Vintage Tire Gauge Question
 

Hi all,
Does anyone know how to open one of these to clean and lube? I can’t get the bezel off to get to the dial face.
Regards, The Geezer

Re: Vintage Tire Gauge Question
 

Is it a screw on rim? I have a couple but never tried to take apart!

Re: Vintage Tire Gauge Question
 

Take it to a watch maker or watch repair shop. There is a special tool that grabs the edge of the bezel all the way around and squeezes it. This compresses the bezel to remove it. There is also a special tool to pull the pointer off and some screws that attach the face plate. If you cannot find a watch maker you may be able to pry the bezel off with a sharp knife, like a #11 Exacto blade, but you stand the chance of damaging the bezel.

Maybe the best thing is to leave it untouched and put it in a display case, then go buy a modern gauge.

Re: Vintage Tire Gauge Question
 

I finally was able to get the bezel off using an exacto and tapping with a jewelers hammer. It wasn’t a screw-on. Will be cleaning and calibrating it and put it back together like it was originally.
Thanks to all who offered suggestions. This forum is awesome!

Re: Vintage Tire Gauge Question
 

Pls update us as you work on the gauge….I have a couple of these that I would like to get working again, and will be very interested in following your work.

Thanks - Jim

Re: Vintage Tire Gauge Question
 

Ditto, except I only have one that needs TLC.

Re: Vintage Tire Gauge Question
 

I was able to get the bezel off with a small fine screwdriver. Also removed the 2 screws on the back. Then unscrewed the stem off. You can then wiggle the dial and mechanism out of the case. I took a soft artist paint brush, dipped it in alcohol and “scrubbed” the mechanism being careful not to get alcohol on the dial face (just in case it might smear or kill the printing!). Blew out any dirt or dust with an tire air compressor. I oiled all the pivot points with a very light sewing machine oil. I then put the mechanism back in the case and screwed the stem back on. The bezel was left off at this point. I checked the accuracy on a tire with known pressure. The gauge was off a bit so I popped off the pointer on the dial face after zeroing the pointer. After popping the pointer off I tested the known tire pressure again. I then put the pointer back on pointing at the known pressure. I rechecked a few more times and pressed the. Bezel back on. My Ford tire gauge now works just fine. Hope your repairs/cleaning goes well too!

Re: Vintage Tire Gauge Question
 

Thanks for the update, and kudos to your success!

Re: Vintage Tire Gauge Question
 

Any photos taken during the process?

Re: Vintage Tire Gauge Question
 

No, could have done that, but didn't know it would have been of interest to others.

Re: Vintage Tire Gauge Question
 

We started with about 130 of these and have rebuilt and restored many over the last couple years. We have 30 remaining and can restore with the model A face, several early ford fantasy faces, and also can do special make autos. U S gauge made at least 25 different faces, as we have that many in our collection.
It does take special tools to open and close a case without damaging or scratching it. Glad to do that for free , but with postage at $5 minimum each trip it gets expensive.

Re: Vintage Tire Gauge Question
 

Pics of other US gauges

Re: Vintage Tire Gauge Question
 

@DropACent - The emphasis on the 35 on the gauge faces answers one question at least..,

Re: Vintage Tire Gauge Question
 

Hello, who still repair tire gauges, what is the cost? Or can someone post how to fix these?
Thank you