GT380 gauges, replacing the glass

[Scorch]

I getting set to repair the gauges on my '75 GT380. They are in good shape, I just need to replace the glass on the speedo (it is cracked) and get the trip meter reset working again. Can you advise on the glass, is there a source to get the original shape glass?

I found a set of gauges on ebay, for a '72 GT380, would the glass be interchangeable?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1972-GT- ... ccessories" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

cheers
Neal

[jaybob]

The problem is that the guages are glued into the white plastic cups that you see around the edges of the face. and the plastic lense is also glued onto the top of the plastic cup. you could just use those ebay clocks and fit them into your guage housing. I heve rebuilt mine. I had to carefully cut the clock assembly out of the plastic cup. then replace the worn parts with a used set of guages. I then glued a new piece of glass onto the top of the plastic cup and glued the parts back into the cup then reinstalled into the housing. Here is a pic of the re-built set and what was left over. I used a new flat piece of glass. The original is platic and is concave and like I said is glued onto the top of the cup.








Also if your trip meter does not work you may need some parts to get it fuctioning. on mine the trip meter gear was way worn out. Yes the early cups will fit into the later up to 1975 I think housing. I am running an early tach in an later housing. The 76 and 77 guages are different.

If you do try to take yours apart I may be able to help with some parts. as you can see I have some left over.

[Scorch]

Yah, I read somewhere that the glass is glued in. But I can work it loose with an exacto blade, right?

Big question: if I replace the glass with flat glass, is it noticeable? I cannot really tell by looking that the existing glass is concave (though I know it is).

The gauges in the ebay selection look pretty beat up, but the glass looks ok.

[TLRam1]

I used the dremel to cut out and get mine cleaned for new lenses. I happened upon a fella who water jetted 10 replacement lens and I bought 2 for my 380, looks good.

[Scorch]

Terry, you still have his email? Maybe he has some left.

[jaybob]

The only drawback that I know of for the flat lenses is that in a ceratin position you can get more of a reflection or glare. On mine I have not had any problem or even noticed really.

[Scorch]

Well, I can live with that. As long as the functionality is not affected, and it doesn't leak, I'm good.

[advant63]

scorch,
i redid my 550 with lexan and found that the lense contacted the needle at the centre. i had to shim between the lens and white cup with a large oring to get clearance. this in turn causes the whole assembly to sit lower in the black case. it's barely noticable but not concours. also i wouldn't recommend lexan as it develops a haze like sanding swirls.

[Scorch]

Thanks for that, Advan. I don't need concurs, but I will probably notice it and it'll bug me.

[TLRam1]

Terry, you still have his email? Maybe he has some left.

I was fortunate in his lens did not interfere with the needle. I contacted him again a little while back and I bought the last two he had. A friend of his cut 10 pieces instead of the 2 he needed in case of mistakes and he sold what he didn't use.

[Scorch]

Ok, I pulled the trigger and bought the ebay gauge set. The seller assured me the glass is original and in good shape. I'll have spare parts to fix the trip meter too.

[rbond]

Check with suzsmokeyallen. He does gauge restorations and does excellent work!

[Scorch]

Yes, I saw some of Allan's work close hand Sunday (two-stroke Brit's bike), they were excellent. I am waiting for him to get back to home base and answer my PM and see what he recommends about replacing the glass.

Blast, the gauges appear to be very different from the '75 gauges, I think the glass will not work. I will know more when I disassemble the ebay set and my gauge and examine the two glasses.

[markj]

My 550 guage faces were pretty bad and I wet sanded with 400 up to 1500 and then polished them out and they looked like new. There's an old thread around here somewhere I'll see I can find it.