hicrop10 Posted November 16, 2014 Share Posted November 16, 2014 I have a question for you fellows that have alot more knowledge then I.Can the chrome rings on the gauges of the B models be removed to be rechrome?Thanks Mike Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37751-b87-gauges/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
j hancock Posted November 16, 2014 Share Posted November 16, 2014 Not easily. The original Stewart Warner/Mack gauges are flash chromed and flash chrome can be crimped without making a mess. Gauge rebuilding shops have special tools that make it look easy without damaging the bezel.Flash chrome can't be done on parts with any pits or imperfections. If there is any rust on them, the will need to be chemically stripped then copper, nickle, and then chrome. All the layers usually don't crimp well. So it is a little bit of a gamble. Quote JimIt doesn't cost anything to pay attention. Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37751-b87-gauges/#findComment-266892 Share on other sites More sharing options...
fxfymn Posted November 16, 2014 Share Posted November 16, 2014 Find new gauges if at all possible. The cost of plating anything almost always exceeds the cost of a new item. A friend took some items to his plater in Philly with the question "How many 7-11's do I need to rob to pay for this?" The owner left the room and returned with a map of Philly and said "All of them."There are folks who specialize in gauge restoration if you absolutely have to keep the originals. Look in Hemmings or on-line. Be prepared to trade your first born in payment. Quote Money, sex, and fire; everybody thinks everyone else is getting more than they are! Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37751-b87-gauges/#findComment-266936 Share on other sites More sharing options...
hicrop10 Posted November 16, 2014 Author Share Posted November 16, 2014 I have had my eyes open for new ones,but have had no luck.Think I'm just going to put the old ones back in and if I come across new or better then i have will replace them. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37751-b87-gauges/#findComment-266970 Share on other sites More sharing options...
41chevy Posted November 16, 2014 Share Posted November 16, 2014 I use REDLINE Gauge Works in Santa Clarita, California quite alot and they were reasonable. They redid my gauge cluster for my 1941 Chevy, cleaned, recalibrated, new faces and repainted needles ran $500 for 4 gauges and a speedometer. Also did the cluster for my 1951 Ford Victoria, new chrome bezels with glass, restored the faces, converted ALL the gauges to 12 volt and and changed the speedometer to 140 mph, amp gauge to volts and oil pressure to a 80 psi gauge. About $400 and change. I'm sending the cluster from my 1970 Hurst Chrysler 300 to have it redone and the speedo up graded to CHIP 160 mph specsCall for info 1 661 259 8891 Quote "OPERTUNITY IS MISSED BY MOST PEOPLE BECAUSE IT IS DRESSED IN OVERALLS AND LOOKS LIKE WORK" Thomas Edison “Life’s journey is not to arrive at the grave safely, in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting ‘Holy shit, what a ride!’” P.T.CHESHIRE Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37751-b87-gauges/#findComment-266981 Share on other sites More sharing options...
VALS327 Posted November 17, 2014 Share Posted November 17, 2014 I don't know what the cost to restore the gauges would be compared to replacing them. Watts Mack who sponsers this site sells them. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37751-b87-gauges/#findComment-267026 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phase 1 Posted November 17, 2014 Share Posted November 17, 2014 Clean them up with an SOS pad and water. Then use a rattle can of clear spray paint. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37751-b87-gauges/#findComment-267047 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mowerman Posted November 17, 2014 Share Posted November 17, 2014 I use REDLINE Gauge Works in Santa Clarita, California quite alot and they were reasonable. They redid my gauge cluster for my 1941 Chevy, cleaned, recalibrated, new faces and repainted needles ran $500 for 4 gauges and a speedometer. Also did the cluster for my 1951 Ford Victoria, new chrome bezels with glass, restored the faces, converted ALL the gauges to 12 volt and and changed the speedometer to 140 mph, amp gauge to volts and oil pressure to a 80 psi gauge. About $400 and change. I'm sending the cluster from my 1970 Hurst Chrysler 300 to have it redone and the speedo up graded to CHIP 160 mph specsCall for info 1 661 259 8891 wow that is pretty fair for a perfect job,,on original parts .nice to know my guages are pretty good shape..bob Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37751-b87-gauges/#findComment-267085 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maddog13407 Posted November 18, 2014 Share Posted November 18, 2014 they are mostly Stewart Warner gauges. you can find them all on ebay all the time. just have to find the right one. compare the 1/4 and 1/2 and 3/4 ad your amp meter and air and oil gauges with the ones on ebay. should be able to get most of them unless you want the original bulldog logo speedo and tach Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37751-b87-gauges/#findComment-267147 Share on other sites More sharing options...
hicrop10 Posted November 29, 2014 Author Share Posted November 29, 2014 I have taken to trying to take my original gauges apart.The bezels weren't that bad to undo.I had to do this to cleanup the faces of the gauges.Will post some pics when I'm done. 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37751-b87-gauges/#findComment-268571 Share on other sites More sharing options...
41chevy Posted November 29, 2014 Share Posted November 29, 2014 I have taken to trying to take my original gauges apart.The bezels weren't that bad to undo.I had to do this to cleanup the faces of the gauges.Will post some pics when I'm done. Don't forget to tell us how to do it too.. Paul Quote "OPERTUNITY IS MISSED BY MOST PEOPLE BECAUSE IT IS DRESSED IN OVERALLS AND LOOKS LIKE WORK" Thomas Edison “Life’s journey is not to arrive at the grave safely, in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting ‘Holy shit, what a ride!’” P.T.CHESHIRE Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37751-b87-gauges/#findComment-268572 Share on other sites More sharing options...
hicrop10 Posted November 30, 2014 Author Share Posted November 30, 2014 To uncrip the bezel I used a small screwdriver and just peeled the criped edge back.Will post a pic later. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37751-b87-gauges/#findComment-268721 Share on other sites More sharing options...
hicrop10 Posted November 30, 2014 Author Share Posted November 30, 2014 It's not the best picture but you tell the difference between a before and after.After I cleanup the bezel with asome emery paper I used some silver paint on it.I am thinking about cutting a peice of plexie glass and make new lenses.Let me hear some comments.Good bad or otherwise. 2 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37751-b87-gauges/#findComment-268723 Share on other sites More sharing options...
41chevy Posted November 30, 2014 Share Posted November 30, 2014 It looks like day and night!! If they have a glass lens, you can polish it with NOVUS #2 cleaner / polish. A good hardware store would have it. It's similar to the old Glaswax Quote "OPERTUNITY IS MISSED BY MOST PEOPLE BECAUSE IT IS DRESSED IN OVERALLS AND LOOKS LIKE WORK" Thomas Edison “Life’s journey is not to arrive at the grave safely, in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting ‘Holy shit, what a ride!’” P.T.CHESHIRE Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37751-b87-gauges/#findComment-268733 Share on other sites More sharing options...
hicrop10 Posted November 30, 2014 Author Share Posted November 30, 2014 I will try and see if I can get Novus#2,will let you know how I make out.I'm alittle old school I like to reuse the parts that come off these old girls rather then buy new. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37751-b87-gauges/#findComment-268741 Share on other sites More sharing options...
kscarbel Posted December 1, 2014 Share Posted December 1, 2014 Perhaps new gauges are still available from Stewart-Warner, which would be cheaper than reconditioning.82311 ampmeter82348 oil pressure82350 air82351 engine temperature (positive ground)82353 fuel (positive ground) Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37751-b87-gauges/#findComment-268753 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loadstar Posted December 1, 2014 Share Posted December 1, 2014 It's not the best picture but you tell the difference between a before and after.After I cleanup the bezel with asome emery paper I used some silver paint on it.I am thinking about cutting a peice of plexie glass and make new lenses.Let me hear some comments.Good bad or otherwise.Looks awesome!!! Nice job Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37751-b87-gauges/#findComment-268759 Share on other sites More sharing options...
fxfymn Posted December 2, 2014 Share Posted December 2, 2014 I would try buffing out the glass on a buffing wheel. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Plexi will eventually yellow.A glass shop could probably cut new ones at a minimal cost.Nice job! Quote Money, sex, and fire; everybody thinks everyone else is getting more than they are! Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37751-b87-gauges/#findComment-268884 Share on other sites More sharing options...
eddeere Posted December 2, 2014 Share Posted December 2, 2014 If you can not find Novus #2 you might try automotive rubbing or polishing compound. I have taken scratches off windshields with it. How did you do with the wiring on the truck. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37751-b87-gauges/#findComment-268889 Share on other sites More sharing options...
hicrop10 Posted December 2, 2014 Author Share Posted December 2, 2014 I'm still working on the wiring,been working a lot at work at the job that was suppose to be 2-3 days a week.I just want to get the truck wired up to start it and move it around. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37751-b87-gauges/#findComment-268924 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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