63 Instrument Cluster...Before & After

[Stuart F.]

Re: 63 Instrument Cluster...Before & After

Loren;

Pardon my ignorance, but what opening are you referring to? On the first batch of photos, I only see one and that is just like mine (s/n 19,***).

It is interesting for me to see the lower redlines and 60 psi O.P. gauges. Kind of makes me appreciate mine a little more (L-76).

Stu Fox

[Richard M.]

Re: 63 Instrument Cluster...Before & After

Found a photo of the interior when we first got the car last December. I like photo 2 better.

[Frederick H.]

Re: 63 Instrument Cluster...Before & After

I am now in the process of restoring my '63 (owner since 1970) and getting ready to restore the cluster. I noticed the uneven black around the base of the bezel that you mentioned (cluster has never been restored previously). I noticed that some of the other posts mentioned that you restore them?

[Richard G.]

Re: 63 Instrument Cluster...Before & After

If your car has a radio (I see yours does) be sure to mount both the lower the capacitors before installing your cluster.
The Amp gauge and the Key capacitors.
They need to be screwed in and the tab bent up. Kind of laying the capacitors on its side so to speak.
If you do this after they are installed you cant access the screw as the lower dash keep you from bending the bracket flat enough to get the screw installed.
Don't ask me how I know.

I also had to remove my radio (a second time) to get the blower motor wiring installed. It may be possible to do otherwise but I couldn't do it.
And don't forget to install the clip for the radio antenna wire that goes behind the dash.
Rick

[Ed S.]

Re: 63 Instrument Cluster...Before & After

I have a question or two for Rich and others that have done this themselves. I assume that after cleaning and removing imperfections and as much as the old paint from the cluster as you can, you then spray the bezels grey first, then after it dries you tape it off and spray the black. Is that correct? What brand of spray paint, product # of grey do you use? How do you get the uniformly even chrome edge to be visible at the top of the bezel? Do you use a piece of flat something covered with a slightly moistened cloth (with a bit of denatured alcohol or acetone) and lightly rub around the edge? BTW - cluster looks great!

[Richard M.]

Re: 63 Instrument Cluster...Before & After

Sorry gents I've been away for a while and just getting back to reply.....

I am now in the process of restoring my '63 (owner since 1970) and getting ready to restore the cluster. I noticed the uneven black around the base of the bezel that you mentioned (cluster has never been restored previously). I noticed that some of the other posts mentioned that you restore them?

Frederick, I only restored them as part of a complete car restoration.

I have a question or two for Rich and others that have done this themselves. I assume that after cleaning and removing imperfections and as much as the old paint from the cluster as you can, you then spray the bezels grey first, then after it dries you tape it off and spray the black. Is that correct? What brand of spray paint, product # of grey do you use? How do you get the uniformly even chrome edge to be visible at the top of the bezel? Do you use a piece of flat something covered with a slightly moistened cloth (with a bit of denatured alcohol or acetone) and lightly rub around the edge? BTW - cluster looks great!

Ed, Yes the best method is grey(silver) bezels first. Then make a mask using paper shaped like a cup. I wouldn't use tape on the dried painted areas as it may peel the paint from the chrome too easily. Then the black.

I forget what I used for the grey(silver) but I found a good match using various test sprayouts. I think several vendors actually have it now and named it for the bezels. I recall the black I used was a satin finish.

The best method I've found to remove the silver from the bezel edges is a razor blade, followed by a rag with acetone or lacquer thinner.

Rich