Identifying Original Console Gauges

[cook_dw]

Ive got a couple gauges and I want to know for certain that they are original and not repops.  Is there anything that stands out?  Only thing I see is that these have Made in the USA where I see repops that do not say that.  Also the style of rivet looks different.  Also there is a difference between the gauge faces; fuel is bare and the amp looks to be painted or coated silver..??..   Thoughts?

[69Z28]

Hey Darrell, the top two look like my gauges. The faces look like brushed stainless. The amp gauge COULD be a service replacement, maybe??? I don't  think they are reproductions in any case. Those wouldn't have Made in USA on them. I'm sure there will be others posting to confirm. I often wondered if there was more then one supplier myself.

[cook_dw]

Hey Darrell, the top two look like my gauges. The faces look like brushed stainless. The amp gauge COULD be a service replacement, maybe??? I don't  think they are reproductions in any case. Those wouldn't have Made in USA on them. I'm sure there will be others posting to confirm. I often wondered if there was more then one supplier myself.

Good point.  Another thing to note is that the color of the needles are different.  Fuel gauge needle was painted before being peened were as the amp need was painted after.

[ggtsvnv]

 Is it possible that the AMP gauge came from a Nova?  Nova's used the console gauges up till like 77 I believe. I know I had a 76 Nova SS with them but it has been so long I don't remember exactly what they looked like.

[cook_dw]

Nova's as were black face.

[ggtsvnv]

 Ok, good to eliminate an option I know I couldn't remember for sure what they looked like but thought I would try to help.

[69Z28-RS]

I don't know if these photos will help, but my original gauge cluster has been apart for many years (collecting dust, and needing cleaning), and I've got two NOS gauges (bought at a swap meet maybe 25-30 yrs ago).. Photos below.  Does anyone have any suggestions for best means for cleaning dust from the gauges and cluster (without damaging it or changing it)??

[69Z28]

Gary's gauges look smooth and not brushed.

[cook_dw]

Also look at the needles of the service parts but they look to be silver as well.  Interesting..  


Gary (69Z28-RS) is there any ink stampings on either your original gauges or the ones you bought at the swap meet?

As for cleaning I would use q-tips and alcohol.  But not on the printed surfaces.  Just soapy water & q's for that. Just make sure to get all the water out or it can cause damage to the windings on the gauges long term.


Anyone else out there that has ORIGINAL gauges take a pic of the faces?  Doesnt matter at this point if they are still in the car or not.  I want to know if the brushed look or painted/coated look was interchanging..  Meaning more than one supplier.

Ill have to look in the X33 & L78 cars to see how their faces are now..   Hmmmmm

[cook_dw]

Anther question I have is does anyone know the correct color of the gauge needles?  I would like to redo these I have because they both work and would look better refinished.

[HawkX66]

That's interesting how different Gary's NOS gauges are from the originals. Just a quick look and I see originals weren't as crisp and the needles on the OE gauges are pretty different also. Mine are originals as well. I wish they weren't packed away for the move or I'd snap a pic for you also Darrell. I'll take a look on my computer when I get home. I think I have some pics of the console and gauges before I removed it saved.

[69Z28-RS]

Anther question I have is does anyone know the correct color of the gauge needles?  I would like to redo these I have because they both work and would look better refinished.

I don't think you could go wrong with HUGGER ORANGE.. 

[cook_dw]

OMG...  

lol

[bertfam]

Original assembly line gauges are shown in reply number 6 above (see first picture below). Note how the needles are "staked" onto the shaft with a brass cap.

The second and third pictures show the correct needle paint. Krylon "red glowing orange fluorescent" (P/N 3101), which should be available at just about any auto parts or home improvement store (I got mine at O'Reilly several months ago).

And the bottom picture is how the gauges look after new paint.

Ed

[cook_dw]

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?