Dashboard gauges - a few questions

[bh1701]

I have a few questions about doing dashboard gauges and other dashboard details. I have a number of the gauges that BestModelCarParts makes for a number of kits in my stash of unbuilt kits. 

Wondering how you would install these gauges - specifically on a 67 Corvette dash that I have just ordered the gauges for.

1) Would you just cut the gauges out and glue them over the existing gauges?

If so,

- what glue would you use?

- how would you cut the circular gauges out?

2) Or, would you use drills and files to remove the gauges and other details from the dash and secure the gauges from behind? (which would eliminate the concern with cutting out a round gauge from the sheet)

Would appreciate your thoughts and any other advice you might have for me.

Thanks,

Bart

 

[GeeBee]

I cut them out using a pair of Tamiya decal scissors then attach them using clear acrylic craft glue, I don't remove the moulded in details. 

 

[StevenGuthmiller]

7 hours ago, GeeBee said:

I cut them out using a pair of Tamiya decal scissors then attach them using clear acrylic craft glue, I don't remove the moulded in details.

Agreed.

Just glue them directly over the molded in gauges with whatever glue you prefer.

A dab of Elmer's, clear parts cement or epoxy will do the trick.

You can then add a drop of a clear epoxy or clear paint to replicate the lens if desired.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Steve

Edited November 11, 2020 by StevenGuthmiller

[1972coronet]

I use Mod Podge (get the 'gloss' finish) for those non-waterslide decals . 

I messed-up with the speedometer 'decal' on my AMT 1953 F-100 ( haha ) , as my intention was to remove the kit's speedometer , and mount the Best one from-behind ; then I was going to fill the front with Mod Podge . Well , my clumsy "BLAH-BLAH" affixed the gauge over the kit's piece ! It looks like "BLAH" now .

Now that I have two sets for the MPC 1972-1976 Duster & Dart Sport , I'm going to do it right ! Since the Duster's (et al.) cluster is inset on the 1:1 , I'm going to do the same on my kits .

[Rodent]

Harbor Freight has a set of round leather punches that I find useful for round gauges. I am not adept with scissors and round shapes. 

[StevenGuthmiller]

A little tip for the round gauges.

You can just cut them out with a scissors, and if they're not perfect, don't fret.

 

There will likely be a little white background paper visible around the edges so just touch up the white with some flat black paint.

Then paint the original gauge face black just in case your decals are not cut perfectly.

By the time you get them in place and get some clear or epoxy over the top for lenses, you will never be able to tell that they're not perfect.

 

 

 

 

Steve

[vamach1]

On 11/10/2020 at 10:23 PM, Rodent said:

Harbor Freight has a set of round leather punches that I find useful for round gauges. I am not adept with scissors and round shapes. 

Gramps46 suggests using a nail clipper to get a smooth cut if you are not greasy with small scissors.  It may take several cuts but it makes sense as at least the cutting will be uniform.  I’m not sure how you would hold the very last piece as the gauge decals can get pretty small and end up in the carpet monster if you’re not careful.

[Rodent]

28 minutes ago, vamach1 said:

Gramps46 suggests using a nail clipper to get a smooth cut if you are not greasy with small scissors.  It may take several cuts but it makes sense as at least the cutting will be uniform.  I’m not sure how you would hold the very last piece as the gauge decals can get pretty small and end up in the carpet monster if you’re not careful.

That's a good idea, and I have four different sizes of nail clippers. I have several hemostats on my bench. I find them useful for holding small parts, and you never know when you are going to sever an artery with the X-Acto knife......

[cobraman]

With round ones I have sometimes drilled out the gauge with my drill press and mounted the paper from behind and then coat with Krystal Klear. Not sure it's really worth the effort but it looks pretty good as long as you center the drill bit. ?