Tachometer cluster repair

[Lolz_cats]

You were technically second in line when I had this set for sale originally...

I have used metal banding commonly used for mounting radios in the 70s to reinforce the end tab that is now broke off. Glue the tab back on as best as you can, then epoxy the metal band bent in a 90* angle on the back side.

I think this is my best opinion to repair the broken tab. After gluing or melting it back together I will epoxy a small piece of plumber's tape on the back. The other crack I should be able to stop drill and repair.

 

[Lolz_cats]

I just bought the same kit and couldn't get the staples to cooperate. It probably doesn't help there are no instructions on the kit.

At $20 if there were instructions they would likely be incomprehensible. A version of Chinglish if you will...

 

[Lolz_cats]

Has anyone had luck using a crappy soldering iron tip to "weld" it back together?

 

[kennyw]

This is part of the atv plastics I repaired.

 

[Blue85]

Has anyone had luck using a crappy soldering iron tip to "weld" it back together?

Yes! But you really need some donor material of the same type. Otherwise, you're mostly removing material, when you need to be adding. Of course it stinks.

 

[campfire]

^^^ What he said.

It stinks, and you always wind up losing some material. But it does work.

 

[campfire]

Also, is this cluster housing different from what non-tach trucks got? If it's the same housing you should be able to find a good one pretty easily.

I have a full cluster in my scrap pile right now. It's in mediocre shape, and it didn't attract much attention when I put it in the classifieds. But I can send you the housing if it would help.

 

[Shawn]

I'm going through this with my gauges now. They all have rust on them like yours. I'm using Evapo-Rust since thats what worked well for others to safely remove rust from their gauges. Should take 12 hours, maybe more depending on rust. Trying the speedo face first as a test piece since I do not need it. I noticed you have to be really careful with the gauge faces and do not wipe the lettering or it comes off. Maybe a pad dry or air dry. I'm going to put the others upside down just enough to cover the gauge face and let them soak. I'll post another picture if this works.

As for the plastic repair, just use a good 2 part plastic epoxy.



Here's another brand rust remover cleaning a tach

 

[Blue85]

If you remove the rust and don't paint, the rust will just come right back. Are you spraying a clearcoat over the whole thing?

 

[Shawn]

Yes I'd like to do a semi gloss clear coat.