Midyear Gauge Cluster Painting Template

[Gerald C.]

I'm going to be looking to restore a midyear gauge cluster and was wondering if anyone sold the template to paint the surrounds of the cluster. I know i can start by masking off the gauge surrounds and paint the background black, but I'm looking for a template that will protect the black when I paint the surrounds silver on a 63.

Thanks

[Scott P.]

Gerald, I have found its easier to paint the cluster backwards from your post.
My method that Ive learned is to make reusable masks or cylinders.
Remember the manila folders? Get several & cut & roll into tubes 6" tall/long or so
to put over the two big gauges & the four small ones. Tape the tubes edges
together, forming 6 tubes. The fitment (tightness) of the tube over the gauge
is to be tight enough to fit snugley flat against the cluster face.
Tape off the chrome edge of the cluster.
Turn the cluster over & Using the folder material make 2 big & 4 small circles to
tape to the inside where the instrument holes are. tape off the high beam/Turn signal bezel.
Same to ign switch and the holes Ive forgotten about. The trip odometer too.

These six circles will protect the two tone green paint on that side of the cluster.
The raised verbiage on the front just clean good with a tooth brush, You can then use an exato Knife or
raiser blade to scrape off the black paint from the letters.
If any of the letters should need touch-up a black paint touch-up marker will work.
Which is what you will do after the cluster face is painted.
Im going to send this msg now for you to read & see if it makes since.
Any questions, ask & I will send part two.
Scott

Before you even start any of the above clean the cluster frame inside and out for paint.
Use some 1000 grit paper & sand the six raised instrument chrome for paint.
Do not use any primers.

[Gerald C.]

Scott,

It looks like a good approach. Please send me Part Two.

Thanks,

Jerry