clear plastic gauge cover

Inside the cab...appearance, repair, upgrades

Moderator: FORDification

Post Reply
Banjo
Blue Oval Fan
Blue Oval Fan
Posts: 612
Joined: Mon Oct 09, 2006 7:20 pm
Location: Alabama

clear plastic gauge cover

Post by Banjo »

How hard is it to remove the clear plastic gauge cover in a '68? Mine is cloudy. Tried using some 409 Saturday and scrubbing it some, but it clouded right back up. I see repro for $25, and wonder is all I have to do is remove the 8 (or so) screws above and below that are visible or is there some other trick.
Went through the "remove factory padded, now cracked dashpad" drill Saturday, man that was rough, but it does look better, the metal is nice and shiny. Not too crazy about the long slots left, but....
User avatar
jor
Blue Oval Fan
Blue Oval Fan
Posts: 682
Joined: Fri Jul 23, 2004 9:28 am
Location: Arizona, Tucson

re: clear plastic gauge cover

Post by jor »

Those eight screws will unattach the instrument panel from the dash. You will need to reach behind the dash from below and unscrew the speedometer cable. Then pull the panel out, unplug the wiring harness and put the package on your bench. Then turn it over and remove the screws that attach the trim to the actual instrument panel body. Then you can replace the cloudy lens. Here's a couple of photos.
jor
Image
Image
Banjo
Blue Oval Fan
Blue Oval Fan
Posts: 612
Joined: Mon Oct 09, 2006 7:20 pm
Location: Alabama

re: clear plastic gauge cover

Post by Banjo »

Jor, thanks, sounds like a good time for general dash cleanup, new bulbs, and to get in through the gauge cluster cutout to reseal the leaky washer arm flange (whatever it's called). I noticed when I was in there Saturday (it was pouring rain) and I found where my leaks were coming from that I thought were windshield gasket. The wiper arm housings that bolt to the cowl were both leaking. So, this ought to allow me more visibility/access to the driver side one. Thanks again, Banjo.
User avatar
ezernut9mm
100% FORDified!
100% FORDified!
Posts: 2803
Joined: Sun Nov 26, 2006 5:25 pm
Location: Missouri, Kansas City

re: clear plastic gauge cover

Post by ezernut9mm »

make sure you dis-connect the battery before removal. if you manage to short across anything while removing it, you'll burn up that voltage reducer thingie on the right of jor's last pic and that thing is like 25 bux to replace.
wanting to buy a mercury tailgate!
"the man who is swimming against the stream knows the strength of it".- woodrow wilson

ImageImageImage
User avatar
tazzman68
New Member
New Member
Posts: 154
Joined: Mon Jan 31, 2005 6:30 pm
Location: Washington, Tacoma

Post by tazzman68 »

Just a thought, instead of buying a new lense, do what I did, and take a high speed buffign wheel to it VERY carefully, and just a touch of super fine buffing rouge. Mine came out fantastic! and took about an hour and a half total. Includeing RnR
User avatar
NothingLikeIt
New Member
New Member
Posts: 16
Joined: Sun Jan 29, 2006 6:58 am
Location: California, Palmdale

Post by NothingLikeIt »

I used some rubbing and polishing compounds on mine. Came out great!
Joey

If less is more, is more less??

1988 E-350 Club Wagon 351W/C6 Dana 60 3:95
2005 Dodge Ram 1500 LWB Reg. Cab. 4.7 auto
CA180
New Member
New Member
Posts: 159
Joined: Mon Jan 22, 2007 3:30 pm
Location: Tulsa, Oklahomo

Post by CA180 »

I tried buffing mine with the dremel... didnt work. But you may have better luck.
Jake11
Blue Oval Fanatic
Blue Oval Fanatic
Posts: 826
Joined: Mon Nov 21, 2005 1:31 am

re: clear plastic gauge cover

Post by Jake11 »

Toothpaste and a clean cloth will polish it up pretty good. :)
User avatar
jor
Blue Oval Fan
Blue Oval Fan
Posts: 682
Joined: Fri Jul 23, 2004 9:28 am
Location: Arizona, Tucson

re: clear plastic gauge cover

Post by jor »

make sure you dis-connect the battery before removal.
Having started a fire one time when I was screwing around under there, I second this advice. Always pop off your negative battery cable before monkeying around under your dash.
jor
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
Banjo
Blue Oval Fan
Blue Oval Fan
Posts: 612
Joined: Mon Oct 09, 2006 7:20 pm
Location: Alabama

re: clear plastic gauge cover

Post by Banjo »

I wonder why I can't see pictures on this cite, guess it's because I'm using computer at work and somehow blocked? All I ever see are red x in little boxes.
fitzwell
Blue Oval Fanatic
Blue Oval Fanatic
Posts: 779
Joined: Wed May 10, 2006 2:16 pm
Location: East of a rock, west of a hard place

re: clear plastic gauge cover

Post by fitzwell »

meguiars plastic cleaner & plastic polish (2 different products) if you can get a small buffing wheel, it is quick work, if not you can hand jive it, just takes a little longer, results are worth it
As a metter of fact, i AM trying to keep up with the Jones'
Driving like Parnelli, Drinkin' like George
-------------------------------------------------------
User avatar
67F250CS
Preferred User
Preferred User
Posts: 309
Joined: Mon Mar 28, 2005 3:11 pm
Location: Sanford, NC

re: clear plastic gauge cover

Post by 67F250CS »

Foggy was telling me he just went down to Hobby Lobby and picked up a thin piece of brand new clear plastic sheet and cut a new one with scissors. I saw his truck and it looks new and you cant tell its not OEM.
1967 F250 Camper Special
10MPG with key off, in neutral and going downhill!
User avatar
lazyj70
New Member
New Member
Posts: 140
Joined: Thu Jul 13, 2006 3:44 pm
Location: Arkansas

re: clear plastic gauge cover

Post by lazyj70 »

I've got one in great shape. I'll take $10 for it. If you want it PM me.
2008 F-350 Lariat Crew Cab 4X4 Western Hauler
1970 F-100 Ranger XLT.
Post Reply