Instrument cluster refresh
It's fun to detail clusters - mainly due to a lot cheaper than doing the outside bezel and lenses. I will mention a couple things. There seem to be plenty of LED replacements available and I have used a few on exterior lights - to mixed revues. My latest purchase was a pack of 10 (168/194) replacements, but I have yet to remove them from pouch. I can see that they indeed fit the same as OEM but no idea how bright. Most of the revues on Amazon indicated a better, brighter light. The brand is <www.sealight-led.com>. Pretty sure the brighter of the two popular oem's was the 168, but this can be checked in fsm. One more tip is what to use on the cluster/gauge needles. My choice has been the Krylon orange - as purchased from Michaels - but likely many more sources. It's much less than $10. for a one ounce bottle but has enough in it to last indefinitely. I've had mine almost 10 years and not noticeably thicker but of course can be thinned. The results are gorgeous. Another source could be those smaller model car paint jars by Testor - if they have a suitable color.
Of course whatever coating you choose, remember to protect the particular gauge face from any drips! Trimmed white paper works well. I use a small, fine artist's brush and take my time. Good luck with rest of your cluster resto.
It's fun to detail clusters - mainly due to a lot cheaper than doing the outside bezel and lenses. I will mention a couple things. There seem to be plenty of LED replacements available and I have used a few on exterior lights - to mixed revues. My latest purchase was a pack of 10 (168/194) replacements, but I have yet to remove them from pouch. I can see that they indeed fit the same as OEM but no idea how bright. Most of the revues on Amazon indicated a better, brighter light. The brand is <www.sealight-led.com>. Pretty sure the brighter of the two popular oem's was the 168, but this can be checked in fsm. One more tip is what to use on the cluster/gauge needles. My choice has been the Krylon orange - as purchased from Michaels - but likely many more sources. It's much less than $10. for a one ounce bottle but has enough in it to last indefinitely. I've had mine almost 10 years and not noticeably thicker but of course can be thinned. The results are gorgeous. Another source could be those smaller model car paint jars by Testor - if they have a suitable color.
Of course whatever coating you choose, remember to protect the particular gauge face from any drips! Trimmed white paper works well. I use a small, fine artist's brush and take my time. Good luck with rest of your cluster resto.
