MI 60-66 gauge cluster restoration

[Isaiah92260]

How do you get the lense to look like glass?? I just got a great deal on a Cluster for my 63' everything is perfect and looks amazing once I polished the inside and the Gauges, but I can't figure out how to get the hairline scratches out of the plastic lenses and polish it out, it's not glass so I'm not sure how to make it look new, I don't want to damage it.

[TBONE1964]

Originally Posted by Isaiah92260

How do you get the lense to look like glass?? I just got a great deal on a Cluster for my 63' everything is perfect and looks amazing once I polished the inside and the Gauges, but I can't figure out how to get the hairline scratches out of the plastic lenses and polish it out, it's not glass so I'm not sure how to make it look new, I don't want to damage it.

It is possible that the scratches you are referring to penetrate all they way through the lens. This is a common problem on a 50+ year old piece of plastic. It is not actually a scratch at all but a result of old brittle plastic.

Here is what I would suggest. Use 800 grit wet sand paper with water and a sanding block and go over the entire surface of the lens. Be mindful of where the scratches are. If you notice the scratches seem to be getting smaller, continue with 800 grit until the scratch(s) is completely removed. Then progress up to 1500 and then 2000 grit removing the sanding scratches from the previous grit.

Then use a good quality rubbing compound followed by Mothers mag wheel polish to bring out the luster.

If your scratches penetrate all the way through the plastic the only solution is to replace the lens. They are very difficult to find for a 60-63 pick up in restorable condition.

Hope this helps. I can provide the restoration of the lens for you for $50.00 plus shipping both ways if you have a lens that is worthy of it.

Thank you,
Thomas

[Isaiah92260]

Originally Posted by TBONE1964

It is possible that the scratches you are referring to penetrate all they way through the lens. This is a common problem on a 50+ year old piece of plastic. It is not actually a scratch at all but a result of old brittle plastic.

Here is what I would suggest. Use 800 grit wet sand paper with water and a sanding block and go over the entire surface of the lens. Be mindful of where the scratches are. If you notice the scratches seem to be getting smaller, continue with 800 grit until the scratch(s) is completely removed. Then progress up to 1500 and then 2000 grit removing the sanding scratches from the previous grit.

Then use a good quality rubbing compound followed by Mothers mag wheel polish to bring out the luster.

If your scratches penetrate all the way through the plastic the only solution is to replace the lens. They are very difficult to find for a 60-63 pick up in restorable condition.

Hope this helps. I can provide the restoration of the lens for you for $50.00 plus shipping both ways if you have a lens that is worthy of it.

Thank you,
Thomas

Thank you very much, I'll consider sending it off to you more, I have a very good lense in my opinion, does that price also include new decals on the lense as well?

[TBONE1964]

Originally Posted by Isaiah92260

Thank you very much, I'll consider sending it off to you more, I have a very good lense in my opinion, does that price also include new decals on the lense as well?

Your 63 cluster lens does not have decals. What it does have is paint which would be an additional $25.00 for restoring it. Part of my process includes stripping the old paint off and re applying new paint. $75.00 plus the shipping for me to do the paint work and buffing. All you will need to do is install in your cluster.

Let me know,

Tom

[Thiessen1960]

Just curious if you still do these restorations? I am looking at buying a 1963 gauge cluster with all the gauges but would like to add a tachometer in to it? Could you please send me a PM on how much or if you have any pictures of these done?

[TBONE1964]

Originally Posted by Thiessen1960

Just curious if you still do these restorations? I am looking at buying a 1963 gauge cluster with all the gauges but would like to add a tachometer in to it? Could you please send me a PM on how much or if you have any pictures of these done?

PM sent,

Thank you,
Tom

[63frankintruck]

Tom,
I tried to PM you, but not working I guess.
see message below:
Do you have a price to rework 63 instrument panel adding a high rev tach and vac gauge?
I have a couple extra clusters if interested in some sort of trade for reworking my cluster.
Just let me know
Dan