Topic: How to get gauge lenses clear?

[1977_cb550k]

Hi, my cb550 gauges have smeared lenses - anyone know how to make them clear again? Lots of sanding like headlight restoration?

[seanbarney41]

Those are glass lenses.  If they won't clean up with regular methods, they are smeared on the inside, which is fairly typical.  To clean the insides, the gauge housing must be un-crimped...it can be done by hobbyists but it is difficult and can result in total destruction of the gauge if the re-assembly goes wrong.  Lots of guys have done it and there is plenty more helpful information on this site.  They can also be sent to one of few specialists, if you feel safer paying.

[Smudgemo]

The hardest part about taking gauges apart is to un-crimp the rings and then re-crimping them.  I used a sharpened paint can opener and made a special holder for reassembly. 
I can't really say whether a fella should attempt this or not, but if you do clean them up, you may consider addressing the faded redline in the tach.  I had a professional that does decals for R/C airplanes recreate it and I simply stuck it to the stock tach face.  And painted the tips of the needles.

[Ozzybud]

As a hobbyist i have successfully restored over a dozen gauges . There is a company in the UK that sells very nice replacement faces. I have also just disassembled to clean the inside.
You will need to build a jig to hold and protect The gauge. Also Protecting the front and the side of the crimp ring.
Below is a picture of my Jigs for large and small gauges. The hydraulic clamps shown are available on Amazon and with sanding 2 small areas they are  flush and smooth all the way around and way stronger than worm clamps. The sharpened church key is used for carefully little by little prying up the crimp ring. Probably going around 20+ times until its vertical. I assemble with a heavy glove on my right hand and a small screwdriver prying the flange down little by little. I would suggest never pounding or tapping on the gauge with anything as it is a delicate instrument. Also you risk having the needle fall off. When the gauge is installed the rear is never seen as it it hidden by the rubber boot.

here is the link for new faces
https://www.vintagecb750.com/products/117/tach-speedo/121/face-plates-decals

I will happily chat with you or answer any questions if you decide to go for it!

[1977_cb550k]

Wow, that’s dedication!
I’m lacking a good workshop and working surface so I might just live with the streaks…I don’t trust myself to pull the guages apart! Thanks for all your input 👍

[RAFster122s]

Some guys did vinyl faces but never knew how they turned out long term. Here in AZ in southern AZ desert it is very hot in summer and you cannot always have bike under a cover or the like… so, I wonder if the heat would make the vinyl pucker or bubble or move due to heat… bike sits in 120f or more when in summer heat and sun beating down on it or the bike is in a metal storage shed closed up…
I’m installing a rotating turbine style vent on the south side of the roof of the storage shed, should help with the heat, not sure how much rain will get past the vanes, usually wind blows hard when we have monsoon rains and moderately brisk during most showers…