Gauge Disassembly

I would replace the Chrome bezels. The best way to remove them is to lightly grind the outer edge until you break through, the remaining piece will easily pop off the housing. There is a specific press to crimp the bezel evenly, in absence of that you can " glue " the new bezel to the gauge housing with latex caulk ACE has " Alex" brand latex caulk.

Here's link to Pelican article on Porsche gauges - says 356/911/914 gauges are similiar so might apply.  Their demo is on 914 gauges and employs the uncrimping of back of bezel.

https://www.pelicanparts.com/t...ult_gauge_repair.htm

Hi Wolfgang -

Yep, I have done several real Porsche gauges that way. Just concerned that these are different.

I am going to dive is and see how it goes. I will report back....

Thanks -

Scott S

Quick Update:

The Chinese gauges do come apart exactly like the factory 911/914 gauges. They are actually easier to get open/closed with a better quality end result. 

The flange on the replica gauge housing is larger, which requires the lip on the bezel to be opened up around the entire diameter. However, the bezel on the replica is a much softer metal than the 911/914 gauges. With patience, this allows the flange to be opened and reset with a much smoother edge. When I re-installed the flange I used a screw driver to set it in four places. I then used the equivalent of a pointed wooden paint stick to go around and set the rest of the flange - all just using hand pressure (no pounding). You can still tell the gauge has been opened if you look closely. However, once the rubber gasket is put back on, you cant tell at all.

Pretty pleased.

Popsicle sticks work well, too.  I often wondered if the wheeled tool used for inserting the plastic keeper in a window screen might work well, too, but never tried it. 

Another quick FYI - the needle shafts on the Chinese gauges in my VS are exactly the same as the factory VDO gauges. The new 356 needles went right on and seated firmly. I will get a pic over the weekend. Massive difference in appearance. very happy.

Great news. I hope the work as well as they look, and for a long time.

Here are before and after. Besides the spun aluminum centers, the 356 needle is also longer. Looks so much better to my eye.

I remember a few years ago when someone here told me about the difference between the repop gauge centers and the originals. I probably said something like "oh come ON!"

But it's totally noticeable once you're looking for it. 

A couple in the daylight (after a very nice drive...)

Scott S posted:

A couple in the daylight (after a very nice drive...)

 

Very nice Scott. Dresses up the gauges beautifully.

Those turned out really nice, Scott!  @Scott S