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Post by Scott Brdlik on Jan 17, 2014 9:07:15 GMT -8
Is there a trick to re-crimp the chrome ring on the speedometer/fuel gauge/speaker grill? I used a flat screwdriver to pry them all the way around, so want to get them back on snug without destroying them. If I cant find a way, I may use some adhesive instead of trying to break them.
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Post by Lee Hedges on Jan 17, 2014 9:22:03 GMT -8
Over the years of cleaning up the gauges I've noticed that the chrome trim rings come in two styles: the full-lip version & the tabbed version. The original gauges came with the full-lip (no breaks in the backside lip to pry up). The later model T3s came with the tabbed version (that has 3-4 tabs that pry up to release the tension on the ring and allow you to remove it easily. Remember, all of the T3 models use the same diameter outer chrome ring so if you break yours or it's too rusty to be reused you can buy a later model T3 gauge just for its tabbed ring. If you've already pried-up the early/original ring and it came off the gauge easily (vs barely slipping off in a tight fit) then you may have serious issues getting it to tighten when installing it again. Here's an idea of what the tabbed version looks like: Let us know how it works out.
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Post by Scott Brdlik on Jan 17, 2014 9:40:20 GMT -8
Mine are the full lipped style, when they came off it was not so easily they will be sloppy. I tried to be careful not to stretch the thin metal so hope I can press it down some and they will hold. I have to find some mesh fabric for the speaker grill then will be attempting the first one soon- will let everyone know how it goes. Thanks for the info on the rings if I break one.
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Post by Bob Heydt on Jan 18, 2014 8:34:45 GMT -8
I have to find some mesh fabric for the speaker grill then will be attempting the first one soon- will let everyone know how it goes. Thanks for the info on the rings if I break one. What I used when I replaced mine was 2 sections of tack rag (that you buy from a paint supply store). I painted them first, then cut them to size. By using 2 pieces, I was able to get the openings of the cloth to more closely resemble the original stuff that was hidden behind the big center piece. This was the closest to the original stuff that I could find. Also, when I had mine apart (for replacing the cloth), I saw that the original stuff was white, before it got painted.
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Post by Scott Brdlik on Jan 18, 2014 9:52:14 GMT -8
I found some black voile fabric from Hobby Lobby that might look nice, except the mesh is very fine. Ill have to look at the tack rag before I put mine together.
Now have to figure out how to re-brass the flat ring. Mine cannot be polished up, so itll look strange with the other three shiny.
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Post by Scott Brdlik on Jan 28, 2014 8:42:57 GMT -8
Here are the gauges after cleaning up. Chrome turned out pretty good- the first one has some really small dents since I was a little too impatient. Other two I made sure to take my time and pry the chrome ring all the way around just very small amounts at a time and they stretched enough to get off. Getting them back on I used a small punch and tapped them in and down to get them reseated .
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Post by Scott Brdlik on Jan 29, 2014 8:32:57 GMT -8
I don't have all step by step photos, but the chrome ring is the trickiest part. Make sure you have a soft paper towel or fabric on the work area so the chrome ring doesn't get scratched up. You could tape the side in case the screwdriver slips off. Use a fine flat screwdriver. I found my 1/8" width (~3mm) Craftsman worked the best. Cheap ones wont work well. Pry the chrome trim only a very little to let the metal bend without kinking the outside edge. DO NOT try to pry it all the way at one time. Take about 15-20 minutes to GENTLY pry it away from the gauge body, work around the piece every 1/8" or so to get it evenly separated. If it moves out about 1-2 mm, then move next to that spot and keep going. It may spring back, but don't be impatient. You will probably have to go around about ten times, maybe more. Again, don't pry too much in one spot. Once it is wide enough, you should be able to pry it off with a couple fine screwdrivers. Then you can paint the silver and black parts, polish the brass, clean up the gauge. Put them back together and slide the chrome piece back on. Make sure the pieces are lined up properly and set the gauge face down. Use a pin punch and a hammer to tap the chrome side in at an angle all the way around a little at a time, then use the punch to tap the edge flat, all the way around, again a little at a time until it is flat.
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