Another Gauge Needles thread

[jetdexter]

Hi guys,

I have read through the threads here about needles, but they seemed to be a bit of a different issue than mine and are pretty old as well. So here goes:

I have the Classic Instruments cluster in my truck. It's nice, super reliable, and great lighting. The gauges themselves look pretty close to stock but those needles are Ugly- as compared to the super cool straight factory needles with the large circles at the hub.

I'd like to replace the needles, and figured buy an old cluster, but then I learned that they tend to crumble when you remove them. I can't find a source for new ones- even though people sell gauges with "new" old looking needles.

The only option I found might be to buy 4 of these new temp gauges , and 2 of these tachs. But together that's almost $400 so that's crazy by any standards - just to get the needles that those companies are using which are pennies of the overall cost of the units.

Anyone have any other ideas? I just want the truck to look more original- and would be happy to pay perhaps half of that...

Thanks!

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[CheemsK1500]

Maybe you can commission a CAD modeler or drafter to make you a model to 3D print. With measurements of the aftermarket needle and measurements of an original (even if you break one, you can still glue it back together to get the measurements.), it should be pretty straight forward. I don’t know what the current rate for model making is right now, but I know printing a small piece of plastic like a needle would be cheap.

 

[jetdexter]

Maybe you can commission a CAD modeler or drafter to make you a model to 3D print. With measurements of the aftermarket needle and measurements of an original (even if you break one, you can still glue it back together to get the measurements.), it should be pretty straight forward. I don’t know what the current rate for model making is right now, but I know printing a small piece of plastic like a needle would be cheap.

Yeah, I should give this a try. I was thinking that the needles were thin aluminum such as many European needles. It didn't occur to me that they might be plastic of some sort, which could easily be printed. I've got a cheaper 3D printer, and could certainly give this a try if I can get my hands on a sample needle- or get a 3d model from someone as you suggest.

I'll run this down, thanks