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It looks awesome, is the installation hard to do?
Doc
Doc
FJ40 Gauge Restoration Pkg
- Thread starter gauge marks
- Start date
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- Thread starter
- #22
Thanks. We're shooting for this afternoon on the first production ready set. I'll be getting the faces blasted and painted this afternoon. Hope to have pics of a restored set tomorrow.
hindsight said:
The hard work is already taken care of in our shop. We have all of the markings cut and aligned correctly, then cover them with a transfer sheet that makes application very simple. We have a video on the gaugemarks.com website that shows the application proccess For Camaro and Trans Am. The application for the FJ40 gauges will be the same. You can watch the 8 minute vid for some great refinishing info; or just advance the vid to 4:08 for application instructions.
Thanks again!
Daniel
Wow, impressive.
Cant wait to see the final product...
If she looks good, and under a $100 bucks, count me in!!
Cant wait to see the final product...
If she looks good, and under a $100 bucks, count me in!!
thecrazygreek
A.K.A. TheCraftyGreek
Quick question on finishing the bezels. I noticed in the video, some had rust pitting, and then when you applied the transfer I saw no pitting. Are the pits filled in with the primer being used? And if so, what specific primer do you recommend as a good filler. As I can imagine allot of guys that are going to be doing this will be doing it on rusted and pitted bezels. I would like to use the "tried and true" method to ensure quality.
Also, I noticed on the Trans Am .Camero example they had alignment marks that helped in the application, do these have similar alignment points?
Thanks for your efforts.
Also, I noticed on the Trans Am .Camero example they had alignment marks that helped in the application, do these have similar alignment points?
Thanks for your efforts.
Subscribed! I would be interested in a set as well.
DanS HJ-45
SILVER Star
Very cool Daniel!
I'm paying some good close attention. I'd like to second the suggestion to reface a volt meter instead of the original ammeter.
The original ammeters were for 30A, with the late models getting 50A options, but many modern conversions are a LOT more than that. So I'm guessing that there's quite a few of us who would like to put a voltmeter into the original cluster so that it matches the other gauges.
Shoot, I've considered going all aftermarket simply to avoid the mismatch, but otherwise love the original gauge cluster.
Keep us posted!
Dan
I'm paying some good close attention. I'd like to second the suggestion to reface a volt meter instead of the original ammeter.
The original ammeters were for 30A, with the late models getting 50A options, but many modern conversions are a LOT more than that. So I'm guessing that there's quite a few of us who would like to put a voltmeter into the original cluster so that it matches the other gauges.
Shoot, I've considered going all aftermarket simply to avoid the mismatch, but otherwise love the original gauge cluster.
Keep us posted!
Dan
- Thread starter
- #27
We made the first "production ready" cuts today. We will have sample pics ready to post tomorrow afternoon. Thanks!
Quick question on finishing the bezels. I noticed in the video, some had rust pitting, and then when you applied the transfer I saw no pitting. Are the pits filled in with the primer being used? And if so, what specific primer do you recommend as a good filler. As I can imagine allot of guys that are going to be doing this will be doing it on rusted and pitted bezels. I would like to use the "tried and true" method to ensure quality.
Also, I noticed on the Trans Am .Camaro example they had alignment marks that helped in the application, do these have similar alignment points?
Thanks for your efforts.
The Camaro speedo face in the video had some minor rusting that only left a few tiny pits after bead blasting. Once the paint and markings were applied the tiny pits were barely noticeable. We have enough Camaro and Trans Am gauge sets for parts to be able to replace a gauge face if needed. We haven't done any "filling" to speak of. If a face has rusted previously (but is still usable) we will bead blast the face then treat it with POR15 Metal Ready.
The markings for the FJ40 will also have alignment dots for the small gauges and the wording "SPEED mph". The bottom of the speedometer surround will line up with the bottom of the opening. It's very easy to install. The wording for the small gauges are easy enough to lineup with no alignment points. Hope this helps!
Thanks Dan. If the initial response to this package is favorable, the 50 amp markings, the Km/h markings, and the VOLTS markings will most likely be scheduled for artwork very soon. We aren't at all new to the gauge restoration business, but we are new to the FJ40 market. We're taking it slow and easy with the launch of this first package so that we don't get confused and start making mistakes.
We actually received the gauges we used for artwork from TrollHole back in the early spring. It's taken this long to get the artwork to the point where we could say we now think it's presentable. Although it looks like it has been a very fast move to the members here, the design has been ongoing for a few months now.
The markings for these gauges will be produced from the same materials that we have been using for years for Camaro and Trans Am. We are very excited to be able to offer this new package to FJ40 owners. A member here (Shes mad) contacted me about the FJ40 after we restored a set of gauges for his Camaro. I have to admit that we are very pleased to know that he is confident enough with the work that we've done for him that he would invite us into this group.
Thanks for the great reception and feedback. We will move to the sellers section once these are set to sale. Hopefully that will be tomorrow!
Thanks again!
Daniel
I'll jump on the "volt" rather than "amp" bandwagon too.
I think you should offer both, as restorers (and purists) will want "amp," but anyone that's considering replacing/upgrading (like many on this thread) will likely want a volt gauge.
Hopefully offering both or a option wouldn't add too much to your production costs.
I think you should offer both, as restorers (and purists) will want "amp," but anyone that's considering replacing/upgrading (like many on this thread) will likely want a volt gauge.
Hopefully offering both or a option wouldn't add too much to your production costs.
Not to rain on the parade, but really $100 for a vinyl decal of the gauge markings? The application process is the same as any decal that uses transfer tape.
I drew up the art and has the same exact decals cut and have a full set and speedo set only sitting on my desk right now. If I had a run done it sure would not cost $100, try $25 shipped max. I hadn't sorted out alignment yet, but the speedo is easy with the stamping on the face.
My version (minus transfer tape)
I drew up the art and has the same exact decals cut and have a full set and speedo set only sitting on my desk right now. If I had a run done it sure would not cost $100, try $25 shipped max. I hadn't sorted out alignment yet, but the speedo is easy with the stamping on the face.
My version (minus transfer tape)
- Thread starter
- #30
Thanks for the input. We certainly have no intentions of going into competition or bashing with other members here. Our goal is to reproduce excellent quality markings that will match the originals in every detail. We offer those markings, restoration service, and customer support to our customers.
We now have the SPEED mph drawn and cut. The lettering for the small gauges has now been resized and cut. We show special attention to thickness of lettering, spacing, height, openings in letters and digits (such as "P" or "4"), and including the tiny details (ie: the "+" and "-" on the amps gauge). Like anything else in the world, there will always be someone that can produce a similar product for a lower price. We don't claim to be the cheapest, but we strive to be the best.
Thanks again!
Daniel
- Thread starter
- #31
Got a few pics today of the gauge faces that we restored. I will post more information later tonight or tomorrow about how to purchase the restoration package (for those that are interested). I'll put a link in this thread to the post in merchandise store front.
Thanks again!
Daniel
Thanks again!
Daniel
Nice job Daniel. Great looking gauges!
Looks like you even tested the speedo for a few tenths. I also noted that you ground the rivet off of the gauges to remove the faces, then screwed them back on. Or maybe you just drilled the screw holes in the rivets, and the faces just about fall off.
What size drill bit--what size screw. That will help the guys when they do their own.
As far as the price, well I spent $90 for a bill dory PS bracket that had $5 worth of steel in it. Could have made it myself, but I leave that to the experts. Then I know it is right
Looks like you even tested the speedo for a few tenths. I also noted that you ground the rivet off of the gauges to remove the faces, then screwed them back on. Or maybe you just drilled the screw holes in the rivets, and the faces just about fall off.
What size drill bit--what size screw. That will help the guys when they do their own.
As far as the price, well I spent $90 for a bill dory PS bracket that had $5 worth of steel in it. Could have made it myself, but I leave that to the experts. Then I know it is right
- Thread starter
- #33
Thanks Roger. I appreciate the props!
Yes I did run the speedo for a few tenths. The speedo is built nearly identical to a GM speedo. It also has the same calibration and rotation. You guys may already know that, but I was surprised. That could be useful information for someone that needs a replacement.
Yes, I cut off the rivets, then used a 3/32" drill bit to enlage the holes slightly. A #4 x 1/4" sheetmetal screw is a nice tight fit. Drilling through the rivet would probably be just fine, but this was the only set I had to work with and no spare parts. I learned a long time ago to go slow and easy on unfamiliar gauge sets.
I've been going at it since 3:30 am, so it's time to call it a day. We'll have pics and purchase info posted in the Merchandise store front tomorrow. We'll be headed to the Trans Am Nationals on Thursday of next week. We've got a ton of work to do for that show, but can get out a few sets before then if anyone wants them right away.
Thanks again!
Daniel
Last edited:
Great!
I think its great. just plain great...and about 3months too late. (d'oh!!) But I do have a backup to restore...
I think its great. just plain great...and about 3months too late. (d'oh!!) But I do have a backup to restore...
That looks GOOD!!!!!
Where you at now Biscuit??????
Where you at now Biscuit??????
Working on revising my artwork a bit. I have some new ideas in mind.
- Thread starter
- #37
gauge marks™ is a full service gauge restoration business located in Asheboro, NC. We offer full service gauge restoration, calibration, and repair for Camaro, Firebird, Trans Am and Chevelle.
When we started this business in '06, we spent a full year developing the first set of gauge markings for Camaro and sampling materials. During this time we did a rediculous amount of testing on materials to see which material would be best suited for using in gauge restoration. By testing, I mean that we restored gauge faces then subjected them to things like pressure washers, compressed air @ 120 PSI, dishwasher cycles, running water, solvents, cleansers, bead blaster, full outdoor exposure to heat, cold, rain, sleet, snow, etc. You get the picture. The vinyl that we have been using since that time held up very well to all tests except lacquer thinner (go figure!). All vinyls are not created equal. Some materials that we tested failed miserably.
It is true that if you already have a professional graphic artist at your disposal, own a Mac, a graphic art program (ie:flexisign), a stock of vinyl material, a profession plotter/cutter, someone to answer the phone and emails, a facility to put all this in, and have no need to earn an income, then you could produce a set for a little less money! Otherwise this is a great way to get your gauges looking new with a small investment!
Hope this helps clarify some of the issues about pricing. We're excited about launching this new program to the FJ40 community. Thank you for your interest!
Daniel
When we started this business in '06, we spent a full year developing the first set of gauge markings for Camaro and sampling materials. During this time we did a rediculous amount of testing on materials to see which material would be best suited for using in gauge restoration. By testing, I mean that we restored gauge faces then subjected them to things like pressure washers, compressed air @ 120 PSI, dishwasher cycles, running water, solvents, cleansers, bead blaster, full outdoor exposure to heat, cold, rain, sleet, snow, etc. You get the picture. The vinyl that we have been using since that time held up very well to all tests except lacquer thinner (go figure!). All vinyls are not created equal. Some materials that we tested failed miserably.
It is true that if you already have a professional graphic artist at your disposal, own a Mac, a graphic art program (ie:flexisign), a stock of vinyl material, a profession plotter/cutter, someone to answer the phone and emails, a facility to put all this in, and have no need to earn an income, then you could produce a set for a little less money! Otherwise this is a great way to get your gauges looking new with a small investment!
Hope this helps clarify some of the issues about pricing. We're excited about launching this new program to the FJ40 community. Thank you for your interest!
Daniel
That looks really good.
no offense but you didn't make this thread... if you have a product you want to post up to the forum make your own thread.. dont hijack someone else's.. that's not polite!
::break::
gauges look great!! i'm curious to see how difficult it will be to source the correct images for the different years.. (aka this might work on a 1978 but what about other models?)
how many other years do you think you'll do? i realize it wouldn't be practical to have absolutely every FJ40 gauge configuration
That looks like a great product.
My only comment is that you replicated the lettering on the small guages too well. I have noticed, depending on cluster that the lettering for the Fuel, Oil, Amp, Temp actually seems a bit smudged sometimes. The letters can almost have a little overspary around them it seems. I don't know how Toyota painted them, if they were pressed on there, or sprayed, but I would prefer a little cripser letters myself.
The guage faces and numbers on the speedo always seemed crisp, but the letters below don't. The details of the "M" and the "A" and "P" seem to get lost.
I used some Testors model paint, flourescent orange to brighten up my needles once. Do you have a preffered method for that, as I see you refreshed the needles on your test set.
My only comment is that you replicated the lettering on the small guages too well. I have noticed, depending on cluster that the lettering for the Fuel, Oil, Amp, Temp actually seems a bit smudged sometimes. The letters can almost have a little overspary around them it seems. I don't know how Toyota painted them, if they were pressed on there, or sprayed, but I would prefer a little cripser letters myself.
The guage faces and numbers on the speedo always seemed crisp, but the letters below don't. The details of the "M" and the "A" and "P" seem to get lost.
I used some Testors model paint, flourescent orange to brighten up my needles once. Do you have a preffered method for that, as I see you refreshed the needles on your test set.
