I picked up an extra Gauge Cluster/Dash Insert in aims of doing a restoration on it over the winter. I did do some searching but didn’t find any good write ups concerning a DYI approach to restoration or modification. The following are some general key points of interest, some of which if anybody has any background on would be appreciated. 1. Gauge Cluster – How to convert from Column shift to Floor Shift a. Remove indicator lever (exhibit A) and then seal opening with something b. Somehow remove the “P, R, N, D, L2, L1” lettering. Has anybody ever attempted to do this? 2. Gauge Cluster – Rolling back OD to 000000 a. I haven’t taken the cluster apart yet to know how much of a can of worms this may or may not be. 3. Gauge Cluster – Polishing clear plastic cover a. I’d imagine one could use the same 3M kit used for polishing headlight lenses. Or something very similar. 4. Dash Insert – Color selection (going for OEM) a. Black section. i. Flat, Matte, or Gloss Black? Mine appears Flat…… b. Tan/Silver section. i. The restored & aftermarket units I’ve seen online appear very silver, not at all like the OEM color of mine. I’d assume this is due to buying an off the shelf can of spray paint? All original OEM ones appear like mine pictured, some sort of tan/silver blend. Depending on how thick this paint was applied also determines the color. ii. Thinking that if I took the time to photograph this color correctly, I could utilized some online tools and color match it then have a custom can of spray paint made. 5. Dash Insert – Color accenting the words “WIPER” “LIGHTS”…ect a. Remove the re-paint in some manner to unearth the previous color or paint over using some sort of paint stamp method? 6. Dash Insert – Chrome locations a. Pretty obvious that the edge represented by Line B remains chrome b. Edges C & D. Pretty sure these are to remain chrome though the task of doing this during the re-paint seems pretty daunting. Thinking maybe after you paint over it you’d take a really thin putty knife, wrap a piece of thin cloth over it dipped in thinner, then gently rub the paint off to reveal the chrome underneath. Perhaps this is why people just paint this entire section one color and forget about the chrome accent edges existing. I’m usually pretty good at taking pics and documenting little side projects like this so I’ll make sure post all my processes and tips and tricks for the next guy.
