Gauge cluster refurbishing

[Fallingdown]

*For more information on gauge refurbishment please see my web site classychassisrestoration.com

If your gauges no longer work, if they bounce wildly or you would just like them tuned up and calibrated, I would love to help you out.

I have been refurbishing vintage gauges from various vehicles for over 15 years. I have refurbished hundreds of gauge clusters, everything from classic Broncos, Mustangs, MOPAR, vintage boats and airplanes.

The cost to refurbish a gauge cluster is $50.00 and includes the following:

1. Disassemble the Alt, Temp, fuel and oil gauges to check for function.
2. Clean all internal electrical connections.
3. Repairing any internal damage the gauge may have.
4. Oil the mechanical portion of the Electro Mechanical gauge.
5. Calibrate the needle.
6. Paint the needle with factory florescent orange ultra violet resistant paint.
7. Disassemble the Head unit.
8. Check the magnetic strength of the speedometer magnet and recharge it if necessary.
9. Remove the odometer drum.
10. Clean and oil the odometer drum.
11. Set the mileage to the desired number.
12. Check and clean the speedometer gears.
13. Apply synthetic grease to all internal gears.
14. Paint the speedometer needle with factory florescent orange ultra violet resistant paint.
15. Reset the odometer to the numbers of your choice.
16. Paint internal bezel the color of your choice.
17. Paint the exterior bezel the color of your choice.
18. Use silicone conditioner on the gasket between external bezel and the glass.
19. Replace broken glass if necessary.

I will make any of the following modification in conjunction with the refurbishment for no additional cost although you will need to pay for the parts. I will order the parts and add the cost to your final bill.

1. Ammeter to Voltmeter conversion.
2. Apply white face decals on all gauges.
3. Install luminescent gauge inserts.
4. LED bulb conversion.
5. Speedometer cable gear change to account for larger size tires. This modification is recommended if you have oversized tires and your speedometer is not accurate.


In my experience, many of the problems people experience with their gauges can be fixed without new parts. I am not quick to say the gauge is broken and just replace it. I spend between two and three hours detailing each cluster.

If all of your gauges work, or as long as I can fix the ones that are broken, the refurbishment will only cost you $50.00. If I am unable to fix a broken part, I will contact you and ask if you would like me to order a new part along with the additional cost.

After refurbishing several hundred gauges I have only come across a small percentage that were beyond repair and most of those had physical damage.
Because I don't know how much work your cluster needs without looking at it I can't give you a firm quote until I have it in my hands.

When your gauge refurb is complete I will contact you with the total cost of the refurb. The turn around time is between one and two weeks.

Please pack your gauge cluster very well and I recommend that you get the shipping insurance and value the cluster at a minimum of $200.00, the insurance costs about $4.00 and shipping is usually between $10 and $15 (you pay both ways). Please send your gauge cluster to:

Kevin Capito
1275 East Fort Union Blvd Ste# 120
Midvale, Utah 84047

When your gauge cluster is finished being refurbished I will contact you with the final amount.

I accept payment by check, money order or PayPal. If using PayPal send money to kevin@classychassisrestoration.com

Also, please send me a detailed email explaining exactly what your gauges are doing or not doing. This helps me to better fix any problems it might have.

If you have any questions please feel free to call or email me.
kevin@classychassisrestoration.com
801-673-2933




Here is a before and after picture of a typical Bronco gauge cluster. When this cluster was sent to me none of the gauges worked. This cluster spent many years exposed to the elements and there was severe rusting both inside and out. Now everything works and it looks great.



http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg139/kevincapito/IMG00404-20100905-0636.jpg

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg139/kevincapito/IMG00411-20100905-1707.jpg

[Karvin]

Very nice.

Question about the change on the odometer... is that legal? FYI I no longer have the stock motor, let alone an AMC motor... Pretty sure here in Oregon that makes it exempt for Odometer readings.

Expect an order from me in the next few weeks, got to take care of more important repairs first.

[Fallingdown]

Very nice.

Question about the change on the odometer... is that legal? FYI I no longer have the stock motor, let alone an AMC motor... Pretty sure here in Oregon that makes it exempt for Odometer readings.

Expect an order from me in the next few weeks, got to take care of more important repairs first.

Thank you!

The laws vary state by state. In most states you have to sign a odometer statement when you sell a vehicle and I believe that vehicles of a cretin age are usually exempt.

[Heavy_Metal_Thunder_81]

Do you have any photos of FSJ clusters?

[jeepjseries]

Looks like some pretty good work there. How much does it usually cost to replace the bulbs with led?

[Fallingdown]

About $35 for the LED kit. Installation is free with a refurb.

[Heavy_Metal_Thunder_81]

Do you have any photos of FSJ clusters?
:huh:

[EBCIII]

X2! Beale.

[Fallingdown]

I'm sorry for my late response. I cant seem to find and before and after pictures of full size jeep clusters but on my web site there is an example of a jeep cluster i did a few months ago.


Here is a gauge cluster out of a 1937 GMC/Chevy I refurbished for Ken M's "rat rod".

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg139/kevincapito/KenM1a.jpg
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg139/kevincapito/kenM1c.jpg
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg139/kevincapito/kenM1b.jpg
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg139/kevincapito/kenM1d.jpg


http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg139/kevincapito/IMG00420-20110122-0804.jpg
http://http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg139/kevincapito/IMG00423-20110122-0805.jpg
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg139/kevincapito/IMG00423-20110122-0805.jpg
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg139/kevincapito/IMG00421-20110122-0804.jpg
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg139/kevincapito/IMG00422-20110122-0804.jpg

[Fallingdown]

Here are bafore and after pics of a set of gauges out of a 1957 chev that i just did for Don W.


http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg139/kevincapito/DonW_1.jpg


http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg139/kevincapito/DonW_2.jpg

[Fallingdown]

Here is the before and after of Paul P's gauge cluster.


http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg139/kevincapito/PaulP_1.jpg

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg139/kevincapito/PaulP_2.jpg

[Fallingdown]

Here is a before and after picture of a gauge cluster for a 1947 International I did for Robert L.
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg139/kevincapito/DSC02376.jpg
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg139/kevincapito/IMG00360-20101230-1311.jpg

[Fallingdown]

Here is Steve B's gauge cluster. Steve wanted the overlays to match the color of his Bronco. I also added a voltmeter, blue high beam lens and chrome inside bezel. This is the second gauge cluster I have refurbished for Steve, he is a really nice guy and great to work with.

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg139/kevincapito/stevebarresi2.jpg
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg139/kevincapito/stevebarresi3.jpg
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg139/kevincapito/IMG00285-20101204-1547.jpg

[Fallingdown]

Ok, here are the before and after pictures of Rick E's gauge cluster. As you can see this cluster had sustained significant water damage over the years. I was able to salvage two of the three auxiliary gauges and the fourth (amp gauge) was replace with a voltmeter. The gauge faces were so corroded that I had to add black overlays to correct the damage. The corrosion had eaten right through the middle of the fuel gauge needle so that was replaced also the green turn signal lens was missing so i added a new one of those.

This gauge was a lot of fun to refurbish. Obviously gauges in this condition present the biggest challenges and also end up being the most gratifying to repair.
Thanks for the challenge Rick!!


http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg139/kevincapito/RickE1.jpg

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg139/kevincapito/RickE3.jpg

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg139/kevincapito/RickE4.jpg

[trailscape]

That is some amazing work. I might have to try this before considering aftermarket gauges.

[Fallingdown]

Here is one out of a 1957 Nomad I did.

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg139/kevincapito/1957chevynomad-1.jpg

[Fallingdown]

Here is one out of a 1947 Ford.

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg139/kevincapito/1947ford.jpg

[Eugene 1]

nice!

[Fallingdown]

One out of a 1964 Ford.

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg139/kevincapito/1964fordgalaxie500.jpg

[Fallingdown]

Here is one out of a 1975 Jeep CJ.

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg139/kevincapito/1975jeepcj-d.jpg

[Fallingdown]

Here is one out of a 1937 ford.

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg139/kevincapito/1937fordcoupe.jpg

[Fallingdown]

Here is one out of an Airflow but im not sure of the year, i'm guessing late 30s.


http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg139/kevincapito/chryslerairflow.jpg

[Fallingdown]

Here is one I did for a "pin up" girl truck I did.


http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg139/kevincapito/johnmorton1.jpg


http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg139/kevincapito/johnmorton2.jpg

[twmattox]

Very impressive... I think I need to consider this as well.

Question on that Airflow gauge set. Outer ring is Speed (MPH), Second ring RPM??? What about the inner ring?? I love the way that thing looks...

[joe]

Going by your pics...nice work!
I PM ya about a non-FSJ speedo/odo.

PS: that airflow speedo is serious BUSY. Glad I don't have to deal with looking at it.

edited: the spell stuff so those here who stress over such don't.

[Mike W]

The clusters you have done look great. I will have to keep you in mind when I get to that stage on my build project.

[Ironwolf]

How much would you estimate for a refurb, led conversion, and to repair the glass? Thanks.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_UnempOzcYFE/TXReiSSFBLI/AAAAAAAAAHU/c_rdhOJp1cg/s288/dash.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_UnempOzcYFE/TXReiSSFBLI/AAAAAAAAAHU/c_rdhOJp1cg/s288/dash.jpg

[ABN82MP]

What's the turn around time on this?

[itselliot]

I sent a message via your website............No reply:(

[Fallingdown]

Here is the gauge cluster out of a 1972 Land Cruiser I did for Rush C.


http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg139/kevincapito/RushC11.jpg
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg139/kevincapito/RushC1972LandCruiser.jpg

[Fallingdown]

Here is Shayne M's Gauge cluster out of his Jeep.

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg139/kevincapito/ShayneM1.jpg
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg139/kevincapito/ShayneM2.jpg

[Fallingdown]

I'm sorry about that! you can always call me at 801-673-2933 or send me an email at kevin@classychassisrestoration.com (kevin@classychassisrestoration.com)

I sent a message via your website............No reply:(

[smacaroni]

I gotta say, you do some really nice work. Is there a reason you reset the ODO's besides a simplicity thing on your part?

[smacaroni]

Very impressive... I think I need to consider this as well.

Question on that Airflow gauge set. Outer ring is Speed (MPH), Second ring RPM??? What about the inner ring?? I love the way that thing looks...Imagine cruising along at 50/24/17 trying to figure out if you're gonna get a ticket or not in a 35 zone.

[rushcc]

I can vouch that Fallingdown's work is first rate. In addition to the FJ40 gauge cluster, he also refurbished the gauge cluster from my wife's '79 Chief. Both look great, the turn around time was excellent, and I think they were well worth the money.

[Kuraki]

Wow. Definitely will be sending you mine when the dash comes out of my Chief.

[Heavy_Metal_Thunder_81]

I can vouch that Fallingdown's work is first rate. In addition to the FJ40 gauge cluster, he also refurbished the gauge cluster from my wife's '79 Chief. Both look great, the turn around time was excellent, and I think they were well worth the money.
Got pics?

[Hutcho]

Got pics?

X2 :D

[Rockwell_B1]

That is some really impressive work. If I ever put stock gauges back in mine I may have to think about doing this. :thumbsup:

[BBB]

I just got my Wagoneer gauge cluster back from Kevin and installed again. It looks great, turnaround time was good and the price was great.

And the best part is for the first time ever I have a working gas gauge in a Wagoneer. I was getting ready to drop the tank and put a new sending unit in, but the gauge refurbishment seems to have cured its ills.

The red/blue gradient color on the heater control still looks lousy, but that's only because I was too cheap to pay to have a new one screened.

I highly recommend Kevin's work.

[twmattox]

I am wanting some pictures of the newer gauge cluster. I want to do this...but would like to see what it will look like too.

[SNO*MAN]

Can you take the square gauges and implement Round white face gauges for a 1989?

[Hutcho]

I have an overlay I got from a member here that is diamond plate. How much would a refurb, LEDs, white face gauges, and slapping the overlay on cost me? Actually I can do the overlay and just have the outer part done black in case I change my mind....:confused:

[83WagLimited17]

I'm thinking about having my cluster done. Is this something that you still do?

[Jjkage84]

I'm thinking about having my cluster done. Is this something that you still do?

X2

[brtisch]

X2

Yes, he does. I just contacted him about a week ago through his website. I'm sending mine out in the mail today. I'll post a couple of pics one it's done. It's the old style, from a '65.

[Hutcho]

ever get any pics?

[brtisch]

Got my cluster back about a week ago. Looks nice and cleaned up. I had sent Kevin the one from my truck and a spare I had picked up a while ago. He said he used the best of both and put them in one housing. Said everything checked out after replacing a couple of minor parts, but I haven't had a chance to install it yet. Here are a couple pics of before and after, but I'll post another once I get it installed. Maybe it'll help paint a better picture for some of the FSJ owners on here...


http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt294/brtisch/beforesmall.jpg
http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt294/brtisch/aftersmall.jpg

[j20owner]

Pictures are dead.

[brtisch]

I changed the picture size, maybe the files were too big. Hope that works. If not, you can click on the link to my photobucket in my signature. Then click on all albums and I believe its the first one...

[Hutcho]

its working now

[Atla]

Yeah, this is pretty awesome work. Except Fallingdown is a car forum troll who drums up business than poofs.

Still, I'll keep it in mind for the future.

[blkwarrior]

Is this still an active option for us?

[brtisch]

I believe it is. I just had mine done last year and turned out well as you can see from the pictures. I haven't taken one of it installed yet, but did get it installed toward the end of the summer. Not only looks great, but the speedo works! First time since I've owned it that I don't have to guess how fast I'm going...:thumbsup:

[blkwarrior]

Sweet I had also sent him an email but no response so far. I would hate to send him my gauges for nothing. I really would like to get mine to look as good as it did from the factory again (eventhough the rest of the jeep looks rough) :D .

[brtisch]

I would just be patient. If I remember right he didn't get back to me right away, but after initial contact things went smooth and turn around time wasn't bad at all. Did you contact him through the website? http://classychassisrestoration.com/ I think i used the message feature built into the site and seemed to work out fine.

[ThaCrabapple]

Any new information on this? I sent him an email about getting this done.