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Author Topic: Who can refurbish instrument cluster?  (Read 6624 times)

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Offline Henrius

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Who can refurbish instrument cluster?
« on: May 06, 2014, 04:32:32 PM »
My 1973 dash cluster front has a chrome trim strip and a black strip that is nearly gone from wear. Know anyone who refurbishes these plastic parts?


This is the plastic panel that rests in front of the speedometer. The back part that holds the speedometer and fuel gauges is nearly perfect.


Kim Henry
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Offline TIGGER

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Re: Who can refurbish instrument cluster?
« Reply #1 on: May 06, 2014, 07:35:39 PM »
There was a place called Mr G's in Texas that did plastic rechroming.  This was years ago though.  Not sure if they are still around or not.
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Offline dave1987

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Re: Who can refurbish instrument cluster?
« Reply #2 on: May 06, 2014, 09:06:55 PM »
The clusters are originally completely plated and then painted. If you rub hard enough on the black of the cluster the paint will rub off. Not sure what kind of paint was used though.
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Offline Scott Hamilton

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Re: Who can refurbish instrument cluster?
« Reply #3 on: May 07, 2014, 12:48:44 PM »
Mr. G's
http://mrgusa.com/

I have heard real good things about them.
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Offline popbumper

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Re: Who can refurbish instrument cluster?
« Reply #4 on: May 07, 2014, 07:00:24 PM »
Thanks for that lead Scott, that's awesome, and the are "close by".

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Offline Henrius

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Re: Who can refurbish instrument cluster?
« Reply #5 on: May 29, 2014, 11:14:26 AM »
There was a place called Mr G's in Texas that did plastic rechroming.  This was years ago though.  Not sure if they are still around or not.

Just checked their website and they do not list the Pinto as a car they rechrome parts for Pintos.
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Offline TIGGER

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Re: Who can refurbish instrument cluster?
« Reply #6 on: May 29, 2014, 02:19:52 PM »
Just checked their website and they do not list the Pinto as a car they rechrome parts for Pintos.

You might still ask them if they can do it.  I think they will do most anything, automotive or not.
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Offline amc49

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Re: Who can refurbish instrument cluster?
« Reply #7 on: June 01, 2014, 10:40:27 PM »
They clearly state the parts are 'leftover not sold yet' and they have no 3rd party to do the vacuum chroming any longer.

Offline chrisa850

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Re: Who can refurbish instrument cluster?
« Reply #8 on: June 24, 2014, 08:43:55 AM »
While I've never used this facility, I do know someone that had motorcycle rims re-chromed by them. They claim to chrome hard plastics. Might be worth a call.


http://www.paulschrome.com/index.php/what-we-do/we-chrome-plastic

Offline 74 PintoWagon

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Re: Who can refurbish instrument cluster?
« Reply #9 on: June 24, 2014, 08:50:30 AM »
I used them once on plastic and they did a great job, haven't used them in a while so I don't know about the quality today though..
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Offline oldkayaker

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Offline Henrius

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Re: Who can refurbish instrument cluster?
« Reply #11 on: July 25, 2014, 06:56:54 PM »
Mr. G's has a whole website dedicate to exposing their crumby, substandard work.

A firm called Instrument Specialties in Rhode Island agreed to do the restoration for me, as well as attempt some custom work. They are the guys to go to for vaccuum chrome application.
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Offline 74 PintoWagon

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Re: Who can refurbish instrument cluster?
« Reply #12 on: July 25, 2014, 09:21:23 PM »
Art
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Offline Henrius

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Re: Who can refurbish instrument cluster?
« Reply #13 on: February 01, 2015, 02:29:33 PM »
Just got my instrument cluster back from Instrument Specialities in Rhode Island Man, looks BETTER than when it was new. Chrome plated edge and repainted black. Also doing my turn signal lever, which is plastic on the end with a metal body. Needed two types of chrome plating.


They don't work cheap, though! Took over 3 months.

1973 Pinto Runabout with upgraded 2.0 liter & 4 speed, and factory sunroof. My first car, now restored, and better than it was when it rolled off the assembly line!