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dual gauge oil hook up...

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is it just a green lens/film inside the light bulb holder?
 
If it's just a lens or film, I was thinking I might be able to scavenge that particular part from the old Temp gauge.
 
Look on the side of the gauge just behind the chrome bezel. There are a bunch of cutouts to allow light to pass through onto the gauge face. There should be a plastic piece sealing the holes. This plastic can be any color you like. Keep in mind that the darker the color, the less light on the gauge face.
 
worthless%5b1%5d.gif
 
bah! heheheheh

One thing I've noticed with the mechanical temp gauge is it goes up and down a ~lot~ faster than the stock electric unit did. For example, it'll climb up to 190 quickly while climbing hills, but then drops to 175 as soon as I slow to idle on a short trip.

I'll look into nabbing a pic some time today /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/wink.gif
 
Nunyas said:
One thing I've noticed with the mechanical temp gauge is it goes up and down a ~lot~ faster than the stock electric unit did. For example, it'll climb up to 190 quickly while climbing hills, but then drops to 175 as soon as I slow to idle on a short trip.
Click to expand...

Welcome to the world of "real" gauges. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/laugh.gif
 
/bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/thumbsup.gif
 
I just ran out and snapped a couple of shots...



 
Looks proper! And no more guessin'.

Now if you could just find a rectangular altimeter... /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/devilgrin.gif
 
heheh


I just disassembled the old CNH temp gauge... there's no lenses or filters in the dang thing at all. Just a cavity that the bulb goes into. I reckon they just ~hoped~ light would bounce around on the inside enough to make it to the gauge face. It also looks like they painted the inside body of the gauge a sort of O.R. scrubs shade of green, to tint the light I reckon. Mean while, the backside of the face dish (2 layer face) is white, and the top edge of the face dish dish is white as well. The back side of the top layer is painted the same shade of O.R. Scrubs green that the inner body is painted.

I'm gonna guess that the incandescent look of the new gauge is because of white painted or unpainted brass surfaces inside.

hmmmmmmmm... I'm not too keen on disassembling my new gauge. I don't wanna screw up its calibration.

Ah well, the other upside to this gauge replacement was it gave me an excuse to clean the inside face and glass of the tack. No more foggy gauges! YAY! /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif
 
The new dash pads I've been seeing have no cut out in the square location. So, I think I'll leave that area blank when I get a new one. Either that or I'll put one of my "anodized gold" EGAs in that location. :salute:



d'oh we don't have the salute emoticons anymore! /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/blush.gif

I'll borrow this one
salute.gif
 
I understand not wanting to risk damage to the new gauge. Instead, make a visit to a craft store like AC Moore and look for the acrylic paints they sell for glass. If you want a greener light buy some different shades of green paint and color the bulb.

When you buy new VDO or AutoMeter gauges they often come with red and green boots to fit over the bulb to adjust the illumination color. Perhaps you can find some of those to fit the Smiths bulbs.
 
No disassembly necessary. Put some green gel over the lighting holes and secure with tape or glue. You don't even have to disconnect the gauge. Just pull it forward one inch.
 
how steady does your hand have to be to do that? I think I'd have to go into nicotine and caffeine rehab to be steady enough with a fine brush....
 
Just cut out a piece of gel with scissors, lay it over the holes and put a piece of tape there to hold it down. It ain't brain surgery! /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/wink.gif If you're in the area, swing by and I'll do it for you.
 
yer luck I don't go out that way very often! heheh


I can probably do it myself as long as I don't have to remove the face or needles. Of course, there's the other factor of personally not having the stuff to tint the light on hand /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/smile.gif
 
You don't have to take anything apart. You can just put it on the outside of the housing.

If you don't get to it by the 21st, I'll be in your neighborhood. I can bring some gel.
 
Steve there are two types of dual gauges I'm familiar with. It sounds like you're talking about the ones with external lighting as used on cars like the MGA and early MGB. These are the gauges where the bulb is mounted on an external bracket off the side of the gauge case. The later gauges (and most of what I see today as NOS) have the bulb mounted on the rear of the case and are "pushed in". That's why I suggested coloring the bulb. The film strip you're describing is internal and inaccessible on those gauges.

BTW, I've primarily heard the term "gel" used for plastic film by photographers. If you go looking for colored plastic film don't forget to ask for it as colored plastic sheet or film if the clerk looks at you funny.

EDIT: Adding picture links (courtesy of eBay)
Early Gauge from the back: https://i4.ebayimg.com/02/i/000/ag/d1/c8a2_1.JPG

Later/Current style gauge from the back: https://i13.ebayimg.com/07/i/000/87/aa/41f8_1.JPG
 
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