Instrument Cleaning Suggestions

[s2dwagon]

All of the gauges in my 55 Conestoga are in good working order, however, I would like to take the instrument clusters apart for a good cleaning. I would like to know if there are any do's and don'ts regarding this process. Is there a preferred cleaning solution that does a good job but leaves the 50+ year old paint intact? Any and all help is appreciated.

Thanks,

Scott

[showbizkid]

I can't give you any specifics as to these particular instrument clusters, but I can tell you that it's a delicate process and you DO NOT want to use any type of harsh cleaners - that old paint, baked by the sun, will bubble and lift right off.

I have had luck in the past with a 50/50 mix of denatured alcohol and distilled water, applied and dried with a Q-tip. Use as little pressure as is possible. If you see ANY color on the swab at any time, STOP.

Often you'll find that the gauge faces themselves are still vibrant and require not a lot more than a dusting; it's the interior surface of the glass that gets dirtied up. Clean that up and you'll be amazed how they sparkle~!


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Clark in San Diego
'63 F2/Lark Standard

http://studeblogger.blogspot.com

https://www.studebakersandiego.com

[Jeff_H]

My advice FWIW:

1. Wear rubber gloves so you don't get fingerprints on anything after cleaning and while reassembling.
2. Don't use paper towels. Find a lint-free soft cloth. I like to use white cotton dish towels that have been washed several times.
3. Don't use any windex or similar on the painted surfaces. Very mild soap water with no foam and don't wipe hard. The Q tip idea is good.
4. Have a compressed air supply at [u]low</u> pressure handy to blow off any dust or fuzz as you assemble things. It really annoys to carefully put it all together and then spot a big dust speck sitting on the back side of the glass right over the speedo staring at you
5. Don't know about the '55 but watch out for white lettering paint that is filling in the cast-in numbers & tic marks on a clear plastic sheet that sits over the gauges. The plastic can scratch easily and the paint may lift or fall off with barely any effort.
6. Have the exploded view from the parts book handy when putting it back together. I spent weeks on and off tinkering with it and the drawings were good to look at getting it all together again.

Good luck!

Jeff in ND

'53 Champion Hardtop

[s2dwagon]

Thank each of you for your great suggestions. I will put them to use on an extra set of gauges I have to see if there are any adverse affects. I am worried about the glass in the gauges also and how to clean it. On the 55, the gauges themselves only have hash marks. Like on the fuel gauge, for instance, the hash marks only indicate empty/full. Any lettering that would show E or F, is painted on the glass that is located infront of the gauge, same with all the other gauges and speedometer. I want to clean this glass and I am concerned that I might clean the lettering right off the glass. Anyone have good success cleaning the glass, but leaving the painted surface alone?

Thanks again,

Scott