1969 C3 Speedometer / Tachometer / Gauge Cluster Outer Housing Finish

[Robert N.]

I am restoring my 1969 big block coupe gauges. I have searched the forums and found info on the aqua finish on the inside of the housings, and have found a reasonable substitute. What I haven't found is how the exterior of the speedo, tach, and gauge cluster housings are finished. I have bead blasted to remove rust and want to protect the bare metal, couldn't tell what was there before.

What have others done?

Thanks, Robert

[Patrick H.]

Re: 1969 C3 Speedometer / Tachometer / Gauge Cluster Outer Housing Finish

I am restoring my 1969 big block coupe gauges. I have searched the forums and found info on the aqua finish on the inside of the housings, and have found a reasonable substitute. What I haven't found is how the exterior of the speedo, tach, and gauge cluster housings are finished. I have bead blasted to remove rust and want to protect the bare metal, couldn't tell what was there before.

What have others done?

Thanks, Robert

Robert,

Which color are you looking for?
If you are trying to ask which black to use, SEM Trim Black is undistinguishable from original and easy to obtain.
Some people like the industrial version of Krylon semi-flat but that's harder to find.

If you mean the bare metal, then for 43 years yours was... bare metal.
Wipe it with protectant oil or else spray it with satin clear. Note, however, that some of it has to conduct electricity so you can't paint it all, especially where bulbs push into it.

Patrick

[Robert N.]

Re: 1969 C3 Speedometer / Tachometer / Gauge Cluster Outer Housing Finish

Thanks Patrick,

If it was bare metal originally, I'll go with satin clear to protect the back of the housings. Good tip on the conductivity, I would be scratching my head on why the bulbs weren't working ...

I am assuming that the Trim Black can be used for the bezels behind the clear plastic speedo/tach covers (and in front of the gauge faces) ?

Robert

[Alan S.]

Re: 1969 C3 Speedometer / Tachometer / Gauge Cluster Outer Housing Finish

Hi Robert,
Many folks have had good results with the SEM products as Patrick notes.
I still like the Krylon #1613 because it's quite thin, but gives good coverage. This enables you to replicate the very thin looking finish on the original parts.
I don't think you can go wrong with either.
Regards,
Alan