VDO Porsche Gauge Set Restoration Part -1/ Video 66

[@andreasvenator]

Not only did you do a magnificent job on painting the car, Mike, we also learn that you also have the patience and know-how of a swiss watchmaker it seems... And I thought I was a genius just because I patiently read the 356 C wiring diagram as if I were reading a treasure map...phew! Just love the way you keep digging deeper and deeper and taking us along for the ride! Many thanks, Mike! Stay happy and healthy. Be safe...it´s not about social distancing, after all we have you on youtube...it´s about physical distancing...that´s what´s gonna save us! All the best from Porscheland!

[@MikesRestorations]

Hello Andreas Thank you You are a genius!=) Diving into these old cars is a treasure hunt for sure I love digging deep to see how they did things..they were masters of engineering and craftsmanship .. most of them forgotten now but its nice to be able to share these discoveries Keep safe too my friend..I think we in for a long ride

[@danwood1047]

I am amazed at how well the odometer numbers turned out. Another example of your meticulous attention to detail and your patience and skill. Well done!

[@MikesRestorations]

Thanks Dan Im definitely happy with the result.. takes a long time but will be nice to look at white numbers rather than yellow

[@vikramjain4256]

You can do resprayed a car, rebuilt an engine, mechanics and now detailed and intricate gauge repair. Wow! You have skills and and amazing patience. Simply inspiring! Thank you!

[@MikesRestorations]

Thanks AWCC..we try do do it all here if possible=)

[@1ocean515]

Delicate and necessary work. After all, you stare at the gauges every time you’re behind the wheel. Looking forward to Part 2.

[@MikesRestorations]

Im a big gauge and dashboard fan of classic sports cars.. just love looking at them! Also I have a classic watch fetish

[@air_cooled_andy]

This is fantastic Mike, super helpful thank you 🙏

[@MikesRestorations]

Hello Andy thank you Im glad it was helpful=) Cheers!

[@danknox9986]

Wow! Amazing work.

[@MikesRestorations]

Thank you Dan Cheers!

[@roundtailrestoration]

Good video, Mike. I enjoyed doing my gauges, but didn't do the job that you did. Very nice. Love those old VDOs.

[@MikesRestorations]

Hello Chris I love going thru those old British gauges..easier to get apart and re-assemble One thing that really bugs me is dust and dirt and foggy glass inside these old beautiful gauges They have to come apart for sure. Keep up the great work over there!

[@marionfisk7926]

Hey Mike it’s so amazing the work you did to take those gauges apart it’s nice to see what the inside of the gauges are like. I sent my speedometer, tachometer, and clock to North Hollywood speedometer to service and they really do good work.

[@MikesRestorations]

Hello Marion Thanks Its nice to have a look inside them just to settle the curiosity how they work. North Hollywood speedometer is fantastic! and great to work with

[@GarageTimeAutoResto]

Super resourceful vid! Thanks Mike!

[@MikesRestorations]

Thanks Tom hope its helps!

[@GarageTimeAutoResto]

Curious to know what tools you used to pry the bezels off? Custom tools, tiny screwdrivers, etc.

[@MikesRestorations]

Hi Tom..you will need set screwdrivers like these ones here to remove safely also available in our new store www.amazon.com/dp/B000T9UET4/?ref=exp_mikesrestorations_dp_vv_d

[@Eldfast]

Wow - very interesting. Thanks a lot. Am looking forward to part 2 and am from now on a subscriber as a happy owner of a 1966 Porsche 912.

[@MikesRestorations]

Hello Fredrik and welcome to the channel! You are a lucky guy!! what a great car=) Keep safe!

[@mooney0086]

Looking good mike.

[@MikesRestorations]

Thanks mooney

[@guzf344]

Wow awesome Mike. You have the patience of a saint. Love the explanation of the speedo. I always wondered how they converted that high speed motion coming from the cable. Magnet and coil!

[@MikesRestorations]

Hi Gary thanks Yes its amazing technology they had back then and extremely accurate! Such precision 50 years ago

[@mahaney477]

awesome video, great clarity and great description.....makes me want to teardown my gauges!.... now i know why my instruments are so dim.

[@MikesRestorations]

Hello Mike Thank you..Now you can dive in! part 2 should really give you the confidence

[@richardlobo5948]

Hello Mike, excellent job. I would like know where do you find or buy the rubbers that you put internal of the gauges to separate the light.

[@MikesRestorations]

Hello Richard thank you, The light shoots in the video are original, I did mange to make one from a spark plug socket boot as they seem to be almost impossible to source. You could try some of the speedo repair shops but generally they don't like to sell replacement parts as they prefer you send in your gauges. Good luck!

[@AliWallace]

I live in awh of your patience

[@MikesRestorations]

Thanks Alistair I share with you!

[@malibuquest]

Thanks Mike! Will you show us what you did or are going to do to the fuel sender too?

[@MikesRestorations]

Hello Andrew Part 2 will cover the gauges one by one and also some trouble shooting. The fuel senders both old and new are taken apart and talked about so you will be able to see how they work

[@michielwiggers]

Hi Mike, 'Mike' from Holland here with a '66 912. Working on my instrument cluster as well and use a lot of the information on your videos, very helpful! One question, I see you replaced (partly) the coloured adhesive tape used for several warning lights and indicator lights. What kind of tape did you use and any hints on where to source?

[@MikesRestorations]

Hello Michiel Thank you Im glad they are of some help. The colored mylar lens I was able to source from North Hollywood Speedometer. Although it was rare for them to sell it outside of their own restorations. They made an exception in my case but the relationship did not end well. I would try some of the other speedo restoration shops and see if they will sell you those colored lens. It's kind of a strange business and everything is so secretive about what they do. Good luck!

[@michielwiggers]

@@MikesRestorations thanks a bunch for the answer..strange that is is so secretive, but I will try to find some mylar here!

[@AndySomogyi]

How’d you guys get the bezels off? I’ve got a 76, and want to convert mine to the silver dot style I’m thinking about chucking the gauges in the lathe and and cutting the backs of the bezels. I’m going to make new billet aluminum bezels that have some sort of screw attachment in the back

[@MikesRestorations]

Hello Andy The bezels are removed easily with a small screw driver working the back edge gently like a can opener

[@eljimberinoq5518]

Hi Mike, watched this a few times now looking for where you repaint the green on the black.... did I miss something? Cheers

[@MikesRestorations]

Hello elijimberino The face plates are original and not repainted..I just used a cleaner wax and microfiber rag to polish them back up.

[@tpmalu]

Looks good Mike. What kind off bulbs ar you running whit led or old school bulbs?

[@MikesRestorations]

Hello Troels Thats a great question! I will be using the 2w original as apposed to led..using silver paint to bright the refection inside the gauges. LEDs run too hot and there is not enough shielding to insulate inners from the bulbs..Its really not recommend in these old gauges as it could cause burning or even a fire

[@robertj.williams3732]

Mike - is there a place you can purchase new bezels?

[@MikesRestorations]

Hello Robert I have put a link to the new repayment bezels in the video description box If you click you can purchase from this vendor I recommend. Good Luck and please let us know about the quality and service if you decide to purchase!

[@markevans1013]

Great work Mike. I have a set of gauges from a 66 but only need to clean the glass and face as they are in very good condition. However, I have hesitated because I am not sure how difficult it is to remove the bezels. What tool/process did you use to remove each bezel without them breaking? Are replacements available is this occurs? Also, on Part 2 could you please show us your process to re-instal the bezels.

[@MikesRestorations]

Hello Mark Thanks Not hard to remove the old bezels but you will need some special screwdrivers to do it Part 2 will cover the reassembly process.. Replacement bezels can be sourced here: kzbin.info?html_redirect=1&q=http%3A%2F%2Frover.ebay.com%2Frover%2F1%2F711-53200-19255-0%2F1%3Fff3%3D4%26pub%3D5575564196%26toolid%3D10001%26campid%3D5338644753%26customid%3DGauge%2BBezels%26mpre%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.ebay.com%252Fitm%252FChrome-bezel-set-for-Porsche-911-912-1965-67%252F362459743495%253Fhash%253Ditem546448c507%253Ag%253ADtcAAOSwygJXgTym&event=comments&redir_token=077NiNHIWsibYw8vFrPFS95wQ158MTU4NzIyMjAzN0AxNTg3MTM1NjM3&stzid=Ugyd1dq1X2Ui5A7zhxd4AaABAg.97YxTKXjwN897Z0ebxHabU Tools requires can be purchased from this link and also available on at our new store:kzbin.info?html_redirect=1&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB000T9UET4%2F%3Fref%3Dexp_mikesrestorations_dp_vv_d&redir_token=mtwUzvfny1LflGI_fq0ZKRZt_VN8MTU4NzIyMjQwNkAxNTg3MTM2MDA2&stzid=UgzDRhBXkbweZfS7cTt4AaABAg.97WQ3g_e_Du97Z1HY7mS4V&event=comments

[@Eldfast]

Hi Mike, on my 912 from 1966 the light to the clock only lightens up when parking lights are turned on but is turned off when head lights are turned on. Is this correct? I would like also the clock to be lighten when I drive.

[@MikesRestorations]

Hello Fredrik Sounds like you have some wiring crossed up somewhere.. I will have a video up soon on installing the gauges and correct wiring including the clock that should be helpful for you. The main light switch that shares wires into the ignition switch and turn signal harness from your steering column sounds like the culprit. The video will show clearly what goes where into the gauges and you will be able to back step from there. Also I recommend an enlarged wiring diagram you can acquire from Sierra Madre.. Its perfect and will make quick sense of things

[@fredrikklass7705]

@@MikesRestorations Sounds great! When do you think you will publish this video? I would like to avoid making my own spagetti installation :-)

[@MikesRestorations]

@@fredrikklass7705 Should be up this weekend!

[@gplusgplus2286]

Awesome work!! Kinda expected this video... What are your plans for the car's harness? This car has a simple harness compared to any later car so it shouldn't be too bad to diy the whole thing, if you can get hold of all original new connectors that is...

[@MikesRestorations]

Hello Gplus thanks Already have gone thru the harness from from to rear before installing into the car. Inspecting and repairing any deteriorated connectors and re-soldering loose ones Hopefully she'll not give me too many issues on start up!

[@gplusgplus2286]

@@MikesRestorations great then! Take care!

[@Eldfast]

Another question - my clock gauge is lagging an hour per day. Is there any easy fix?

[@MikesRestorations]

Hello Fredrik If the clock is not keeping time it will need to be serviced by a professional. Its probably very dry and needs lubrication and its nothing we can gain access too. I recommend North Hollywood speedometer and clock

[@discoboy514]

One video I can t wait to see is replacing the vinyl on the dash pad!

[@MikesRestorations]

Working on that one now! Thats quite a process=)

[@discoboy514]

@@MikesRestorations I can imagine! I m halfway done, need to tackle the speaker portion

[@rennch.]

discoboy514 here’s a vid of mine while you wait: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eqa7k3qimNqcg6M

[@colubrinedeucecreative]

Hi Mike, not quite done with the video, but on the clock face, there seems to be two flat headed screws. Does that not let you take that hand section off? Also does Advanced plating charge a lot? Like for what you had chromed, may I ask? Windy Urtnowski who is on youtube as well, might want to check him out, as he restores bikes and mainly works with finishes and paint, but he has a 77 RD 400 and the chrome light cover is pitted and he can't find a plater, but he doesn't want to pay an arm and a leg of course. Thanks

[@MikesRestorations]

Hello Christopher Those small screw will allow the inside trim to be loosened but not possible to remove the needles..Special tooling is required for that one gauge. As for Advanced plating..yes they are very expensive and turnaround time can be several months too years.. Still waiting on my last order well over a year ago but in fairness to them they have had a fire burn down the old facilities and now have a new one up and running. still waiting though.. Quality is top notch!! I love to old RD motors..the best sound ever invented by a two stroke engine! I don't remember off hand what these bezels cost to re-chrome as its been 4 years since then..I'll dig it up and get back with you later. I would recommend new gauge bezels as a better way to go if you are able to get them..You'll see on part two the problems I encounter re-fitting Cheers and keep safe!

[@colubrinedeucecreative]

@@MikesRestorations Yeah buddy, just after I wrote that I saw you do the speedo and you had to drill out the part that holds the face together, no way to do that if you can't move the clock hands. Well he won't spend that, he is pretty cheap. He can't find them recreated, and if you buy used ones they are just as pitted. That is kind of weird though, I think it is a 7 inch head light (I think) , maybe it is an odd size. Well, will be looking forward to that! Cheers

[@fgjf1079]

Amazing work. Was that your first time restoring gauges? Did the gauge shop provide you with any additional tips, that you might be able to share with us, which might have not made it on the video?

[@MikesRestorations]

Hello fg Thanks I have restored other gauges before..These ones are more difficult as the original design was not really intended for full servicing. Bezels are pinch rolled to be permanent and many inside trim parts are riveted not intended to be removed. Very good quality gauges but manufactured with production in mind. As for tip from the pros..not many=) Its a very secretive and exclusive line of work and not much is talked about how its all done. We were very lucky to get North Hollywood Speedometer to take on the clock in this manor..I very much appreciate their professional assistance and bending the rules for us on on this one. BTW Fantastic to work with... great communication and they are able to do full concours restoration with your gauges if needed. Part 2 should be very interesting!

[@restoblast1387]

🙋‍♂️Hi Mike, in regards to the needles for the gauges, you can buy proper gauge and needle paint in the USA and i have imported it to do some in 🇦🇺 Aus, the reason for using it is, that it absorbs the light and is luminescent, therefore it's easier to see, compared to other paints can seem dark & as you would have noticed, the paint behind the gauges is a matt white, ☝️you could mix that in the 2 pack through Thomas & add you matt clear from the steering wheel & you're all good & it would last forever. 👍🇺🇸🇦🇺

[@MikesRestorations]

Hello Restoblast Thanks for the tip! will look into it

[@restoblast1387]

Hi Po Parts, fluorescent speedo & gauge restoration paint, is what it's called Mike. & if you change the bezel backing from white to silver, the light omitence will be probably altered. That's a personal choice, but i would mix the 2 pack white base & add a low gloss clear, to make them illuminate as original. Some concours judging in Australia checks for that look, don't know what the do in the USA though. 👍🇦🇺🇺🇸

[@discoboy514]

Thanks Mike great detailed video again!, I got my gauges apart but the chrome rings are difficult to remove without damaging them. The metal is thin and tends to split easily. Do you know if there are any replacements available for those?

[@MikesRestorations]

Hello Discoboy Yes they can be acquired from various sources..depending on the year and finish some of the major Porsche parts suppliers have them, Early bezels available here on ebay from Jacobs Speedometer rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=4&pub=5575564196&toolid=10001&campid=5338644753&customid=Gauge+Bezels&mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fitm%2FChrome-bezel-set-for-Porsche-911-912-1965-67%2F362459743495%3Fhash%3Ditem546448c507%3Ag%3ADtcAAOSwygJXgTym And you can try North Hollywood Speedometer they might sell you a set.

[@simonechristopher8727]

Re: Odometer painting --- the Uffizi Gallery in Firenze called, they need you to help restore the 'Birth of Venus' :) :)

[@MikesRestorations]

Thanks for the vote of confidence Simone Probably best to leave that to the masters.. Venus might end up with a Porsche tattoo somewhere=)