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I'm cheap, and instead of replacing the old VDO gauges in my 78 IM, I would like to repaint the retaining rings, but I can't figure out how to remove them. Do they twist off, or is there a tab that holds them, and the glass/plastic lens, on? I can get the gauges out of the dash, as they are just a push-fit.

Thanks for any help.

RJC
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Thanks, Ben. That's what I finally deduced after a few attempts to remove them.

If I can't get them off (and more importantly, get them back on), I may consider a replacement set of gauges. I'm not that keen on the black faces, anyway.

Anyone know what alternative gauges fit these cars? And look fairly original? My VDOs are made in Germany - black face, white letters, red needles.

RJC

(Message Edited 6/22/2003 9:59:36 PM)
Robert, it will depend on the size. You can buy the Brazilian repro gauges (gas gauge isn't calibrated correctly for a VW tank sender), or if your gausges are smaller in diameter you can have Palo Alto Speedometer or North hollywookd Speedometer make you a set or refinish what you already have.

The Brazilian gauges would probably be the least expensive alternative; my custom Palo Alto Speedometer gauges ran over $1,000 and are the original Porsche size which are slightly smallerin diameter than the Brazilian repro gauges.
You might have 914 Porsche gauges, my 78 IM does. They are slightly larger. You can send your gauges to North Hollywood Speedometer and they can put correct looking 356 era "faces" in your gauges to look good as new, and you can have them also service your gauges while they have them.
Robert, yes, all three gauges (speedo, tach, and combo) are the same size. What I was trying to say is that size of DIFFERENT types of gauges may vary (smaller/larger). If smaller you would obviously have problems with targer holes in the dash.

The gauges for my new IM are the smaller ones (smaller than the Brazilian repops) and Henry had to make a note on my car's build sheet to "see him before cutting" my dash so that whoever cut the dash holes did't make them too large.
If you're not concerned about your odometer mileage being exact, then you could pick up a set of early porsche 912 guages. Same sizes and have the same look as the 356 ones (chrome bezels, green numerals etc.) I think you could get them ALOT cheaper than re-doing your current guages. And yes, they are 12 volt.


Here's the link for repairing the gauges. I removed my bezels, and it was not as easy as the article implies, but it is possible if you take your time. Pelican parts was very nice to supply this link, and they have some other interesting tech. articles on their website.

I decided not to have the gauge faces replaced - it was a little pricey. I just ended up cleaning up the bezels, removing the black paint. They look good enough now.

Cheers

www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/Mult_gauge_repair/mult_gauge_repair.htm
(Message Edited 6/30/2003 9:46:53 PM)
Easy way to paint the gauge retaining rings and works well

Loosen the gauge retainer brackets on the back of the gauges you don't have to remove them...pull them forward an 1/16th to 1/8 th of an inch just enough to be able to get some "blue masking tape" in behind them do all of the gauges this way
Tape the area and class faces making sure that you don't extent the tape onto the gauge trim rings....you don't have to cover 100% of the glass as a straight edge razor blade will clean the glass up.
Drap a piece of plastic drop cloth over areas that might get overspray onto .
Light mist coats laquer spary paint , are better than one heavy coat....leave it set for 2-3 hours and remove the plastic and tape and as mentioned run a straight razor over the gauge glass to clean up any paint ...
I have done ths a few times and only takes 1 to 1 1/2 hours

Alan M
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