Black to white guage conversion

[Brian993]

I get bored in winter and wanted to do something to upgrade my car. So I deceided to upgrade guage faces from black to white. So far I have done the clock and gas/oil level guage. No problems. The speedo looks like its going to be tough. I have read the tech article on this and I am following the advice. For $60.00 epoxy glue included I think its worth it. We'll see how the rest goes though. Anyone else done this or is considering it? I'd like to see some pics! I need a dig cam(coming soon, waiting for deals).

[Vipergrün]

Ummm, be real careful taking the needle off the speedo. It WILL break if you do anything but lift straight up. Yes, I know this first hand. I put the faceplates on 1/2 my guages and decided I did not like the look. Now, I have to spend 100+ bucks to get the speedo fixed.....all for nothing. You should get your speedo calibrated when done. I hope your job goes better than mine.

cheers
-Brad
80SC

[pbs911]

Upgrade from white to black. I thought the guages came with a black face from the factory.

[Wayne 962]

Agreed, not one of your easiest jobs...

-Wayne

[Targa Dude]

I agree with Wayne, but if you take your time and do one gage at a time and don't get interrupted in the process. I would rate this about a 7 on a 10 scale of difficulty.
The important thing is too mark the case using a straight edge.
lay a straight edge over the center resting on the rim and make 2 marks 180 degrees appart in line with needle prior to prying off.
when yo reinstall your needle verify alignment and press back on
you will feel a little snap which means the needle has nested in place.

When I purchased my face plates they came with a removal tool that removed the needles quite well. it sort of looks like a bottle opener with a slot in the center that is used upside down.
it slides underneath the needle base and applies upward force.
and pop they come right off.

as far as the Epoxy in concerned I opted for the 5 minute epoxy you can by just about anywhere for about 4 bucks. no problems as of yet. and re calibrating your speedo is a very good recommendation.

Jorge (Targa Dude)

[Brian993]

Just finished. I need to reinstall speedo, tach and temp guage into car. I am sure the speedo will need to be calibrated. It was a mofo. I dint bend the needle but it did come apart, off the brass connector, I reassembled it and put it all back together. The needle rests against the pin stop but I make take any marks. I guess it will be af a few mph's, or is there something worse? As far as looks good I think they look alot better and I am sure once there installed the dash will be alot brighter, and more appealing.

[Brian993]

I installed the guages back in my car! I think it looks awesome, really wakes up the cockpit. Everything works so far, however, the speedo could be recalibrated. I will get this done soon. If your thinking about it I think its worth while, not to difficult if your patient and follow directions. Only leaves me with one question, where can I find some new dash bulbs? A kit would be better as half the bulbs are gone and I would just assume replace them all!