How To Restore and Detail an Original Gauge Cluster

[Lokin4AReason]

neat informative thread .... thanks

[Cenla 64 Chevy]

Great thread! This is one of the things I can do in my spare time without spending a huge chunk of change to do it.

[chewiebarker]

Fantastic thread. Thanks! You are an amazing craftsman!

[Fredthecat]

This has been most helpful. Thanks!

Anyone know a source for the aftermarket tach used (mfg, model, size) that will fit using Jason/LMC decals mentioned?

Very nice work. Thanks

[SouthpawGarage]

Do you know the reason the backside of the intermediate plate has that pattern on it, rather than being a solid color? Do you think there would be any harm in painting the whole backside with the jade green?

[theastronaut]

Originally Posted by SouthpawGarage

Do you know the reason the backside of the intermediate plate has that pattern on it, rather than being a solid color? Do you think there would be any harm in painting the whole backside with the jade green?

Not sure why its like that, may have just been how they masked it to keep overspray off the front side? Should be fine to paint it solid.

[SouthpawGarage]

Thanks, I sprayed it solid jade, looks pretty good.

I've got another question for you. I can't seem to source SparVar S120 silver. Amazon just keeps showing me a listing for white with options for green, blue, and yellow. Can you recommend an alternative product?

[roll_the_dice]

What a great read! I have been lurking on this site for a while, but had to join after reading this thread!

Does anyone know where to get a relatively cheap cluster with gauges these days? Seems like rough shaped ones have sky rocketed in the 2 years or so this thread was written. Cheapest i have seen is over $150...and that seems steep to me unless that is the going rate these days. Thanks again for a great read!

[theastronaut]

Originally Posted by SouthpawGarage

Thanks theastronaut, this thread was my go-to resource throughout the whole process. Really happy with the way it turned out! I used different decals on the odometer that matches the original text, and made custom warning light lenses. That probably took the longest. Anyway, thanks again for the great instructions!

Looks great, glad the thread was a help! I usually only use the supplied odometer decals if the original wheels are in rough shape as they aren't an exact match to the originals, that's my only complaint with Greenback's decal set.

Originally Posted by roll_the_dice

What a great read! I have been lurking on this site for a while, but had to join after reading this thread!

Does anyone know where to get a relatively cheap cluster with gauges these days? Seems like rough shaped ones have sky rocketed in the 2 years or so this thread was written. Cheapest i have seen is over $150...and that seems steep to me unless that is the going rate these days. Thanks again for a great read!

Welcome to the forum! You should be able to find one for $75 or less. Deals are still out there; I recently picked up a semi-restored tach/air cluster in excellent condition for $325 shipped.

[Paul Y]

Thanks to Mr Astronaut and Tom even a Ham Fisted Buffon such as I can get good results!



Mocked up ahead of replacing the overspeed with a shift light and check engine light for the other damaged warning light.

P.

[roll_the_dice]

Originally Posted by Paul Y

Thanks to Mr Astronaut and Tom even a Ham Fisted Buffon such as I can get good results!



Mocked up ahead of replacing the overspeed with a shift light and check engine light for the other damaged warning light.

P.

Looks great...where did you get the 8k tach? Thanks

[Paul Y]

Originally Posted by roll_the_dice

Looks great...where did you get the 8k tach? Thanks

It's a Sunpro one that I got from Summit, think it was about $130.

P.

[TBONE1964]

I agree with under $75.00 for a full gauge non tach cluster. If you pay anymore, I would want to make sure all the gauges and speedometer function OK.

The other thing to consider is the wiring harness. If the wiring harness is included and is in good (un cut / un spliced) condition, that is worth $40.00.

Be patient and you will find what you are looking for.

Take care,
Tom

[roll_the_dice]

Thanks everyone...I will be on the lookout for one in that range. I like working on stuff myself if I can, and this looks like a project that I would get satisfaction out of.

Originally Posted by Paul Y

It's a Sunpro one that I got from Summit, think it was about $130.

P.

I think I found the gauge...thanks! Since it isn't "oem" was it just as easy to install? This is the one i found...

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/bgs-fst8050

[TBONE1964]

Originally Posted by roll_the_dice

Thanks everyone...I will be on the lookout for one in that range. I like working on stuff myself if I can, and this looks like a project that I would get satisfaction out of.



I think I found the gauge...thanks! Since it isn't "oem" was it just as easy to install? This is the one i found...

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/bgs-fst8050

I have used that same tach in a 64 - 66 cluster. It will stick out of the back of the cluster about 3/8 of an inch or so if I recall. I used two stock back plates and made a custom one. You will have to do a little trimming on the main tin around where the back plate attaches. You also need to take the chrome bezel off the front. If I recall that was just crimped on.

Hope this helps,
Tom

[roll_the_dice]

Thanks Tom, that helps.

[roll_the_dice]

OK, back on topic. I picked up a used gauge cluster and am going to restore it, but is there anyway to bench test the gauges before I start? I want to make sure everything works while I am ordering the reface kit, etc. Thanks

[Johns 66]

I know this is an old thread..I would love to put one of these clusters in my truck....If anyone knows of one for sale please send me a PM...Thanks, John

[roll_the_dice]

Originally Posted by Johns 66

I know this is an old thread..I would love to put one of these clusters in my truck....If anyone knows of one for sale please send me a PM...Thanks, John

I am about to restore mine now. I bought one from ebay for $50 shipped or so and am following the DIY in this thread to restore it. I took it apart once just to make sure everything was easy as it seems and it is...

Here is one on ebay with gauges...just search ebay or look at the calssifieds here or even junk yard if there are any around you.

[Johns 66]

Originally Posted by roll_the_dice

I am about to restore mine now. I bought one from ebay for $50 shipped or so and am following the DIY in this thread to restore it. I took it apart once just to make sure everything was easy as it seems and it is...

Here is one on ebay with gauges...just search ebay or look at the calssifieds here or even junk yard if there are any around you.

Thanks so much for the information...I sent the guy a message....It doesn't have the wiring harness that goes with it so Ill juts look around...Ill see what he says...Once again I really appreciate your help.
John

[roll_the_dice]

Originally Posted by Johns 66

Thanks so much for the information...I sent the guy a message....It doesn't have the wiring harness that goes with it so Ill juts look around...Ill see what he says...Once again I really appreciate your help.
John

You are welcome...you can buy new wiring harnesses for around $65 or so also. I may do this if I can't get mine sorted out. Mine fortunately came with a harness though.

I had this link bookmarked in my C10 bookmarks page.

[LostMy65]

If I hadn't already said so, thanks for the great writeup.

[theastronaut]

Originally Posted by LostMy65

If I hadn't already said so, thanks for the great writeup.

Welcome!

[roll_the_dice]

Bring this thread back to the top! Best DIY I have done in a LONG time. Thanks again theastronaut. Finished cluster with powder coated faceplate and bezel.

[LDO]

Great writeup!!

Theastrnaut, check your PMs.