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Old 11-06-2016, 11:57 PM   #121
theastronaut
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Join Date: May 2011
Location: Anderson SC
Posts: 3,868
Re: How To Restore and Detail an Original Gauge Cluster

**Update on foil lining the tubes**

I pulled the cluster out of my '66 yesterday to clean it up and lube the speedometer that was chirping. I put in new bulbs and foil taped the light tubes while I was in there which really helped brighten them up... Just drove it home and the red plastic high beam indicator lens melted after driving with the high beams on for awhile. I pulled the bulb out and it looked fine, so I think the foil insulates the tube and heat builds up more- enough to melt the red plastic lens. I'll pull it apart to check into it further tomorrow. So it might not be a good idea to line the tubes that will be continually lit long enough to build up any heat. It works great in the turn signal tubes though. I'll post my findings once I get it apart.
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