Technical Change gauge face

I have some old Steart Warner gauges I would like to put in my Hudson dash panel but I don't like the fact that the gauge lettering is obviously different. I know I could re letter it to match if I could only open the gauges from their chrome bezels.
Does anyone know how to ope the cases without damaging the bezels etc. ?
Thanks

 

Use a paint can opener, and be real patient and careful. If access to a lathe you can make a jig to roll the bezel back on. There might be slight damage overall.

 

I did it for the same reason years ago, and decided to leave the bezels intact. I cut through the body of the gauge about 1/2" below the bezel. (carefully!). After changing out the face, I made a steel sleeve about an inch wide and used a little epoxy to repair it. Didn't touch the chrome or crack the glass that way. Incidentally, that method also works to mate a modern gauge to an old face.


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You've got my curiosity aroused. I can remove and replace most bezels with some small hand tools, but I could never dream of relettering the graphics. I'm also curious to know what style gauges you're dealing with and exactly what you're trying to match. Do tell us more! Maybe a pic or two?

 

I actually take my stuff to a speedometer shop, they have a tool for opening them up. When I am done with the gauge face I go back and have it reassembled. Cost is minimal and I don't trash a gauge.

 

Now you tell me!

 

I just inquired about this at http://www.williamsons.com/Home_Page.php they can do just about anything. You never know, they might have the art work for Hudson gauges. Ask for Ron if you call.

 

Sounds terrific, but I have no idea where a speedometer shop is in NJ.

 

I don't think most speedometer shops would be interested in the unrolling and rolling of bezel for clients to service their own gauges. We don't. You might try Nisonger, they are near New Jersey.

 

Just google it, Most major cities have a speedo shop.

Funny I have never had a problem getting a speedo shop to open up a gauge for me, even in the Pacific North West. Maybe people just do things for me that they normally wouldn't do for other people.