Dirt

[KJongenburger]

I've got the instruments out. Does anybody have experience with the cleaning of the face of the dials. Soap, clean water, Ultrasound? How do you guys do this.

[41 Frank]

Do an advanced search using the words "instrument cleaning" and you will find all kinds of info. I have found that touching the letters with most any cleaning or even a mild soap solution usually removes or dulls the numbers. I am about to do what you are contemplating with my 52 cluster.

[Skip Lackie]

I would try wiping one small area very gently with a damp Kleenex first to determine how tough the paint on the numbers is. They may wipe right off.

[KJongenburger]

Skip,

that is exactly what I am weary of. To make matters worse than they are.

Kees

[41 Frank]

I know this does not help you much since you are in Holland, but there are companies over here that have pre- made laser cut replacement faces for the dial of your speedometer. They no doubt would not have the glowing in the dark feature though.

[mbstude]

Too bad your Commander isn't a '51 or '52, I'd sell you a NOS speedometer.

[8E45E]

I would not wipe the numerals at all. I would take a Q-tip with some water and trisodium phospate, and holding the speedometer facing down, gently touch the numerals with the cotton swab of the Q-tip. It its fine dust, and not stained at all, the cotton swab should absorb the dust with the help of gravity and hopefully get most of it without harming the white phosphor paint in any way. Another area to clean are the purple filters in the light sockets that will also have years of dust in them as well.

Craig

[KJongenburger]

Matthew,

That's a pity. It's not only the Speed indicator but also the multi instrument left of it and the blank plate to the right. They are equally dirty and I would love to bring them in perfect shape.

Kees

[41 Frank]

The alternative would be to replace the amp-oil-fuel and temp gauges with NOS replacements, they are available from SI and others and sell for between $35.00 and $50.00 a piece Kees.

[jlmccuan]

Take a good digital picture with a ruler in the shot of the face when it is removed from the glass. In a worst case situation, I can get you a care package out to reface it yourself.

[gordr]

I suspect that what you see there is not so much dirt as it is oxidation of the paint itself. The resin binder is breaking down. The clue to this is the mottled pattern of brown spots. Dust would be more uniform. I doubt you could remove the oxidation, as it likely penetrates deep into the painted numerals.