34 and 38 guages

[bobs1938ford]

Is there a way to clean these gauges up? Mine are pretty dirty and grungy looking.
Thanks
Bob

 

[Drbrown]

For the gauge faces, I recommend distilled water (available at most local grocery stores) with minimal amount of mild unscented liquid hand soap. Apply gently with a plain cotton cloth, pad or q-tip; avoid rubbing if possible. Do not use solvent based products (oil, alcohol, lacquer, acetone etc) or products containing abrasives. Rinse by dabbing with clean damp cotton cloth. Air dry without heat.

General: I sometimes talk to people at my local historical society or museum about cleaning and preservation methods.

 

[deuce lover]

If they are nicotine stained its virtually impossible to clean.

 

[bobs1938ford]

Thanks, I have some old ones that I will practice on

 

[TerryOH]

I have used a Q-Tip with some Windex on the odometer and trip wheels but find it nearly impossible to get to all the number faces without a lot of disassembly. I do not believe the stain appearing face on the 34 gauge is smoke or nicotine related. I believe they were made with this color tint, especially 34. I also believe the hydrostatic fuel gauge was pre loaded with the red color liquid and if not stored properly the liquid will get on the face and destroy any markings as well as causing rust inside the metal housing. There is a Ford service bulletin calling for proper storage on the dealers shelf.