Gauge restoration question

[Red R/T]

Ok, I've looked through the theads and stil can't decide which way to go here.  I would like to restore the gauges in my challenger and have looked at RTE and Auto Instruments.  Both offer "send in resto" and "kits" to DIY.  Who has done business with either in resto or kits?  And if you did it yourself, how did it work out.  If I go the DIY route I probably won't get the opportunity until May (out if town contract).  I'm considering sending the gauges out to have them restored and hopefully they will be done by the time I return.  All comments welcome.  Thanks, Chuck

[hemi71]

I had auto instruments do a rallye set for me about 3 years ago. Did a nice job with fairly decent turn-around time. Only problem i had was the tach crapped out after about a week. They fixed it no charge, but i did have to pull it out and thats a PITA, especially on a restored interior.

[MEK-Dangerfield]

Chuck,

  Your gauges look real nice from here color-wise. If they all work, I would just put on a new woodgrain decal. If you don't mind springing for a entire new metal covering for your plastic bezel, you will probably be happier with that. That's what I went with. I also had my tach and clock rebuilt by these guys.

http://www.performancecargraphics.com/


  Mike

[72hemi]

Have you considered Redline Gauge Works?

[JayBee]

I think your gauges visually look fine too, and also agree with Mike about the "woodgrain". Since you are going to have them out, I'd recommend putting it back with one of those solid state 5v limiters too.

[Slotts]

I also went with Auto Instruments on my gauge restoration. My car was stored away in a barn for over twenty five years before I bought it and the lack of UV light kept them very nice. When Gentry (Owner) saw the gauges he called me to say that there was no need to reface the gauges but recommended  dipping them in a mild acid bath. It removed that off white film and took it back to snow white. When someone is honest enough to tell you the truth and help save you a couple of bucks, you don't forget it. Wow, did they come back looking great. Besides the electronic calibrating and upgrading, the lens was polished with rouge and looks perfect.

That's my

Slotts

[Moparal]

I like your gauges better than your steering wheel.   You new that was coming didnt you

[FM3V6M]

Your guages look good to me also, if they work good them maybe just the new woodgrain would be ok.  If you really want to go the full resto route, I just had Greg at RTE do mine and they are concourse quality.  I sent in my whole assembly including light bar, heater and radio bezels, 4 switch panel replaced with new switches and of course all guages rebuilt, basically the whole enchilada.  If that's the rout you want to go I give them a big thumbs up.

[Red R/T]

Thanks for the replys folks.  I too think the actual gauge faces look ok and I know the woodgrain nees to be replaced.  I have already bought one to redo that myself.  I was thinkning about te Quartz clock upgrade, the Tach upgrade, and I'm sure the speedo needs to be rebuilt.  The voltage limiter is a must do also.  I don't have a problem tackling everything except the speedo rebuild.  Has anyone bought the kits and done any of this yourself? 

[MJS73]

I'll vouch for Redline.



Mike

[PLUM 70]

My cluster should be back from RTE in a few days. I will post pics when it arrives. 

[sleepychallenger]

can someone post the websites to these places so we can look into them?

[72hemi]

www.redlinegaugeworks.com www.rt-eng.com www.autoinstruments.com

I'll vouch for Redline.

How much did they charge to do standard gauges?

[Moparal]

can someone post the websites to these places so we can look into them?

Here's 1 place

http://www.autoinstruments.com/mopar.htm

[73cuda-project]

I'll vouch for Redline.

Mike

I like how your gages look. I think I'll do the same for mine. Thanks for the pic!