Dials..

[Guest]

Hi Folk's

            just wondering if it's possible to replace the plastic dial covers that are cracked and faded or would I have to replace the whole thing.

 

John.

[Vaughan]

Ask Peachments in Brundall, as they make bespoke dashboards.

If they are open, of course!

Looks as though the engine was running smoothly, anyway!

[BroadAmbition]

We have Vetus dials onboard 'B.A' - The actual dials are fine - What is not fine are the chrome bezels - They are a cheap n nasty 'Chrome' plastic - the 'Chrome' finish wears off regularly and I'm sick to the back teeth of having to replace them at our expense.  How I'd love some chrome on brass proper ones making but from where?

Griff

 

[OldBerkshireBoy]

Classic car restorers perhaps?

[Poppy]

http://vi.raptor.ebaydesc.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemDescV4&item=231249988856&category=43951&pm=1&ds=0&t=1547719174000&ver=0

[Guest]

Thanks folks.....from Poppy's link I eventually found this website that may do the job.

John.

https://www.simplyplastics.com/catalog/discs/cast-acrylic-round-discs/glass-look-cast-acrylic-disc/c-24/c-93/p-210?gclid=Cj0KCQjwsYb0BRCOARIsAHbLPhEwRcLOnfkvYoc3ZwWd95nKmktMFHGrXpB6pq9shDexuIlDMetZDLoaAnJVEALw_wcB

[ranworthbreeze]

Brian Ward's also do instrument panels and may be able to give you advice, they are only contactable by phone during the present situation.

[BroadAmbition]

Thanks,  I'll look into it.  The actual instrument panel / dash is just fine.  Originally it was a bulkhead part of the fwd heads compartment, laminated on one side with Formica.  We cleaned it up, cut it down to size then laminated the t'other side with a walnut veneer

Griff

 

[wombat nee blownup]

I have glass Chesapeake dials and one is scratched. Small scratches on glass can be polished out. Can anyone advise or tell me the best abrasive for the job? Ta very much.


Sent from my iPhone using Norfolk Broads Network

[grendel]

toothpaste, its a very fine abrasive and cleans up headlights a treat.

[quo vadis]

Jiffy says T cut he can Tut a dent out of a Ford Focus hit by an artic  and spray it a completely different colour not shade 👍😏

[JanetAnne]

39 minutes ago, wombat nee blownup said:

I have glass Chesapeake dials and one is scratched. Small scratches on glass can be polished out. Can anyone advise or tell me the best abrasive for the job? Ta very much.


Sent from my iPhone using Norfolk Broads Network

Me too! Let me know how you get on.

 

[Mouldy]

1 hour ago, wombat nee blownup said:

I have glass Chesapeake dials and one is scratched. Small scratches on glass can be polished out. Can anyone advise or tell me the best abrasive for the job? Ta very much.


Sent from my iPhone using Norfolk Broads Network

I haven’t tried it, but I understand that jewellers rouge is a fine cutting compound.

[OldBerkshireBoy]

On 30/03/2020 at 10:21, Rednev said:

Hi Folk's

            just wondering if it's possible to replace the plastic dial covers that are cracked and faded or would I have to replace the whole thing.

 

John.

Have it on good authority that the plastic dial covers are bonded in.

[scaniaman]

On 30/03/2020 at 10:52, BroadAmbition said:

We have Vetus dials onboard 'B.A' - The actual dials are fine - What is not fine are the chrome bezels - They are a cheap n nasty 'Chrome' plastic - the 'Chrome' finish wears off regularly and I'm sick to the back teeth of having to replace them at our expense.  How I'd love some chrome on brass proper ones making but from where?

Griff

 

Griff the dials you need for BA are at Smiths Instruments.co.uk. if you can afford them?

Paul

[BroadAmbition]

Thanks - Dials I'm ok with, its just the bezels could do with upgrading

Griff

[Guest]

On 30/03/2020 at 10:52, BroadAmbition said:

We have Vetus dials onboard 'B.A' - The actual dials are fine - What is not fine are the chrome bezels - They are a cheap n nasty 'Chrome' plastic - the 'Chrome' finish wears off regularly and I'm sick to the back teeth of having to replace them at our expense.  How I'd love some chrome on brass proper ones making but from where?

Griff

 

How about doing it yourself Griff, products such as Easy Chrome, comes in spray or paint on...I haven't delved into it too much but it may be an option.

Regards....John.

https://www.stardustcolors.co.uk/chrome-paint/1229-brush-on-chrome-chrome-paint-using-brush.html

 

[OldBerkshireBoy]

Back in the day there were companies that could chrome anything plastic for custom cars & bikes with fantasic results, wonder if any are still going?

[grendel]

I think Charlie is looking for brass chromed bezels, or plain brass bezels he could sit and polish to his hearts content.

[BroadAmbition]

Plain Brass?   Perish the thought.  There is very little brass onboard.  Stuff polishing brass for a game of soldiers.

I'd really like polished s/steel but chrome on brass will suffice

Griff

[SteveO]

My rev counter dial is by Smiths. Lovely chrome bezel and, as a former employee of the company, it reminds me of where my pension comes from. The oil pressure, water temperature and alternator volts dials are nasty, rectangular black plastic monstrosities from the 1980's and I would love to be rid of them. Have seen new old stock of Smiths dials on ebay for silly money and notice that there is someone in South Wales who makes new Smiths instruments, which would be more in keeping with the boat. Just need to persuade myself to unlock my sporran and spend the money.   

[JanetAnne]

The people making the Smiths instruments are really helpful and it's a lovely product albeit a tad expensive. Because they manufacture they are able to match your existing faces or create gauges to your own design.

Getting the gauges apart is always a problem as marine ones especially are bonded to stop condensation. 

Charlie.... If your bezels are separate to the units you could have some replacements turned up and chromed?

 

[BroadAmbition]

Thanks JA - that's helpful. if they are able.  Our bezels are indeed a separate item to the dials, so having them turned and chromed may indeed now be a possibility.  It's a proper extravagance though.  could end up being more expensive than buying new dials - I'll make an enquiry, costs nowt to ask

Griff

[CambridgeCabby]

Charlie 

if you can source some bezels in brass then 

Cambridge Electroplating Ltd

21-25 Union Ln, Chesterton, Cambridge CB4 1PR
01223 352464

are very good