need a repair trick

[John Betsch - "SADIE"]

The center trim circle on my tach gauge has fallen off as shown on the attached picture.  Need some help hopefully to remove the glass gauge bezel from the front.  And if it the bezel can be removed from the front, is true also for the speed and center gauge glass?

I then can see how the center trim is attached and fix.

[Cees Klumper]

Yes, the chrome ring and glass can be removed by carefully prying up the crimped chrome from the back enough to remove it. When done, crimp the ring back on with pliers taking car not to mar the chrome surface. If done right, once re-installed you won't know the rings were ever removed. This allows also to clean the glass from the inside, where 'mist' can accumulate over the decades.

[ja17]

I use a different method to re-install the chrome ring. Set the ring on the gauge, place the gauge face down on a flat surface (the odometer button will need to hang off the edge so that the rest of the gauge is flat). Press downward on the assembly a gently tap the back of the chrome rim from the back side to crimp the edge back around.  Use a miniature hammer and work your way around the entire back of the gauge. Use rubber gloves when handling the brushed aluminum button. Fingerprints on the button cam cause the bare aluminum to oxidize and discolor. Clean both sides of the glass carefully before installation.

[stickandrudderman]

At the risk of stating the obvious: you have to remove the instrument from the dash first.

[mrfatboy]

I would suggest not driving the car until it is fixed.  The chrome cover will roll back and forth scratching the face plate. 

Once it's scratched you will need to replace the face plate as well which means you will have to send it into a pro.

[ejboyd5]

At the risk of stating the obvious: you have to remove the instrument from the dash first.

You beat me to it. The first post can be read in a way to suggest that Sadie is looking for a way to make the repair with the tachometer in place.

[rjmarco]

I had a similar experience when my car was in the shop for some interior restoration work.  After putting the speedometer back in the dash, it was discovered that the center trim circle had fallen off.  The shop had to pull the speedometer back out to put the trim circle back in place.  My recollection was that it was simply reattached with glue. 

[Pawel66]

Probably an obvious point: install new bulbs wherever you can once you are there....

[John Betsch - "SADIE"]

Thanks for everyone's response.  I guess I'll be climbing under the dash again.  I'll wait until after the Hilton Head Invitational Concours (and hopefully they wont see it)

v/r

JB

[John Betsch - "SADIE"]

Finally was able to remove the tachometer to fix the bezel. 

The original posting replies said to pry the chrome trim ring from the back.  I had expected to see some tabs or crimping.  Attached picture is what I have.  Can someone give me some further help before I do something wrong

[mrfatboy]

When I the job I used a tiny screw driver and slowly started to pry up the chrome ring. You have to do just a little at a time while working around the ring. You will have to go around the ring many times.  Try not to crease the chrome.

Take your time.

[Jonny B]

Let me emphasize mrfatboy's comment. Patience and taking your time is the proper approach. Just a little at a time all around the chrome, repeat until it comes loose.

It is the same for the speedo, since once you have cleaned the glass in the tach the other will look dingy....

[dpreston Virginia]

I just sent off my Speedo and center cluster to overseas speedometer to clean the glass on both cost $75. I am not touching taking the gauges apart for that much money.
Got them back in 8 days. He does great work and fast. I have sent him 4 gauges to clean or repair from my Pagoda and Porsche. I had to take the center gauge out to have my temp gauge repaired.

[Cees Klumper]

Sadie, you need to take this rubber cover off first. It is held in place by a snap ring that should come off easily.

[John Betsch - "SADIE"]

Just a few notes for those who find it necessary to remove the Tach. 

On cars my age, the cover is shot (mine said mfg 3/65) so might as well order a new cover before you start.  Silly me, I also didn't realize there are two bulbs inside the tach so be sure to order two-not one.

There was a note in posting answers that patience is necessary.  Oh so True!  Took a long time to un-crimp the 1/8" metal crimping around the face. Very hard not to rush but DON'T.  In removing the face, there also is a rubber "gasket" that needs to be loosened between the chrome ring and the glass to really clean the glass well 

For re-crimping, I used a small square flat sided pliers and covered the chrome touching side with rubber tubing.  Seemed to work well

Just a few experience ideas from a novice for other novice owners out there

[WRe]

.... and don't forget to replace the bulbs with LEDs to bring light in the darkness!
https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=19084.0
...WRe

[Pawel66]

Sorry, i could not resist...

I would always replace bulbs while being there. In tacho and instrument cluster as well if you have it out. I would buy extra spares for later as well.

As for LEDs - are there LEDs that really give this yellowish warm, dimmed look to the dials that I personally love so much, or all of them are cold white modern light?...

Do not intend to open this topic here (this thread is about friendship, caring and help if you read it right) - it is just a reflection....

[WRe]

Hi,
just an example, LEDs in different colors and different whites:
https://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/miniature-and-subminiature-bulbs/ba9s-led-bulb-4-led-ba9s-retrofit-car-classic-car-bulbs/6/.
...WRe