Instrument Restoration

[mustangfanatic]

My gauges in my '86 are in need of attention, are there any resources that can rebuild the entire instrument cluster? In addition to restoring their appearance, several need attention as they aren't functioning properly plus I need a new speedometer cable, I have the dreaded "chirp". Thanks

[negusm]

You can get the clear plastic face for the cluster or the top half of the cluster with a new clear plastic face already on it.

For the gauges, you can repaint the needles. That sometimes is enough if your cluster isn't too too faded.

For serious fade, you can find a low mileage cluster, they sometimes come up. They will go for around $100-$150.

You can also send your gauges out to be reconditioned and silkscreened. That is not cheap. I think we're talking $75 per gauge or something. But you can search for gauge restoration shops on google and find something.

A "non-restoration" technique would be to use stickers.

-Mike

[mustangfanatic]

Thanks Mike, anyone have any suggested shops to recondition?

-Steve

[negusm]

Here's one of those guys...

http://www.gaugeguys.com/resto.htm

-Mike

[mustangfanatic]

Thanks Mike!!

[mmigora]

What kind of paint do you use for the needles? Color, brand?

[jzleach]

I've had good luck with Testors' enamal paints. They're geared for model builders, but have worked well on needles. I've used the bright orange color.