lens must first be removed with a small polishing wheel. I used a cheap one from Harbor Freight on my cordless drill. A quick wipe-down with isopropyl alcohol cleans off the residue. Just don't leave the alcohol on there too long, as it can cloud the surface of the lens. By the way, minor waviness in the surface of the lens is left behind from where the graphics were removed. It is possible to see it a little bit if you get light reflecting at just the right angle.

There is a border around each decal that aligns with the circle on the lens. A flat side is provided for setting the orientation. I like to apply a long piece of masking tape to use as a horizontal guide. Don't apply the tape over original text or paint as it may lift off when removing the tape. You've got to be careful not to let the decal touch the lens prematurely as you're aligning it. Hold the lens up to a light so you can see through the decal backing to align it. You can tape down one edge of the sticker while the backing is still on and use the tape as a hinge to set the sticker in place on the back of the lens after removing the backing.

https://youtube.com/shorts/QPzylsrfP-w?feature=shared

If you have a 5k tachometer already and you want to convert to an 8k, then all you need is one of these 8k decals and the 8k tach. You can buy just the tach from npdlink.com. if you need tach/vac tins, member 70shortfleet can modify your originals. He does amazing work.

***EDIT***
I also have KPH decals available.

8k Tach Decal $15 mailed
5k Tach Decal $10 mailed
0-160 KPH Decal $20 mailed
VACUUM Decal $10 mailed
TRANS TEMP Decal $10 mailed
BOOST Decal $10 mailed

Money order or personal check preferred. PayPal accepted, you pay fees

11-15-2023, 03:37 AM	#1
pjmoreland Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: CA Posts: 5,334	Decals for 8000 RPM Tach and Vacuum I designed these decals because I don't like how the text looks on the reproduction lenses for the 8k tachometer conversion kits. The font is wrong, and the numbers aren't aligned well with the tach. Also, they apply the text and green paint both on the back of the lens, but the green paint was applied to the front of the lens on the originals. This makes the reproduction lenses not light up as well at night. To design these stickers, I scanned an OE 5k tach and vac lens and used CAD software to trace the characters and set the spacing to align with the 8k tach. I borrowed the missing 6, 7 and 8 numbers from a scan of the speedometer. These decals are cut out of adhesive-backed vinyl. Clear transfer tape is applied to the front of the decal to allow the decal to be removed from the white backing and then applied to the lens. Sometimes portions of the decal don't want to stay attached to the transfer tape, which requires firm rubbing of the transfer tape against the decal followed by peeling it off slowly while checking that each character lifts off the backing. The original dummy gauge graphics on the lens must first be removed with a small polishing wheel. I used a cheap one from Harbor Freight on my cordless drill. A quick wipe-down with isopropyl alcohol cleans off the residue. Just don't leave the alcohol on there too long, as it can cloud the surface of the lens. By the way, minor waviness in the surface of the lens is left behind from where the graphics were removed. It is possible to see it a little bit if you get light reflecting at just the right angle. There is a border around each decal that aligns with the circle on the lens. A flat side is provided for setting the orientation. I like to apply a long piece of masking tape to use as a horizontal guide. Don't apply the tape over original text or paint as it may lift off when removing the tape. You've got to be careful not to let the decal touch the lens prematurely as you're aligning it. Hold the lens up to a light so you can see through the decal backing to align it. You can tape down one edge of the sticker while the backing is still on and use the tape as a hinge to set the sticker in place on the back of the lens after removing the backing. https://youtube.com/shorts/QPzylsrfP-w?feature=shared If you have a 5k tachometer already and you want to convert to an 8k, then all you need is one of these 8k decals and the 8k tach. You can buy just the tach from npdlink.com. if you need tach/vac tins, member 70shortfleet can modify your originals. He does amazing work. *EDIT* I also have KPH decals available. 8k Tach Decal $15 mailed 5k Tach Decal $10 mailed 0-160 KPH Decal $20 mailed VACUUM Decal $10 mailed TRANS TEMP Decal $10 mailed BOOST Decal $10 mailed Money order or personal check preferred. PayPal accepted, you pay fees Attached Images Last edited by pjmoreland; 03-28-2024 at 11:35 PM.