Fuel/oil gauge

[DeltaBravo]

Hello all,

I did a search (forums and How to articles) and didn't find my specific question. I will be replacing the glass (provided by our host) on my fuel/oil gauge and would love to know how to do it.

I understand how to remove the gauge...but don't know specifics about how to open it up and replace the glass.

I'm a little concerned because I've had two different quotes of around $300 bucks. This concerns me because the quote mentioned above suggest the labor alone is around $280 bucks since the part is only $20...that seems like a lot for something that "seems" simple...but again, dunno. Is it simple? Or am I going to open up a can of worms and have regrets?

Any tips or tricks will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance. And if I do decide to do this, I will provide a "how to" for all.

Damon

[blucille]

it seems all the gauge shops are quite busy and charge accordingly.

It's not rocket science, a lot of threads out there about using a very small flat head screwdriver to unbend the crimped black ring/bezel around the gauge, remove the bezel and the glass. And the install the new glass, recrimp, many guys will use a 3/8" socket set extension as a nice way to recrimp the ring, but anything similar to gently work the ring back into shape is fine.

I assume your glass is cracked?

The fuel/oil gauge is one of few that allows you to (oil temp/pressure is the other) access the glass from the rear, by easily removing the gauge mechanicals.....so if you are suffering from dirty/ugly glass, it can often be cleaned up with q-tips or something.

lots of threads on here about various gauge projects.

[DeltaBravo]

Thank sonett43,

The glass isn't cracked. It is separating from the edge, creating a hazy bubble. Still works and readable...just isn't pretty.

So, it is a simply as I was thinking, right?... Remove gauge, pry/unbend the crimped edge, remove back, remove inside gauge part, replace glass, install inside gauge part, crimp/roll edge back over, and install gauge.

[cabmandone]

unbend crimped edge, remove ring, remove glass, replace glass, install ring and crimp. I used a small pair of channel locks with tape on the jaws to crimp.

[DeltaBravo]

Wow,

That is as simple as it gets.

Thank you


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[cabmandone]

If you have problems with gauge fogging, you might consider a desiccant pack inside the gauge housing. I think thats what guys suggested but you might want to search. Just take your time with the outer ring. Those things are THIN. If you want, I could go out and take my old speedometer apart and post pics if that would help you.

[Dubbin']

Originally Posted by DeltaBravo

Thank sonett43,

The glass isn't cracked. It is separating from the edge, creating a hazy bubble. Still works and readable...just isn't pretty.

So, it is a simply as I was thinking, right?... Remove gauge, pry/unbend the crimped edge, remove back, remove inside gauge part, replace glass, install inside gauge part, crimp/roll edge back over, and install gauge.

On my 87, there was a rubber/ plastic film on the glass and it was detaching from the glass (creating a bubble effect). I opened the gauge and removed the film from the glass - I left only the glass. it's a delicate job but can be done by a DIY'er.

Thanks,
Mark

[DeltaBravo]

Originally Posted by cabmando

If you have problems with gauge fogging, you might consider a desiccant pack inside the gauge housing. I think thats what guys suggested but you might want to search. Just take your time with the outer ring. Those things are THIN. If you want, I could go out and take my old speedometer apart and post pics if that would help you.

I don't think it is fogging. Only because the blemish is always their...and always the same.

Thanks for the tip on the outer ring. I will make sure not to use my retard strength... no beer before or during.

[DeltaBravo]

Originally Posted by Dubbin'

On my 87, there was a rubber/ plastic film on the glass and it was detaching from the glass (creating a bubble effect). I opened the gauge and removed the film from the glass - I left only the glass. it's a delicate job but can be done by a DIY'er.

Thanks,
Mark

Interesting. Well...I already purchased a new glass. But if I don't need it, I can always return it.

Thanks for sharing

[fintstone]

The gauge faces are plastic if i recall...and replacing with glass is an upgrade/repair for foggy lenses. I have done this...but prefer not to (and to get a pro) now that these cars and parts are becoming more rare and expensive. It is easy to damage the bezel when you are trying to remove it...and it is right in font of you in your restored vehicle. Of course, it used to be pretty cheap to get a gauge fixed. I can't believe a $300 price.

[DeltaBravo]

Originally Posted by fintstone

Of course, it used to be pretty cheap to get a gauge fixed. I can't believe a $300 price.

RIGHT!...seems a bit steep for something that sounds like a 30 minute job (in a chair with the a/c kick'n).