We are an observant bunch over here.

Nice job on the needles. Boy, anything you put up on here gets scrutinized pretty carefully, eh? Somewhere, ther's a forum member trying to enhance your picture enough to read the papers on your desk . . . .

All i got to say is good luck trying to read those papers...

I am gearing up to do the needle repainting and light bulb cleaning/replacement in a week or two. One other item that is worn is the backing (faceplate?) on the gauges. Searching both here and on Google does not show any sources for my vehicle ('83 300SD).

Are there any?

If not I would be willing to scan them in and (if I can find the software) convert the image to a vector file. This would allow people who wish to modify the gauges (e.g. for the vacuum gauges) as well as repainting. How is repainting done nowadays? Still by the silkscreen method?

Bump

Bump - Anyknown know of a source?

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=237626

REMOVAL
Take out the instrument cluster out of the dashboard then, I took it apart piece by piece behind the instrument cluster its Very easy, First start taking out the Outside temp Gauge the small black box 2 screws is at the very bottom center, second, Speedometer 4 screws the big White box, then is you can either take the fuel temp and oil pressure gauge or the RPM and clock Either or it dose not matter at this point.

PAINTING IT
Painting Use paper under each needle be sure that its double paper or else paint will breach the paper and cause a mess on the black area, Let it dry for 30 Min each Coat or 10 Min if you use hair dryer, paint at least 2 coats so it will look good. While the meters are drying take time to clean inside part of the glass of the instrument cluster.

REINSTATEMENT
Put the fuel gauge temp gauge oil pressure or the Rpm and clock first it dose not matter, after the fuel gauge temp oil pressure and rpm and clock cluster is in you must put the Speedometer, after the speedometer than the outside temp gauge and finish..