Gauge Cleaning

[sjmst]

I thought I saw this somewhere before but can't find it. Other than buying a brand new tach (assuming one were available) how can the glass on the gauge be cleaned. Mine is foggy. I guess carefully removing the bezel, but it looks almost impossible,
Thanks
Sam

[rlux4]

Is the bezel crimped on the body? I replaced the clouded clock face on mine and had to bend the crimps outward. If the tach is the same a small, flat bladed screw driver worked for me:
(thumbnail)
Ron

[sjmst]

Is the bezel crimped on the body? I replaced the clouded clock face on mine and had to bend the crimps outward. If the tach is the same a small, flat bladed screw driver worked for me:
(thumbnail)
Ron

Yes, thanks, I'll try it.

[rlux4]

You got it Sam! It probably goes without saying, but I'll say it anyway, verrry carefully undo the crimps.
Ron

[manoa matt]

On several occasions I've successfully removed the trim rings from the Speedo and Tach without undoing the crimps. Since the tach and speedo are large and made of plastic there is some "give" and the ring can be pursuaded off if you start at the area where there is no crimp. Gently push in the plastic housing while lifting and pulling off the trim ring like you would with a bicycle tire. Unfortunatly the small gauges with the metal housing have to be uncrimped and recrimped.

One trick I found to clean up the trim ring appearance and remove the scratches and nick in the black anodizing is to use a black permenant marker. Mark over the scratch, wait a few seconds and wipe it off/blend it/feather it. Kind of like you would do with wood stain. If you let the marker dry then you will see the hard edge between the two shades of black. It takes a little finese, but if you can successfully remove and replace the small trim rings then you already have finess.

A few months ago someone found a solution to prevent the inside of the glass from re-fogging. I think the solution was to clean it with either vinegar or ammonia (Not 100% sure). One thing that comes to mind is Anti-fog solution for diving masks or sunglasses.

[fiasco]

A few months ago someone found a solution to prevent the inside of the glass from re-fogging. I think the solution was to clean it with either vinegar or ammonia (Not 100% sure). One thing that comes to mind is Anti-fog solution for diving masks or sunglasses.

The anti-fog solution for diving masks is to spit in it and then rinse the spit off in the ocean. Depending on where you live, you can try that with your gauges.

-- se

[sjmst]

On several occasions I've successfully removed the trim rings from the Speedo and Tach without undoing the crimps. Since the tach and speedo are large and made of plastic there is some "give" and the ring can be pursuaded off if you start at the area where there is no crimp. Gently push in the plastic housing while lifting and pulling off the trim ring like you would with a bicycle tire. Unfortunatly the small gauges with the metal housing have to be uncrimped and recrimped.

One trick I found to clean up the trim ring appearance and remove the scratches and nick in the black anodizing is to use a black permenant marker. Mark over the scratch, wait a few seconds and wipe it off/blend it/feather it. Kind of like you would do with wood stain. If you let the marker dry then you will see the hard edge between the two shades of black. It takes a little finese, but if you can successfully remove and replace the small trim rings then you already have finess.

A few months ago someone found a solution to prevent the inside of the glass from re-fogging. I think the solution was to clean it with either vinegar or ammonia (Not 100% sure). One thing that comes to mind is Anti-fog solution for diving masks or sunglasses.

Great, thanks!!!

[sjmst]

A few months ago someone found a solution to prevent the inside of the glass from re-fogging. I think the solution was to clean it with either vinegar or ammonia (Not 100% sure). One thing that comes to mind is Anti-fog solution for diving masks or sunglasses.

The anti-fog solution for diving masks is to spit in it and then rinse the spit off in the ocean. Depending on where you live, you can try that with your gauges.

-- se

Yes, I also found this:

Step1Pour 2 ounces of white vinegar in a medium sized bowl.
Step2Add 1 quart hot water.
Step3Dip a clean, lint-free cloth into mixture.
Step4Lightly wring out cloth.
Step5Wipe mirrors and the inside of car windshields with cloth.
Step6Allow to dry.