Repainting numbers on gas gauge

[Skeezixx]

My old eyeballs don't work like they used to. I'd like to repaint the figures on my gas gauge. Would lacquer hold up to a permanent gas bath or what should I use?

[Tom Wesenberg]

I used Plasticoat Laquer then wipe the face right away to remove all but what lays in the numbers/letters. So far so good. I've used some 10% ethanol, but not in the past 4 years.

[Skeezixx]

Originally Posted by 1930 coupe

Go to a RC model airplane hobby store and get some fuel proof paint (they call it dope) that they paint RC model airplanes with. Works good on carburetors too.

I live in a pretty big city. I'm sure I can find a "dope" dealer somewhere.

[Doug in NJ]

I used Eastwood Extreme Epoxy Chassis Paint, and it looks as good as new after four years. I painted with a small brush, not worrying too much about extra paint. Then after it was dry, I sanded off the excess with #600 wet-or-dry:

http://31ford.dougbraun.com/All_Photos/IMG_2816

Doug

[Old Guy]

First, clean the part with thinner. Then purchase Top Flite LustreKote gloss black paint at a hobby shop. The cost is around $9 for a spray can. Spray some in a small cup, then use an artists brush to "flow" it into the numbers. Let it dry overnight, then use a piece of soft wood (pine is good) to buff the surface. It'll remove the excess paint and burnish the chrome plating to where it'll look like new. This same paint is great for painting the carbureter too.

[Tom F OHIO]

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Originally Posted by Doug in NJ

I used Eastwood Extreme Epoxy Chassis Paint, and it looks as good as new after four years. I painted with a small brush, not worrying too much about extra paint. Then after it was dry, I sanded off the excess with #600 wet-or-dry:

http://31ford.dougbraun.com/All_Photos/IMG_2816

Doug

Your gauge really looks nice Doug. Makes me want to do mine now.

Tom....

[d.j. moordigian]

Originally Posted by Doug in NJ

I used Eastwood Extreme Epoxy Chassis Paint, and it looks as good as new after four years. I painted with a small brush, not worrying too much about extra paint. Then after it was dry, I sanded off the excess with #600 wet-or-dry:

http://31ford.dougbraun.com/All_Photos/IMG_2816

Doug

Your gauge looks great Doug!
For the benefit of the others, some of the gauge faces are Chrome or
Nickle, (depending on the year/month), applied to the Aluminum.
Be careful what you use!

[Doug in NJ]

Originally Posted by d.j. moordigian

Your gauge looks great Doug!
For the benefit of the others, some of the gauge faces are Chrome or
Nickle, (depending on the year/month), applied to the Aluminum.
Be careful what you use!

In that case, you could probably wipe off the extra paint with a paper towel dampened with solvent and laid on a flat surface. That technique worked really well on my '31 (stamped stainless steel) radiator emblem.

Doug