Gauge Needle Removal & Paint Source?

[78P930]

Trying to freshen up my temp and oil press. gauge, leading to two questions:
1) How does one remove the red needle/indicator/arrow?

2) Is there a source for the red/orange paint for the arrows?

Thanks for any help,
Pat

[SoCal70RSR]

Originally Posted by 78P930

2) Is there a source for the red/orange paint for the arrows?

Pat

Looking to do the same, did you ever find a good source for the orange paint on the gauge needles?

[cgarr]

I would think any good hobby shop would have the paint.

[78P930]

Fernando, I ended up taking mine to a local shop and never did look for the paint, although Craig is probably right, I just never looked.
Pat

[PCA7GGR]

I found Model Master Custom Enamel System Flourescent Red to be a good match.

[SoCal70RSR]

Thanks for the info on the paint Sergio.

The largest hobby store near me is "Hobby People" and they had the paint you recommended: "Model Master Custom Enamel System Flourescent Red"

The fuel gauge I'm using for my car must've sat under the sun for a long time because the needle was half white and the other half was faded. The oil level needle was fairly faded towards the tip as well.

Here are some pictures of how I went about painting them.

The two needle mechanisms can be taken out the back by removing 6 small screws.



Here is the paint and the brush I used. I bought a kit with 4 brushes, wasn't sure which one was going to work best. The longest of all 4 worked best.



I used some thick printer paper to prevent any paint from dripping or splashing. A total of two coats was enough.



Here is the back of the gauge after reassembly.



This is what it looks like when done. Much better!



The hobby store also sells this stuff online if you can't find it locally.

http://www.hobbypeople.net/gallery/681775.asp

http://www.hobbypeople.net/gallery/616450.asp

[PCA7GGR]

Fernando,

Nice job. Unfortunately the speedo and tach needles aren't as easy to get at.

Nice photo album of your '70s transformation.

[SoCal70RSR]

Good point, the only two gauges you can really do this to are the fuel gauge and the oil pressure gauge (two closest to the driver's door) Which usually are the ones that get hit by the sun the most.

Thanks for the compliment on the photo album.