TaboII

Ok I have conflicting information and I would like to see if I can get this clarified before a ruin my gauges. I have new custom white faces to add to my dash and I am not sure how to remove the needles CORRECTLY and install the gauge faces. I understand that the needles are very delicate and that the posts are tapered and cam be damaged. The information I currently have is to gently move the needle past the stop point and it will then come off. It is not screwed on to the shaft nor can I just remove them by pulling them off with out doing damage to the gauge. Is there a way to do this that is consider correct and will not damage my gauges, and wont require me to have then recalibrated after this is complete?

Thanks in advance
Keith M
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Lemon Yellow 87 n/a

I read about a 911 guy who didnt receive a needle removing tool with his white guage face kit. He said he got a fork and bent one of the prongs out of the way and used the fork on the needle like a fork lift on a pallette. Good luck, not entirely sure if this works on 44's so watch out. I've read that they are very delicate.

Manning

Probably at the risk of screwing up the needle, I just grabbed it in the center an tugged it straight off. Pushed in on to replace it. Seems to still work just fine.

Danno

"I am not sure how to remove the needles CORRECTLY and install the gauge faces."

I guess the key here is to apply a force that directed outwards and parallel to the needle's pivot axis? Any tool you use that can apply that force would be the 'correct' tool? A kitchen fork, needle-nose pliers, nail-clippers, dental-floss, etc. are all things I've heard.

Hobby shops actually have a tool made specifically for this task. It's like a miniature gear puller. There's a forked prong that goes under the needle and fits snuggly on both sides of the axle. On top is a threaded rod that screwed down onto the needle's pivot. You get a nice straight pull.