Speedo ugly!

Got my new gas and temp gauges this afternoon! Glove box, too! Gotta take speedo out anyway, so I'm thinking I should paint and clean up speedo face. Corroded from years of weather. How to repaint new "speed" numbers? Carefully, I'd guess. Any help?

 

Take it to your local sign shop have them scan it and make you a "sticker". Overlay it on your speedo face.

 

Gee, that's tough. I think it's aluminum, and those dots are blooms of Al oxide. Not really soluble in anything. You might try a little liquid wax and some 000 steel wool - careful though.

 

The numbers dont look to bad just the black backing. I was told by a friend not to touch the numbers because they will just flake off. I took mine apart and was very careful but I only had to repaint the hands and install another outer chrome ring. My backing is faded pretty bad but it really looked good once the hands were painted and the new shiny outer ring.

 

Just came in to ask about a gentle cleansing, Tim! Much as I want to get going, maybe I'm being a little too anal. If the worst I'll have is an ugly speedo, so be it. I brushed away the heaviest deposits, but I can't touch the base of them. Suggestion for a liquid wax?? Guess I can always put the gauges in and come back later, if this would bother me so much. Just wanted to clean up while it was out. Back to the shop now, thanks for the tips!

 

i have an extra face, not great but better then that one!
i will send it to you if you want it.

chris

 

Re the liquid wax, I've used lemon oil with good success. Not too familiar with brands - look in the furniture polish section. Mostly the wax will darken the spots and stop the oxidation.

On second thought, I'd use a toothbrush first, then maybe a fine brass bristle brush, then fine steel wool. Don't want to risk removing any paint.

hth

 

A very generous offer, Chris, but I'll let you save that for someone else. I am mostly just too anal about the little things; and we're talking about a critter that hasn't seen soap in over twenty-five years..........

Thanks to all!