B Body Gauge Restoration - more questions..

[BY RSCO]

I know that the subject of gauge restoration has came up many times. Here is another question. Have any of you used the resto decals for the gauges, and if so how are they? Wondering if they are a good way to go, or if I am better off just biting the bullet and having the cluster professionally done. Next question - I have seen several different folks who do gauge resto, but want to know who is the best and most reasonable (or more importantly, most reliable) in the event that I have it redone. Thoughts and opinions are welcome! Thanks.

[bull]

Answer 1. http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,7746.0.html << Just be sure you do a good job cleaning up the corrosion on the gauge face metal before you lay the new decals down or you'll be doing it again real soon.

Answer 2. http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,37999.0.html << The guy that started this thread restored my cluster for a lot less than anyone else could and did a great job. He also provides step-by-step instructions on how to do it yourself if you wish.

[WHITE AND RED 69]

I used the decals for mine and they turned out really good. The one problem with the decals is there is the possibility that they could start to peel one day. If they do though its not too hard to replace them. Just like Bull said make sure to clean them as best as you can before applying them.

If you decide to get a shop to redo them I recommend redline gauge works. They rebuilt my speedo and were a great shop to deal with. They will silkscreen the gauge faces so there is no chance of peeling and will convert your amp gauge to volts if you wanted to. (which is what I wished I did) 

[ktneifert09]

One of the most satisfying things I did was rebuild the gauges myself. I recommend it.

[squeakfinder]

I used decals. No problems.

[BY RSCO]

I appreciate the input! Gives me a couple of things to think about. Talked to Redline today and I am leaning that direction (though somewhat expensive, I really think when you get down to all they do it is not so bad for that amount of intricate work). I like the silk screen idea and like the other upgrades they perform as well (quartz clock mechanism, upgrade tach for electronic ign, etc.) but we will see. Thank you again. I will hopefully be posting some build pics of the car when it gets to a respectable state of heading in the right direction. (I am sure you all fully understand.....)

[69 OUR/TEA]

I had mine done at Auto Instruments,came out awesome,thought that when I checked with Redline they were more $$$$,and had a longer time frame.They checked/rebuilt,recalibrated,refaced(silkscreened) all my gauges.Refaced my speedo,rebuilt it( they highly recommend),took apart and refaced the odo,and put it back to what it was for miles.Refaced the tic-toc,and converted it to quartz.Polished the lense,new e-brake lense,and turn signal lenses.New solid state voltage limiter.Then I put on the new repo bezel.Boy these clusters look real nice when done!!!!If my memory serves me,they only took a couple weeks to do also.

[69 OUR/TEA]

pic

[charger2fast4u]

pic

did auto instruments vacuum chrome the gauge bezel around the gauges and switches? or was yours nice to begin with? if you don't mind me asking how much did they charge you to restore everything? i'm debating to get mine done professionally or do it myself i'm kind of leaning towards getting them redone professionally for acouple reasons i like the idea of the silk screening no chance of the decals coming off. i need my bezel re vacuum chromed and it would be nice to have the gauges all tested and recaliburated. but i like the satisfaction of doing it myself but theres some things i just cant do like the reasons i mentioned for thinking of sending them out to someone.

[69 OUR/TEA]

All the dash bezels are the new repos,still have my originals.All of my chrome switches were in really nice shape,and beleive it or not,just needed a good cleaning,chrome still very,very nice.Even the orig radios chrome potmetal bezel was mint.I think it was somewhere in the neighborhood of $800.00 to do everything they did,sure it's a couple bucks but it looks awesome now!!!!!And worth the money IMO.