crud covered ammeter - how to properly clean?

[thebanjoman]

The ammeter in this '29 I'm working is filled with a brownish colored crud inside and out.

It was working when the car was parked 42 years ago so I'm sure it still does.

What would be the proper way to remove it and clean it and what should I avoid?

I probably should post pictures.

 

[Paul from Maine]

Mine was just pressed together. It came apart real easily.

 

[Mike V. Florida]

Anyone have pics of the differences between repro and original amp meters?

 

[Tom Wesenberg]

My first thought was the dried crud is dried gas from a leaking fuel guage, but more likely it's rust. Either way, I'd try WD-40 and let it soak for hours, then wipe with a soft cotton rag or old T-shirt.

 

[thebanjoman]

My first thought was the dried crun is dried gas from a leaking fuel guage, but more likely it's rust. Either way, I'd try WD-40 and let it soak for hours, then wipe with a soft cotton rag or old T-shirt.

Thanks,

I'll start with that.

 

[RonC]

Disconnect your ground cable from your battery. Remove the dash panel so you have access to the back. Remove the two wires from the back of the ammeter. Gently push the ammeter out through the front of the dash panel. It's a press fit. After the ammeter is out, you can gently pry the nickel plated bezel off the brass case. Work slowly around the bezel perimeter. Be careful because the bezels easily split. Once apart you can clean the glass and bezel. If you’re mechanically inclined you can break the gauge down further by removing the guts. If not just gently blow out the dust and clean with alcohol and a Q-tip. Just be careful of the delicate needle. Reassemble the gauge and make sure the back lock nuts are snug before reattaching it to the dash panel. WD-40 will probable make a mess and the black painted cardboard inside the gauge may not like it.

 

[Tom Wesenberg]

"black painted cardboard inside the gauge may not like it. "

All my original guages have a metal face plate. I've never bothered much wth repro amp guages.

 

[Terry Longest]

There was a good artile about restoration of the guage in one of the national club's magazine. Someone else may know the issue.

 

[Tom Wesenberg]

Anyone have pics of the differences between repro and original amp meters?

The first two pictures are an original, and the last two pictures are a repro. Some repro guages also have a brass case. Unfortunately I didn't picture the original face and trim ring, but it has a crisper bend and edge than the repro bezel. Much like comparing an original 28-9 radiator shell to a repro.

Good luck finding an original bezel that doesn't have some cracks, even if they don't show.