Can you clean gauges?

[mxer147]

So I got some junk yard gauges yesterday which the face plates are a little dirty so I was wondering if I can clean them up without ruining or dulling the painted print? I recall trying this on my chevelle gauges and the paint smeared.

 

[bucket]

Don't use glass cleaner, it will take the print right off. I've always used just a damp towel, but if there is a better way, I'd like to know it.

 

[Big Ray]

I've use wd 40 on silk screened amp faceplates, no issues.
Try it on an old trashed gauge first.
I've used a dampened paper towel (water) on a LMC gsuge, started coming right off.

 

[Zelph]

Same. Always smears and looks blurry.

 

[WP29P4A]

A delicate brush, like an artists brush, and patience?

 

[mxer147]

Maybe a soft makeup blush brush?

 

[idahovette]

Q-tips, one end moistened, the other end dry to wipe excess???

 

[AyWoSch Motors]

Ive tried washing gauges before. Many different ways, all ended up smudging a bit.
Only way i did it, that didnt smudge it, was blast it with water, then blast with air. No rubbing or wiping,its the only way that doesn't smudge.
When wipe around the sides with a damp kleenex, if you want, but not on the letters, just the black parts.

 

[Vetal4]

Ive tried washing gauges before. Many different ways, all ended up smudging a bit.
Only way i did it, that didnt smudge it, was blast it with water, then blast with air. No rubbing or wiping,its the only way that doesn't smudge.
When wipe around the sides with a damp kleenex, if you want, but not on the letters, just the black parts.

I wonder if once it’s dried, spraying some clear coat on would protect it enough to keep it from smudging in the future….just a thought

 

[mxer147]

Can the needles handle a blast of water and air? They seem very fragile and breakable.

 

[AyWoSch Motors]

I wonder if once it’s dried, spraying some clear coat on would protect it enough to keep it from smudging in the future….just a thought

Good thought. Haven't done that, but tastes a good idea. Should seal it in and preserve them. Ill try that...

 

[AyWoSch Motors]

Can the needles handle a blast of water and air? They seem very fragile and breakable.

Yes they can. They're actaully stronger than they look. If you grab then at the base and give a little wiggle, you can pop em off, and repaint them.

 

[AyWoSch Motors]

Yes they can. They're actaully stronger than they look. If you grab then at the base and give a little wiggle, you can pop em off, and repaint them.

The 70s needles are metal, 80s ones are plastic..

 

[Rustisbest]

Mine smeared some when I tried to wipe them with Invisible Glass brand cleaner. Wiping with a dry cloth to get the dust off is your best bet. Testors fluorescent orange and a small paint brush for the needles fixes em up good

 

[85 red GMC]

be careful not to break off the little fragile orange gauge indicator arms. They are extremely delicate Ask me how I know.