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First, has anyone successfully remove the clear plastic outer cover.
The gauge surround appears to have originally been flat black texture, but now is discolored.
Gauges selves are fine.
Second, this little screw was rattling around inside.
I can’t find where it would have fallen out.
My 79 could use some instrument panel work. Voltmeter reads low, lights are dim. I have no qualms with changing stuff so it's "not original"
If I get into with a serious effort it will become easily removable and serviceable. yup, I'll butcher that baby.
I look at it as an improvement
I used SEM black trim paint to re spray the black plastic face once the outer lens was removed. Rob is correct, it can be a bit hairy but just be careful and once you get a gap it will come.
Yes, it can be done. I used a putty knife. The adhesive on there is not a continuous bead, but is in sections. It's also old and brittle. I got the putty knife (just the very tip) under a section without glue and levered/twisted it. Not a whole lot, but just enough to break loose a bit of the glue near it. Then move it and repeat.
The cracking sound of the glue breaking is very unnerving. Be patient and go slow. Maybe put it down and walk away for a few minutes here and there.
My 'black' in the housing was fine, but the plexi had a good bit of scratches/clouding. A good polish cleaned it up very nicely.
I restored the cluster on my 79. Same as others. Removed scratched cloudy plastic and polished (for days and hours), repainted housing. Put reflective foil in light triangles, aimed needles. Reassembled...
removing the the plastic is quite hairy, as mentioned, but do-able.
03-20-2018, 12:57 AM
Instrument/ gauge cluster questions
