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Old 12-23-2020, 11:23 PM   #1
dlevy
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Default Restoration of Markings on a Fuel Gauge

Hi,

The markings on my fuel gauge need to be restored.

Any proven suggestions on what to use to for the black in the debossed markings on the gauge?

Thanks,
Dave
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Old 12-24-2020, 03:20 AM   #2
TerryH
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Default Re: Restoration of Markings on a Fuel Gauge

I think there are “fuel-proof” paints you could use. Others will chime in....
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Old 12-24-2020, 07:33 AM   #3
Oldbluoval
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Default Re: Restoration of Markings on a Fuel Gauge

“Hot fuel proof dope” is available from hobby shops. Or used to be
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Old 12-24-2020, 10:38 AM   #4
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Default Re: Restoration of Markings on a Fuel Gauge

I might try to powder coat mine. Gently wipe the powder of the highs only leaving it in the numbers. No matter what I use, I will do a small piece of scrap and leave it in a jar of fuel for a month first to see if it stands up.
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Old 12-24-2020, 11:01 AM   #5
Mister Moose
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Default Re: Restoration of Markings on a Fuel Gauge

Of course this thread comes up just a month after I replace my float and notice a few spots in the markings could use a touch up....
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Old 12-24-2020, 11:06 AM   #6
dlevy
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Default Re: Restoration of Markings on a Fuel Gauge

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I am sure many have been successful with re-lettering their fuel gauges.

So in an effort not to experiment to test what works, I am hoping that someone will share a specific product and and their tips on doing the job correctly.

I have read about "fuel-proof" paint, but also have read about various levels of success.

Thanks,
Dave
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Old 12-24-2020, 07:52 PM   #7
Dale G.
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Default Re: Restoration of Markings on a Fuel Gauge

dlevy,


If you have a buffing wheel, buff the face of the gauge till it shines real bright, use stainless buffing compound or jewelers rouge. If you do not have a buffing wheel, use either compound with a flannel cloth. Next get some gloss black lacquer, spray into a cup. With a Q-tip daub on the paint into all the recesses, letters,numbers, and dashes. Let it dry overnight.



Now, find something that is exactly flat, piece of marble, table saw table,piece of glass,etc. Use another piece of cotton cloth, T-shirt, flannel, cotton anything no thicker than flannel. Lay flat on your flat surface and drench it with some acetone keeping the cloth as flat as possible, rub the face of your gauge on the cloth until all the excess paint is rubbed off. Acetone drys very quickly, so you may have to add more before you have gotten all the excess paint off the face of the gauge. The paint stays in all the grooves. Let this set overnight, then with a clean cotton cloth and some spit, wipe the face of the gauge until it is nice and shining. If any of the lettering came out then go back and do over. Lacquer auto paint will not dissolve in crap gas non-alcohol gas. If you are successful the first time, second time or third time, you are an expert. Enjoy!





ps. Do not use any kind of micro-fiber cloth. It will scratch every thing.
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Old 12-24-2020, 10:15 PM   #8
Doug Linden
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Default Re: Restoration of Markings on a Fuel Gauge

There is a good article on restoring the Fuel Gauge in the 2013 May-June issue of The Restorer magazine. If you have copy of it handy check it out.
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Old 01-01-2021, 12:35 PM   #9
dlevy
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Default Re: Restoration of Markings on a Fuel Gauge

Does anyone have a copy of the article in the 2013 May-June issue of The Restorer magazine they could share.

I only have older copies.

Thanks,
Dave
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Old 01-01-2021, 12:57 PM   #10
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Default Re: Restoration of Markings on a Fuel Gauge

Similar to Dale, I have buffed many faces on my buffing wheel. Then, I have done the painting two ways using fuel proof paint.

Both ways work well. Either brush it on or use a eye dropper and place the paint in the grooves. Do not wait too long and then wipe off the excess.
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Old 01-01-2021, 01:47 PM   #11
Gene F
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Default Re: Restoration of Markings on a Fuel Gauge

My car sat for a year while I waited for my engine to come back (broken crankshaft) and I just got my gasket kit for this last week. Less than a half tank, so I think the gas on it would have preserved it better. Now it's like I can hardly read it. This is very timely.
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Old 01-01-2021, 10:55 PM   #12
dlevy
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Default Re: Restoration of Markings on a Fuel Gauge

Hi,

There is a lot of mention of "fuel proof paint".

What is the exact name of the "fuel proof paint"?

I understand the process of application, what I need is a product that will work.

Thanks,
Dave
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Old 01-02-2021, 09:26 AM   #13
old31
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Default Re: Restoration of Markings on a Fuel Gauge

There are many on the market. It just means that the fuel will not eat the paint. Just google it.

https://ace-radio-controlled-models....-proof-paints/
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Old 01-02-2021, 09:33 AM   #14
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Default Re: Restoration of Markings on a Fuel Gauge

I did mine 3 years ago; the type of paint is very important. I went to a very reputable local auto paint store (do not use a big box store) and explained that the gauge would be immersed in gas. They mixed a 1 ounce small jar of fuel proof paint and said that it was very important to let it dry and harden for 30 days before installing. I dried and cured it in my furnace room for 30 days, then installed it. Paint has held up perfectly with using both ethanol and non-ethanol gas.. no fading. I am 77 and although my distant vision is excellent, my close-up vision now requires glasses. As a result I painted the "0" mark with a 1/4' strip of red so I could easily see the gas level while driving as it approached empty ... this would not be cool in a fine point judging unless your tank is full ( I am not into car show judging). Some quick advice... an "A" friend of mine used my paint to do his gauge but only cured it for a couple of days, then installed it. Within 2 days the paint dissolved; again- the 30 day cure is VERY IMPORTANT! Good luck! Gary D.
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Old 01-02-2021, 05:24 PM   #15
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Default Re: Restoration of Markings on a Fuel Gauge

If you use model airplane hot fuel proof dope on a clean gage, you just let it dry overnight and it will be done.

John
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Old 01-03-2021, 08:51 AM   #16
Gene F
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Default Re: Restoration of Markings on a Fuel Gauge

I took mine out yesterday. Wish I could get mine to look as good as the one in this picture. I must have tried like 10 times.

I bought the usual kit. Reused the magnifying sight-glass and metal guide that goes over it though from 1928.

No fuel in it yet. Guess I'll wait for that.
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