Dash cluster restoration

[Rob M.]

I'm finally picking up m y Split Window restoration from a slow period because of our house remodelling (which turned out great BTW). So parallel on working on my frame, which needed welding (see other posting) I took my dash cluster back home (from out clubhouse). I noticed when I start taking it apart that the rings are slightly pitted but it appears they are part of the molded clusted so I think they can't be replaced. Now I'm puzzled how I could restore these to show piece shape without destroying them. Any suggestions?

thanks,
Rob.

[Bob R.]

Re: Dash cluster restoration

Rob,
The rings around the gages are all one piece. The entire gage face was chrome plated then they painted over the black areas. The rings look like they were masked and painted silver. The chrome rim was masked off during the silver painting and that rim and the lettering is the only chrome visible in the finished product.
You could have the cluster re chromed. Some of the restoration shops may do that for you.
I had my gages restored by (I think it was) D&M Restorations. If you check the archives I think you will find several vendors that can restore clusters.

[Rob M.]

Re: Dash cluster restoration

Hi Bob,

Thanks for your response, I was afraid this was the answer since the pot metal is very hard to restore (most metal workers won't mess with it). Me living in Europe makes it a bit hard to use the US based restoration services. I have to work on it myself with some hep of our chapter members...

greetings and the best for 2009 for you and your family,
Rob.

[Bob R.]

Re: Dash cluster restoration

Rob,
I didn't think the dash cluster was pot metal. At any rate I ahve had some pot metal pieces replated. They fill the holes with lead and then plate the piece. I ahd the vent widow frames done a few years ago.

[David D.]

Re: Dash cluster restoration

Rob,
The dash cluster is pot metal. Once you get pitting, it's near impossible to restore to original. The option of having it rechromed is a good one, but from what I know, that re-chrome process does not leave the edges as sharp as originally was done, so the edges of each circle is now rounded looking.
My suggestion would be to find a good restoration shop and see if they have a very good shape cluster that you can swap out for an exchange rate, and then have your entire cluster/gauges fully restored. The other option is to just check around and flat out buy a decent cluster but that'll run you $500 plus. I'd personally suggest the swap.
I just recently had my cluster/gauges and clock fully restored by Bill at Harrison Speedometer and I tell you I couldn't be happier. Check out my finished pictures at end of this thread. Keep in mind, I haven't yet re-installed.

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthread.php?p=382010&uid=1007

Here is Bill's website, send him and e-mail or call him, I know you wouldn't be disappointed and I believe he might have some decent clusters.

http://www.harrisonspeedometer.com/

David

[Dale O.]

Re: Dash cluster restoration

Rob,
I pulled an article from the web at ZIP (zip-corvette.com) in 2001 that covered 63/64 dash restoration. You might see if it is still at the web site and read it. I am currently using the article to restore my 65 cluster. It appears to me that if the chrome on the rim of the quages is good you could refinish the rest with paint and filler. Check it out.
Dale

[Rob M.]

Re: Dash cluster restoration

Rob,
I pulled an article from the web at ZIP (zip-corvette.com) in 2001 that covered 63/64 dash restoration. You might see if it is still at the web site and read it. I am currently using the article to restore my 65 cluster. It appears to me that if the chrome on the rim of the quages is good you could refinish the rest with paint and filler. Check it out.
Dale

I've found a nice article on the dash restore procedure! Thanks for all for your responses!

regards,
Rob

[Rob M.]

Re: Dash cluster restoration

Ok, first steps are taken. All the instruments, lock, cigarette lighter and switches removed. Most of the black paint was removed with paint stripper and thinner. Next is putting some masking tape on edges and the labels and paint spray the silver on the edges of all the rings...

PS notice the nice X-Mas table cloth...

[Patrick H.]

Re: Dash cluster restoration

Ok, first steps are taken. All the instruments, lock, cigarette lighter and switches removed. Most of the black paint was removed with paint stripper and thinner. Next is putting some masking tape on edges and the labels and paint spray the silver on the edges of all the rings...

I think I'd try and get a bit more of that black paint off if it were mine.
It is possible to get it off with a bit of work.

Patrick