Disassambling Gauges for replace the glas

[frauhansen]

Hi suffering comrades

My truck is a USMC from Barstow. Was sitting in the sun and sand for 13 years.
So the gauges glas is junk. Sandblasted an sunburnd.


I can get new glasses cut, but I have to open and measure the old ones first.
Is there an elegant way to open up the gauges? Has anyone done this before?

Thanks,
Gerd

 

[Mogman]

They would be assembled like any other gauge, the bezel is crimped on, you can pry the crimp open and there are companies that can do this and re-install them without looking like crap but I have never been able to do it.
Others will comment with ways to restore the "glass" (I think it is actually plastic) IIRC brake cleaner was one but don't go by what I say alone.

 

[waayfast]

They would be assembled like any other gauge, the bezel is crimped on, you can pry the crimp open and there are companies that can do this and re-install them without looking like crap but I have never been able to do it.
Others will comment with ways to restore the "glass" (I think it is actually plastic) IIRC brake cleaner was one but don't go by what I say alone.

If indeed those gauge lenses are plastic, a medium autobody rubbing compound might shine them up. I have done several plastic headlights over the years with marked improvement. My 95 Ford Ranger and just recently my son's 2012 Toyota Tundra for him.
May be worth a try. YMMV

 

[frauhansen]

ohhhh, right.... i made this an some cars with plascic headsights... i will try this first

 

[royg]

definitely plastic. I had gauges with some paint overspray. I wrongly though they were glass and tried mek to clean up the overspray. The mek softened the plastic.

 

[gringeltaube]

Is there an elegant way to open up the gauges? Has anyone done this before?

Gauge repair question

Hey anyone can the gauges on an M35 be taken apart and cleaned without damage ? Thanks Jerry

www.steelsoldiers.com

 

[Mullaney]

Gauge repair question

Hey anyone can the gauges on an M35 be taken apart and cleaned without damage ? Thanks Jerry

www.steelsoldiers.com

.
Thanks @gringeltaube !
That link is chock full of good info about bringing old gauges back to life.

.

 

[G744]

Good stuff:

https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-PlastX-Plastic-Cleaner-Polish/dp/B0000AY3SR/ref=asc_df_B0000AY3SR?tag=bngsmtphsnus-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=80539344142758&hvnetw=s&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4584138871437822&psc=1

 

[mgFray]

I used magnesium polish on mine (the stuff made for wheels). Then after that got all the 'gunk' and deep scratches out, used the Meguiars Plastic cleaner and polish. Still some haze on the edge by the metal, but the middle the gauges are now clear.

 

[87cr250r]

Paints are plastic. Treat your plastic lenses the same way you would your paint. Acrylic is infinitely polishable. Polycarbonate does yellow in sunlight and there are limited to how much restoration is possible.

 

[GuntherRommel]

Take a hair dryer or heat gun and peel the film off