GT250 380 500 & 550 gauge restoration service.

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Waterbuffalo
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GT250 380 500 & 550 gauge restoration service.

Post by Waterbuffalo »

I also perform restoration work on the gauges with acrylic lenses and solve any internal mechanical issues, as well as retrofitting the lenses. Please bear in mind its a retrofit to flat glass which is much better than looking at crazed/cracked curved acrylic ones.

Here are some photos of restoration work for these gauges done over the last few months.

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The usual lens problem

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More of the usual lens problem

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Scruffy looking main case

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Restored gauges and case, side view

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Restored gauges and case, side view

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Speedo gauge in bad shape

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Tach gauge in bad shape

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Gauges now fully restored fitted into a test case to show their appearance.

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Tach with new glass lens installed versus the original still shown in the speedometer.

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Now both gauges are restored and the case has been cleaned up as well.
Last edited by Waterbuffalo on Sat Dec 15, 2012 8:40 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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astrax
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Re: GT250 380 500 & 550 gauge restoration service.

Post by astrax »

Fantastic work there Allan
It's a shame the clocks can get in to that state, a few years ago I would thought they were beyond repair.

Keep up the good work.
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Waterbuffalo
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Re: GT250 380 500 & 550 gauge restoration service.

Post by Waterbuffalo »

Thanks for your comment on my work Ian, sadly its not really the clocks fault, in reality they were never designed to last this long. A lack of plasticizers and UV stabilizers have caused most of the problems in the upper white cases and the acrylic lenses.
Other than making completely new upper cases, this is the best solution that can be put into effect at present. I have some more units I'm working on at present and I will be putting those photos up as well so members can see how the before and after results look on those gauges.
Two strokes, its just that simple.
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Alan H
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Re: GT250 380 500 & 550 gauge restoration service.

Post by Alan H »

I made a comment on another fred - that got lost somewhere in the ether -that I would like to use your services on some of my gauges.
I will be quite prepared to tell people that your services are above average for a suitable discount.
Hopefully that will be Ok.

Yours magnanimously (without much hope)

Economical Alan.
Proof that four strokes are over complicated
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Waterbuffalo
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Re: GT250 380 500 & 550 gauge restoration service.

Post by Waterbuffalo »

Whhaaatttttt?? I cant hear you Alan, you have to speak up. You cant come in here whispering, as if you do you wont be heard.
Two strokes, its just that simple.
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Waterbuffalo
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Re: GT250 380 500 & 550 gauge restoration service.

Post by Waterbuffalo »

A photo showing a "before" and "after" warning lamp lens for the later models of GT550 gauges. I can also perform restoration work to the main cases, warning lamp lenses and the metal mounting bracketry, but its time consuming and most people just don't want to pay for cost which is mostly labour.


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Heres one example of a typical old gauge set problem. After removal from the case and washing it looked like this, some surface scuffs/scratches mostly along the left section of the lens and worn away lettering are the problems on this part.

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Once its been cleaned I can now proceed to restoring the lens to remove the scuffs/scratches etc on its surface. After that work is completed, its washed again to remove any residue and then I'm onto painting back the white lettering.

Definitely much better looking already.
Two strokes, its just that simple.
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yeadon_m
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Re: GT250 380 500 & 550 gauge restoration service.

Post by yeadon_m »

Allan,
As usual, superb work and detailing!
Its remarkable how long these machines have lasted, ageing notwithstanding in some areas. I wonder was the design life / in-service goals were when they were drafting the specs?
'must be pretty so its gets bought; survive being thrashed and ignored for a few years; then chucked in a damp garage for a few decades, and still be capable of recovery to service'?
I must say, when I was tooling along the Guildford by-pass in the rain on my tired-looking GT380 in the early 80s, ripped seat, misfiring engine, dents in the pipes where I'd dropped it one icy day, rotting front mudguard, envying people in the dry in their new Ford Escort MkIIs, I never would have imagined the very same bike being made as good as when I bought it, sitting in my shed 30 years later, to be enjoyed on sunny days!
Cheers,
Mike
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Alan H
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Re: GT250 380 500 & 550 gauge restoration service.

Post by Alan H »

Waterbuffalo wrote:Whhaaatttttt?? I cant hear you Alan, you have to speak up. You cant come in here whispering, as if you do you wont be heard.
Darn! Rumbled again!
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Russell
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Re: GT250 380 500 & 550 gauge restoration service.

Post by Russell »

Allan, have you ever restored T500 gauges? I have a set that could be done.
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Waterbuffalo
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Re: GT250 380 500 & 550 gauge restoration service.

Post by Waterbuffalo »

Russel PM sent to you.
Two strokes, its just that simple.
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