Hi Bob,
Wish I could find all the links I had, but lost my old computer last week and have been
getting the new one loaded. But I will answer from memory.
1. I removed the gasket as instructed on my sheet. On one I tried leaving the gasket just
to see how it might work, but I couldn't compress things enough to get ring back on.
As for the 3M expoxy, the stuff my sheet recommended was WAY expensive. I got some
two part epoxy from Home Depot at a fraction the cost. Don't recall which I got, but it had
similar specs as that 3M stuff. I recall reading some simply used JB Weld with success.
2. I did not cut my ring. Sounds like too late for you, but I read somewhere here about
carefully prying the ring open without cutting. I also watch a how-to video someone posted.
Wish I could find that link... but can't. Anyway, the ring can be pried off without cutting, then
carefully put back on and re bended around the lip. That is what I did. Only mistake I made
was using a set of pliers with teeth that left some marks. Didn't noticed until too late. For
anyone else reading this... find a set of toothless pliers!!
3. See above..
4. My instructions definitely said that if the old paint was stripped, it recommended a layer of
aluminum foil on back. Maybe since you skipped the paint strip, you skipped over
that part of the instructions?? Or maybe we aren't using the exact same appliques
Anyway, good luck. I am happy how mine came out. If I ever do it again they will come
out better, but that is why they call things learning..
Also, I would not be using these appliques on anything that one wants to make
'show quality'. They are a nice replacement for worn gauges on daily riders, but
for show quality I would be buying better repro's.