Gauge Restoration Tips and Tricks FAQ

[5.3swapped260z]

So this isn't the best write up but when I started restoring these gauges there was nothing anywhere with this type of info so I felt I had to.

They started off like this.

 

The most important thing to do in any electrical restoration is to:

A - take lots of pictures for reference. The more the better.

B - label or draw a wire layout, I drew mine out because I needed to deep clean the connectors and wires.

C - don't rush yourself. Take all the time you need and if you get frustrated take a break.

Slowly take apart the wiring harness and remove the bulbs. Remember to label everything.

 

Next take apart the two screws that hold the front housing onto the back gauge plate. It is only two small screws on each.

 

Once disassembled, to this point there is 6 tabs on the dual gauges that need to be drimmeled out to remove the glass and metal divider. Be careful.

 

The clock takes pressure because it's glued. Be careful not to brake the lense. Apply nice even pressure.

 

Next I removed all the paint from the metal piece before applying a high filler primer because of the wire wheel lol.

 

Then I sanded down the plastic gauge cover. Prepped them all and applied the primer to both side. Remember which side needs to be black and which white on the gauge divider.

 

I used a satin black for all the parts requiring black paint, and a nice gloss white for the rest. The white is what helps reflect the OEM lights.

 

To re attach the gauge lenses to the housing I used a high heat, clear gorilla type glue. Be careful applying it because if it gets on the lense you won't be able to fix it.

 

I re used the clock lense and had a local glass shop cut two new Plexi lenses for the dual gauges which cost me 8 USD.

 

Take your time putting everything back together and the finished project will look like this or even better.

Edited September 2, 2019 by 5.3swapped260z

[seattlejester]

Congratulations for using the FAQ section as intended, thanks for the post!