white face bezel install-HELP RSVP

[skyguy]

I have an opportunity to purchase a set of white face bezels for my 91 NSX. these are the discontinued ones from S.O.S. I have heard that if your not careful with something about the resistance you can ruin your stock gauges.

Is there any "Gotchas" associated with this install?

*I have done a search on Prime to no avail.

Thanks in advance so much for any replies

 

[LJSB]

There most certainly are.
Do not try to remove the needles or do the install yourself. You will ruin/break your gauges if you try to remove the needles, guaranteed!
These can only be installed by a expert speedometer repair shop and even then it is a very risky deal. I never did find a shop that could get them ALL to work and replace what they broke.
The SOS gauge faces are absolutely awesome looking when installed, especially at night but getting the gauges to work after is another deal.
I would not suggest trying unless you don't mind buying a new (used) gauge cluster when it doesn't work.
Ther are many overlays out there and they work until the adhesive lets loose and the faces rub on the needles screwing up the gauge function but they don't come close to a properly installed SOS set.
If it turns out you get the SOS installed and they work, let me know how and where you got it done.
I made really cool Christmas tree ornaments out of mine.

 

[drew]

I would recommend cutting a straight line across the center hole of each face, this would allow you to tweak it so that it has a larger effective hole. That way you can slide the face over the needle without removing it.

If the cut is clean, it will be difficult to notice...but a broken or misaligned needle will be even more noticible.

You are just setting yourself up for heartache if you remove the needles.

Taking the cluster out is also a pain, wrap and tape everything well. It is easy to scratch and mar the dash and steering wheel area. Go slow, take your time.

Drew


Anybody know why automakers insist upon black facings? Why not white as it should be?? I believe the Maxima from way back when had white facings...looked good.

 

[LJSB]

Be advised that the SOS gauge faces are meant to be a replacement not a overlay. They are meant to be installed AFTER the old faces are removed.
The illumination is meant to go through the markings on the face and not just have light cast down on them. This is what makes them look so great when installed correctly. The problem is finding someone who can do the install and have the gauges still function.

 

[drew]

the SOS gauge faces are meant to be a replacement not a overlay

Aggh! How reasonable would it be to cut out the old facings and apply the new ones without pulling the needles?

If not,

I would at least run it by this guy: http://www.tachman.com/

I have used him for custom gauge work on my vintage Mustangs and restromods, excellent results. I would also give him the test values so he can make sure the needles are within range after he is done with the swap.

Skyguy I would estimate it will cost you several hundred dollars by time you have everything all installed and recalibrated. Probably a grand if you get another cluster while your original is being worked on and it would be handy to test/swap as needed.

I would not go cheap on this at all. It must be done correctly and all the gauges must be calibrated, checked and rechecked.

It will be unlikely you can do this on your own unless you have quite a set of miniature tools, vices, jigs and some fairly elaborate electronic test equipment.

Lots of luck to you,

Drew

 

[skyguy]

Thanks everybody for the great responses. Drew, I'll call the tachman tommorrow. Again, thanks for all the help.

Skyguy

 

[Cairo94507]

Please keep us all informed - this is an interesting project and a look my wife likes too.