Topic: 67-8 Instrument Cluster Question

[IndyFive-O]

Can someone tell me if the cardboard "tubes" are correct in the pic? It seem to me all the rubber grommets should be facing up??

Also, are the lens retainers in correctly? I don't want white where there shouldn't be.

I know a previous owner had it apart at least one time, the bezel and lenses have been replaced and I want to make sure I get it back together correctly.

[ruppstang]

The LH and center are up side down. I would buy a florescent red paint pen and repaint the faded needles. If you do put some thick paper underneath so not to get any on the face.
Marty

[IndyFive-O]

Thanks, I figured it didn't look right.
I already have a bottle of the Model Masters Flourescent Red # 1775 and some thinner, my plan is to use several light coats with my airbrush. I wish there was a way to paint the speedo red line without messing it up, I will probably just leave it alone I guess.

Any thoughts on the placement of the lens retainers? Correct?

[67gtasanjose]

Thanks, I figured it didn't look right.
I already have a bottle of the Model Masters Flourescent Red # 1775 and some thinner, my plan is to use several light coats with my airbrush. I wish there was a way to paint the speedo red line without messing it up, I will probably just leave it alone I guess.

Any thoughts on the placement of the lens retainers? Correct?

I repainted mine and I am no "expert". I did buy a very tiny brush for the task and used an eye loop magnifier. Mine is very nice now

[IndyFive-O]

You gotta skip the coffee that day !
Seriously, you must have a steady hand, I am afraid I would mess it up.

[67gtasanjose]

You gotta sip the coffee that day !
Seriously, you must have a steady hand, I am afraid I would mess it up.

maybe you could hire somebody while it is apart so you do not regret it later...A local artist maybe? A friend?

[J_Speegle]

I've always slipped a thin strip of light cardboard behind the needle to mask off the face of the gauge and take up the space between the needle and the face (to reduce the chance of bending or reshaping the needle) Then with a light hand drag the paint or ink from the center to the tip

Worked for me

[IndyFive-O]

I've always slipped a thin strip of light cardboard behind the needle to mask off the face of the gauge and take up the space between the needle and the face (to reduce the chance of bending or reshaping the needle) Then with a light hand drag the paint or ink from the center to the tip

Worked for me

Any recommendations on how to deal with the speedo line?

Also regarding painting the needles. Would it be best to spray them with an airbrush?

[J_Speegle]

Any recommendations on how to deal with the speedo line?

No - think the only way to address that detail correctly is a new gauge face. Not IMHO a DYI sort of thing

Also regarding painting the needles. Would it be best to spray them with an airbrush?

Had plenty of success with brush or pen applicator eve tried a air brush. Big concern for me was add too much paint that might effect the travel or weight of the needle

[IndyFive-O]

I am also concerned about build up weighing down the needles, that's why I thought several light coats with the airbrush would be best.

[BKnapp]

I already have a bottle of the Model Masters Flourescent Red # 1775....

I finally took the cluster out to replace the cloudy blue diffusers. The PO must have painted the needles at some point. It looks like the original color was much more orange than red. What colors have others used? How about this from NPD?

https://www.npdlink.com/store/products/paint_gauge_needle_red_orange-145903-100.html

Also, the rubber grommets on the cardboard tubes are badly deteriorated. Are these reproduced? Or should I just make my own?

Thanks!

[Bob Gaines]

I finally took the cluster out to replace the cloudy blue diffusers. The PO must have painted the needles at some point. It looks like the original color was much more orange than red. What colors have others used? How about this from NPD?

https://www.npdlink.com/store/products/paint_gauge_needle_red_orange-145903-100.html

Also, the rubber grommets on the cardboard tubes are badly deteriorated. Are these reproduced? Or should I just make my own?

Thanks!

Not that you couldn't make some with a little trouble but If I were doing it I would source them from a donor cluster because there were 100's of thousands built. I would rather not wast time on that given the availability and concentrate on something more constructive. But that is just me .Others may think differently.

[drummingrocks]

I finally took the cluster out to replace the cloudy blue diffusers. The PO must have painted the needles at some point. It looks like the original color was much more orange than red. What colors have others used? How about this from NPD?

https://www.npdlink.com/store/products/paint_gauge_needle_red_orange-145903-100.html

I think I may have just replied to your post on Vintage Mustang Forum, but if not--the NPD paint is excellent.  Just wish you got a bit more of it (the bottle is tiny).   

[BKnapp]

Thanks guys...another question. I have a broken fastener that is not retaineing anything. It's a plastic push-in fastener. Hopefully the picture illustrates, but what is supposed to be there?

[67gtasanjose]

Thanks guys...another question. I have a broken fastener that is not retaineing anything. It's a plastic push-in fastener. Hopefully the picture illustrates, but what is supposed to be there?

Tung-Sol Turn, Signal Flasher, originally was blue and snapped in there