1941 Hudson instrument cluster lettering

12BoltTom

Starting redo a 1941 Pickup dash. My gauges and speedo are in good shape. The needles are not visible because of dark discoloration from age. Who makes a reproduction lettering set? Or have a nice one to sell?

Glowplug

This is an interesting subject as it has come up in the past on this forum.

The numbers and letters used in many of the HET product dashes are made of plastic. These plastics all have a common reaction to sunlight, the original white finish becomes a shade of yellow. This can be reversed with care. The following is but one of many websites dealing with whitening of yellowed plastic. The one I chose is about LEGO blocks, but it is the same process to use on Hudson plastics.

lifehacker.com/5595389/restore-the-color-of-old-lego-bricks?skyline=true&s=i

By the way this works, I used it on a 1954 Hudson instrument panel whose letters were very yellow.

One last comment, the hydrogen peroxide sold for first aid use is quite diluted. To obtain the best results the concentration of Hydrogen Peroxide should be stronger. Stronger concentration products are available at places like pet stores.

12BoltTom

Mine is beyond cleaning. It has cracked in a few places and the discoloration is so bad that no needles can be seen. Time for a new inner lens. The outer one is in good shape.
The glove box side of gauges is totally shot and fell apart internally. The outer lens is also good.

Nobody can help with spare parts?

My boys idea is to make a spun aluminum panel and fit new repop jeep gauges into it. Hate to have to go that route.

40indianssgmailcom

just a thought that might work as toothpaste will clean/polish hazy plastic headlights what about using the gel type whitener that whitens teeth?

Jon B

I'm not acquainted with the 1941 instrument glass, but this company produces new glass with the numbering on it, for speedo's and gauges: http://www.showcarquality.com/dashGlass.htm

Perhaps, if several people who need this stuff, got together and placed an order, he'd be willing to go into production. He already makes the dash glass for early 50's StepDowns and 1937 H & T's.