Identifying Original Console Gauges

[69Z28]

Those are nova gauges.

Yes...a comment was made about them being black for Nova, however, this auction shows how they are misconstrude as Camaro. I see this quite often.

[ko-lek-tor]

This set is out of my last week of Nov. 68 Nor. Blue SS. Brushed alum. I have never removed the lens cover until now, that is 35 years, and bet it has never been off prior to my purchase. Looks like SgtHawks and Gary may have different faces, possibly changed vendors, since they are late production vs my early car.

[ZLP955]

Mine are brushed face, and have somewhat uneven corners too:

[HawkX66]

Looks like SgtHawks and Gary may have different faces, possibly changed vendors, since they are late production vs my early car.

My guess is just different lighting, cameras and maybe how many UV rays they've been subjected to over the years. I think mine look a lot more like yours in person, but I'd have to check. I can't remember for sure.

[262jp]

Checked my 12B gauge set. All are brushed.

[69Z28-RS]

I took another look at my console gauges today, and they definitely have a brushed finish (when the light hits the face).  I suppose the angle of the photo and lighting when I took the earlier photo made it look 'flat or unbrushed'.  

I need to clean my gauges up and get it all back together for going in the car and I have a couple of questions:
1)  My clear plastic lens over the gauges are 'scratched' and dull;  Any recommendations for polishing or replacing them?
2)  I also need replacement lamps for the gauges;  Recommendations for a source for these lampbulbs would be appreciated. 
     (I have the G-E 1445 lamps that I removed when I disassembled the console; they appear good.  I assume
       these are the original lamps?  true? or ??)  Are they available thru local parts store?

Thanks,
Gary

[1968RSZ28]

My clear plastic lens over the gauges are 'scratched' and dull;  Any recommendations for polishing or replacing them?

Gary, do you own a gold mine?  If yes, ...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1968-Chevy-Camaro-Console-Gauge-Lense-6480882-NOS-Delco-Nova-Ventura-67-69-70-74-/111239423260?pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item19e662e51c&vxp=mtr

Paul

[69Z28-RS]

That's his 'buy me now' price ($230..  OUCH)..   I think I might offer him a little dirt pile instead of a gold mine..  
Well, he rejected my offer of a dirt pile as taken from a gold mine...  
If I can't polish my originals to look better, then CHQ has a reproduction..  Has anyone used these who can 'review' them?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1968-1969-Camaro-Console-Gauge-Lens-CHQ-New-/390761466098?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item5afb32c8f2&vxp=mtr

[z28z11]

I need to clean my gauges up and get it all back together for going in the car and I have a couple of questions:
1)  My clear plastic lens over the gauges are 'scratched' and dull;  Any recommendations for polishing or replacing them?

Gary -

If your lenses are originals, and you are the detailed restorer that I think you are, look at the part number embossed on your lenses - you should see a "-1" and a "-2" on the two lenses. GM actually used two different part numbers, combined to a single number years later before they went discontinued. Polish them and keep them with the package. If they are tool deeply scratched to look decent, then I guess the solution is to replace.

Regards,
Steve

[69Z28-RS]

I need to clean my gauges up and get it all back together for going in the car and I have a couple of questions:
1)  My clear plastic lens over the gauges are 'scratched' and dull;  Any recommendations for polishing or replacing them?

Gary -
If your lenses are originals, and you are the detailed restorer that I think you are, look at the part number embossed on your lenses - you should see a "-1" and a "-2" on the two lenses. GM actually used two different part numbers, combined to a single number years later before they went discontinued. Polish them and keep them with the package. If they are tool deeply scratched to look decent, then I guess the solution is to replace.

Thanks for the info, Steve.. I checked, and yes mine have the -1 and -2 pns.  The only plastic polish I have is like 'water'..  doesn't seem to be doing anything.   Can anyone recommend anything better?
PS.  and I took Darrell's advice to clean up the gauges today; they look much better.. hopefully they will all still work when I hook 'em up.
.. and definitely a brushed finish...

[cook_dw]

I took another look at my console gauges today, and they definitely have a brushed finish (when the light hits the face).  I suppose the angle of the photo and lighting when I took the earlier photo made it look 'flat or unbrushed'. 

I need to clean my gauges up and get it all back together for going in the car and I have a couple of questions:
1)  My clear plastic lens over the gauges are 'scratched' and dull;  Any recommendations for polishing or replacing them?
2)  I also need replacement lamps for the gauges;  Recommendations for a source for these lampbulbs would be appreciated. 
     (I have the G-E 1445 lamps that I removed when I disassembled the console; they appear good.  I assume
       these are the original lamps?  true? or ??)  Are they available thru local parts store?

Thanks,
Gary

I used a polishing wheel in my drill and polishing compound and it did very well on this.

Before:




After and installed into tach housing:

[ZLP955]

Was once told by an old school restorer that using a small blob of toothpaste on the end of your finger works really well in cleaning up old lenses..... I have never put it to the test, and am not sure if this recommendation was for glass or plastic (or both?) lenses. Anyone else heard that?
Will have to look around for some old plastic gauge lens, and give it a try
At the very least, should end up cavity-free and minty fresh

[Azure1969Z/28]

Ed you can see that your temp gauge looks brushed on the face but the rest look silver.  Kinda hard to tell.  Can you look when you have time and see if all are brushed?

I think the finish on Ed's are all brushed. Just more noticeable due to the flash on the temp and oil gauge. Just checked mine they are all brushed and original as far as I can tell. I tried to take a picture but too much flash glare.

[ko-lek-tor]

X2 on the toothpaste. That is what I use. Works on other plastic items, like dash plastic and steering wheel too.Mild enough to use on clear plastic without scratching. I use a soft cloth.

[69Z28-RS]

thanks guys!  I should have thought to try the toothpaste.. 
'Colgate works for cleaning/polishing aluminum parts also'.. 
I will give it a shot on these lenses..