I figured on a triple gauge Take-2 see the end., trying it myself - again, sigh Options

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It seems that a lot of the triple gauge business involves making new holes in the back of the can. I figured I could do that. Especially after watching the threads here over and over. Thanks to all.

My problem was the gauge face. I di not want a simple cut out for the gauges. I wanted it embossed in like stock. So here is what I came up with.



The dies fit in my old cast iron hydraulic press. You can see the bottom plate in the photo. I am having some tears, but generally they are about at the cut out line (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) so maybe they are OK. I found that even with some silversmithing under my belt, I cannot do this by hand. The press makes it flat and even. A coat of high build primer, sanding for flat and trimming and a coat of satin black and I am done I think. Then I need to do some wiring.

BTW, I am looking for some balled up otherwise useless harness wires so I can match the wire colors.

[worn]

OK, triple gauge: take two for Warren

I decided to be more serious. Boy was that a long haul. Started with making real dies



Then there was some milling and shaping




Then it was time to press - 016 aluminum sheet. Similar to original thickness



Then it suddenly got very very difficult. I had the blanks and I found that I could perfectly duplicate the letters with the laser printer. It went onto stick on vinyl.


This was one of the better ones. Getting things to stick and align and not show shiny edges was a nightmare. I tried real paper too. Either wrinkles bubbles or the ink would scratch off. Still the VDO was right where I wanted it...

Onward anyhow

Lights with color anyway you like. I like plain blue-green white thank you. Sort of Stewart Warner look

Then the gauge cans and rubber lights.


Wish it wasn't a plastic lens for these gauges, but I did polish it.


So there you have it: Take-2

I have a silk screen with the emulsion ready to expose, so maybe there will be a take 3. Two months of fiddling because this is the oil pressure gauge and I want to install the 3.2. Yes, it is an odd approach now that you mention it. Anyone with wisdom about lettering would be welcome to chime in. I know it isn't quite the thing.