The paint is causing your needle to stick to the pin Charles. I had the same problem after painting my needles too. I solved the problem with a thin coating of oil on the pin.

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1979 240D- 316K miles - VGT Turbo, Intercooler, Stick Shift, Many Other Mods - Daily Driver

1982 300SD - 232K miles - Wife's Daily Driver

1986 560SL - Wife's red speed machine