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Cleaning up gauges

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So I've started rebuilding my 80 1000G and one thing that needs cleaning up gauge cluster, specifically the tachometer and fuel faces. I've pulled the gauge apart without too much difficulty but can't figure out how to get the needle off, anyone know how? as well the paint is pretty faded, anyone have some good ideas on touching the faces up or is it just a matter of replace with a better face?

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IIRC the needle pops off.Just not as easy as it sounds.Over at the CB-F site they where talking about using Testors Fluorescent Orange model paint for those orange bits.Other than new faces the rest would be difficult IMHO.
 
The needle just popped off when I took it off from my GSXR tach. Not sure if they all work the same though.
 
I attempted that project on the 79 1000 a couple of weekends ago. The faces were faded and with a close inspection had a loose layer of dusty oxidized flat black paint. Blowing it off with the air hose didn't work. I took a chance and using a fine haired 3/4" flat artists paintbrush, "painted" them with Armorall. The brush was as dry as possible, and using a light touch with just the tips and with slightly overlapping strokes it brought back the rich flat black.
Not all is perfect though. Up close with a strong light shows the brush strokes, just visible, and the loose oxidized paint has mixed with the Armorall and smeared the white numbers, again just visible, but it's there. If I could do it again I would not use a brush but use a fine mister and spray just enough to wet the face and then set it to dry on a horizontal surface.
The rusty areas on the fuel gauge need something else. I would try soaking a corner that would be hidden under the main face, in case of a screwup, in Evaporust to see if it could be removed. Just guessing here.
The needle tips were touched up with Testors orange. The oil pressure light lens was faded pink so a found piece of parking lot tail light was cut and fitted. All in all, I'm pleased with the appearance now.
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Ive heard of people using a fork to pop off the needle.

Way back when, we had this option... but no more :(
 
Adler said:
Ive heard of people using a fork to pop off the needle.

Way back when, we had this option... but no more :(
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ya I read through that post last year when I was doing the 78 but alas it was too late, great looking faces though. Wish I knew someone that did that type of work.

Richsuz said:
Check this out. If you have access to a scanner, you can replace the face completely to your liking
http://www.xs650chopper.com/2009/11/how-to-refresh-an-old-speedometer/
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Thanks for the link, some great advice in there.
 
Couple ways come to mind to achieve the resto... w/out buying new gauge.

a. ($$$) Gauge graphics were originally screen-printed from the factory. That's why the fluorescent orange is so vibrant. Find a screen-printer in your area that has a graphic artist on board to hi-rez scan the gauge faces. Then it's a matter of them burning 2 screens for the black (flat) and orange; they'll flood the white ink over the faces first, then lay the orange, then "trap" with black ink. Of course, you'll need to remove the "0" peg prior to scanning and printing. Given this is a one-off job, the cost will be a bit stiff... but ask around to see if you can find a brother-in-law deal. Screen-printers here in TX love beer and tacos, and I sometimes get a price break... sometimes.

b. ($) Similar to how I'm reproducing switch graphics, have vinyl decals made. Same process with scanning and recreating graphics via Illustrator or Photoshop, then finding local print/sign shop to digitally print. (the link that Richsuz supplied is a good go-by, but i wouldn't use paper for obvious reasons.) Figuring out steps as to how to cut and apply the decals will be trial and error, SO, order a few extras, as you can expect a few redos during the process. Keep in mind the orange will NOT be fluorescent, as digital printing doesn't support... yet... they're working on it i hear.

Feel free to PM me if you need any more info.
 
Clean the face with windex and leave well enough alone. Then get some clear box tape and mask off the speed lines and the curvature of the redline area. then mask the entire face off and use your fav red spary paint and redo the redline areas..let it stand about 1/2 hr and carefully remove the tape..practice a few times on something to get a timeline for removing the tape without fudging the lines and to see if the edges are sealed well and the paint doesnt run under the tape. Peel to early and the paint will run..too late and it may ruin the edges...Once youve perfected the technique, THEN shoot the guage face.Dip the needle in the same paint. As for the gas guage...hate to say it but she looks pretty rough. May wanna find a broken one here on the forum that you can swap the faces out.
 
chuck hahn said:
Clean the face with windex and leave well enough alone. Then get some clear box tape and mask off the speed lines and the curvature of the redline area. then mask the entire face off and use your fav red spary paint and redo the redline areas..let it stand about 1/2 hr and carefully remove the tape..practice a few times on something to get a timeline for removing the tape without fudging the lines and to see if the edges are sealed well and the paint doesnt run under the tape. Peel to early and the paint will run..too late and it may ruin the edges...Once youve perfected the technique, THEN shoot the guage face.Dip the needle in the same paint. As for the gas guage...hate to say it but she looks pretty rough. May wanna find a broken one here on the forum that you can swap the faces out.
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chuck hahn said:
Or fully cover in clear tape and make cutouts with an exacto knife.
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Frank Z. said:
That's a good alternative. You can use the same stuff air-brushers use to mask off areas... called "frisket". http://www.google.com/products/cata...a=X&ei=YacPT-7MHcb7sQLIsvmKBA&ved=0CEQQ8wIwAQ

Of course, I do everything the hard way. ;)
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Good ideas guys, I think the use of the transparent transfer paper will work perfectly. I'm think a foam brush may work better for this than a typical horse hair brush, I'll have to play around.
 
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A lot of useful information in this thread. It gives me lots of ideas for when I have to go in and fix the intermittent lights blinking on and off in my gauges.
 
Well in the end I bought a 'better' gauge face and put it in. A bit of work that's for sure, wouldn't want to have to do that all the time but it's done.

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It's still on my mind to figure out how to clean up the old faded face so when I do I'll post it up.
 
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