1936 dash instrument restoration

B

Bruce/CT

Well-known member
Hi,

I've gotten my instruments apart and cleaned with new glass BUT I'm having an awful time putting them back together. All goes well, at least I think, until it's time to bend over the little tabs on the back to hold the whole unit together. Haven't broken any but the unit continues to come apart.
Does anyone have a trick to get these things back to one piece? Please share the technique with me.
I'd be forever grateful, Bruce/CT
 
Before anyone suggests that I shouldn't take them apart...... I've already thought of that BUT it's too late.
Bruce/CT
 
I have replaced such tabs with new metal soldered in place of the originals. I used lighter "tin" but these tabs don't have to be awfully strong. The lighter material bends without breaking a bit easier than the original heavier metal.
 
Not sure about how the '36 small gauges mount but for my '38 I used a little dab of hot melt glue just to hold the bezel on until the gauge gets bolted in. Pretty easy to pop the glue off later.
 
Put a little dab of E-6000 glue on the tabs. It's clear and you won't see it on the backside of the gauge. I use a toothpick to apply it in areas where you only need a small amount. You can buy it at most automotive and hardware stores.
 
Hi,
Thanks for the replies.
My first thing is that I am having a problem getting the whole unit sandwiched together, front to back.
Do I need to make a wooden jig and use a hydraulic press gently to squeeze the unit together? Then I will either solder tabs or probably glue them together.
I'll report how this project goes.
Thanks, Bruce/CT
 
It should go together without applying pressure. Perhaps the plating on the bezel is now too thick on the inside perimeter for the face plate, etc. to fit without having to apply pressure.
 
Try getting the bezel started in one place and then working it all the way around the perimeter. Do not get crazy and force anything or you will probably end up sorry.
 
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