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Replacement instrument cluster

Discussion in 'Jeepster Commando and Commando Tech' started by Vhatt, Jan 14, 2007.

  1. Jan 14, 2007
    Vhatt

    Vhatt New Member

    East Texas
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    We are getting close on the engine rebuild (225 V-6), still waiting on the new Proform distributor. I will post some pics of the engine before we drop it in when we get it finished.
    Does anyone know of a drop in instrument cluster for the 1970 Commando??
     
  2. Jan 15, 2007
    Pack Rat

    Pack Rat Old Timer

    I live in a...
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    Nothing in a drop in cluster available, you'll have to build your own if you want anything besides stock. One of the joys of Jeepster ownership.:) .
     
  3. Jan 16, 2007
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
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    If your cluster has damage and can't find one then look at late '60's early '70's Jeep pickups and Wagoneers. They use the same heater controls and instrument clusters IIRC. Nickmil
     
  4. Jan 16, 2007
    Pack Rat

    Pack Rat Old Timer

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    Yup, anything from a 63 up to early 70's Gladiator, Wagoneer or Cherokee if you're looking for stock.A couple of years they used the glass face type, they're pretty cool looking in a Jeepster.
     
  5. Jan 16, 2007
    Rondog

    Rondog just hangin' out

    Parker, CO
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  6. Jan 16, 2007
    Vhatt

    Vhatt New Member

    East Texas
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    Thanks guys that will get me started in the right direction. Everything works but the fuel gauge, we are currently using an ohm meter velcroed to the dash to indicate tank level.
     
  7. Jan 16, 2007
    Pack Rat

    Pack Rat Old Timer

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    Hey, that's a pretty good idea, I'll have to remember that next time someboby asks :) . If you had an extra oil pressure gauge you could always stick that in.
     
  8. Jan 16, 2007
    clffhnger

    clffhnger New Member

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    I had a NOS Wagoneer cluster that just sold on Ebay
    I am in the works of rebuilding 6 Jeepster clusters with new and refurbished parts. Here's a look at the face after installing new red and green indicators, having plastic lens polished and new paint.
    I should have these done in the next few weeks.

    I also had built a few switch panels. I used either NOS switches and/or had other switches rebuilt. I found that even NOS switches, being so old still had resistance. So I had them taken apart and all points cleaned and pivots lubricated. Then had the panel painted and chrome polished, then new lettering applied. What do you think?
    If anybody has any old panels, switches and guages, I need more parts to keep this going.
     
  9. Jan 16, 2007
    sparky

    sparky Sandgroper Staff Member Founder

    Perth, WA
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    Wow! Looks good.
     
  10. Jan 16, 2007
    Pack Rat

    Pack Rat Old Timer

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    Lookin' good there CH. Do you polish the lenses or do you have someone else do that? I have a couple of face plates that could use that but right at the moment I'm working on the shift indicator on my 87 Eagle. Haven't found anything on-line, course I haven't looked into it too far yet.
     
  11. Jan 16, 2007
    clffhnger

    clffhnger New Member

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    Had a plastics shop near me do it first, too expensive. Then they sold me the stuff to do it myself. If you have any deep scratches or chips, it wont polish that out. But does nice on the finer ones.
     
  12. Jan 17, 2007
    Pack Rat

    Pack Rat Old Timer

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    What's the polish called and do you use any kind of buffer, like on a Dremel? The piece I have to do has some very fine scratches and a little bit of hazing, nothing serious.
     
  13. Jan 17, 2007
    Pack Rat

    Pack Rat Old Timer

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  14. Jan 17, 2007
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
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    There's two products I've used before-

    First is Novus Plastic polish, it'll do a good job on light scratches/fogging but I suspect its actually more of a wax than a polish.

    Second is a kit called "Micromesh". it's actually a set of graded sandpapers & rubbing compounds. I used it on the plexiglass windshield of my boat & it came out pretty good.

    Both of these should be available from plastics suppliers but if not they're available from Antique Electronic Supply-

    http://tubesandmore.com/

    H.
     
  15. Jan 17, 2007
    Hawkes

    Hawkes Member

    Nova scotia
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    I use Novus step 2 ( I think) on my soft top windows, and it does an amazing job on plastic headlights, takes out the yellow and makes them shine. Won't take out the big scratches, but works very well.

    Paul
     
  16. Jan 17, 2007
    Pack Rat

    Pack Rat Old Timer

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    Thanks for the info guys :) . Just checking on Ebay and there it was. Novus makes a three step for larger scratches too. Figured I might as well go with that in case I ever need it.
     
  17. Jan 17, 2007
    sparky

    sparky Sandgroper Staff Member Founder

    Perth, WA
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    Novus works well on soft top windows if you've got one of them on the Jeepsters. :)
     
  18. Feb 13, 2007
    xrated

    xrated New Member

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    Ive got one for sale if your intrested. ill pm you
     
  19. Feb 14, 2007
    Vhatt

    Vhatt New Member

    East Texas
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    Thanks for all the help and suggestions guys, I've found a local guy who has 3 parts Commandos and he sold me one of his clusters. I plan to install it this summer after bodywork and paint.
    Cheers:beer: :v6:
     
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