41 to ???? speedometer

[Deleted User]
[Deleted User]
edited November -1 in HUDSON
Does anyone know of someone who restores, makes parts for speedometer panels? I'm talking about the panel graphics (MPH numbers, Fuel and Temp text). The originals are done on a thin plastic or mylar. The mechanism should be fine since I clean it up.



If I can't find a suitable replacement panel or someone who makes the pieces I guess I'll take a stab at it. :D



If anybody has done their own please share your techniques with the forum.



Craig

Comments

  • edhamlin
    edhamlin Senior Contributor
    I'm also interested in potential sources for replacement panels.



    The panel material is celluloid (a wood-pulp based plastic) and doesn't hold up well over time. All of my gages in my '41 sedan have just disintegrated. The panels are silk-screened on clear celluloid with a patterned foil backing.



    I've made a few attempts to come up with replacements but no joy so far. I scanned the graphics from the original panels and attempted to make computer-generated panels printed on transparencies. I've also tried to locate a replacement for the patterned foil. I spent a lot of time trying to locate a the art-deco font that is used for the graphics, but the closest I've come is Chicago, which is very similar but not an exact replacement. Of course the transparency is not as thick (and hence not as stiff) as the original celluloid.



    My thought was to make a sandwich of the transparency with graphics, clear plexiglass, and patterned foil (I found a foil that is used by florists that is close to the original). I'm pretty sure I'm not going to like the result, but I don't have any other options at this point.



    I'd sure like to be rescued from this mess....
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    Hang in there a while guys, somebody did this a while back and it came out good, may have been Brownie Petersen or Gregg Marony. I'd repost with maybe NEED SPEEDOMETER GRAPHICS or something of that nature to get attention of guys that have done this BUD
  • Browniepetersen
    Browniepetersen Senior Contributor
    Was not me folks. I lucked out and found a NOS dash, radio and clock for my 39 (the Country Club dash). Sorry, I cannot help.
  • Jon B
    Jon B Administrator
    Try Scott Young, 332 Devon Dr., San Rafael, CA 94903, (415) 472-5126. He silkscreens the numerals on dashboard glass and does this for certain Hudson models, though I don't know if he would do it on celluloid.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    edhamlin wrote:
    I'm also interested in potential sources for replacement panels.



    The panel material is celluloid (a wood-pulp based plastic) and doesn't hold up well over time. All of my gages in my '41 sedan have just disintegrated. The panels are silk-screened on clear celluloid with a patterned foil backing.



    I've made a few attempts to come up with replacements but no joy so far. I scanned the graphics from the original panels and attempted to make computer-generated panels printed on transparencies. I've also tried to locate a replacement for the patterned foil. I spent a lot of time trying to locate a the art-deco font that is used for the graphics, but the closest I've come is Chicago, which is very similar but not an exact replacement. Of course the transparency is not as thick (and hence not as stiff) as the original celluloid.



    My thought was to make a sandwich of the transparency with graphics, clear plexiglass, and patterned foil (I found a foil that is used by florists that is close to the original). I'm pretty sure I'm not going to like the result, but I don't have any other options at this point.



    I'd sure like to be rescued from this mess....





    The font is unusual but I think it can be replicated or at least come close.



    As an old cartographer I have done some layout and design for printing maps.

    The ideal way to produce the graphic would be to "layup" the type and lines in a positive format, shoot to a negative, make sure all "black" areas are opaqued, and the shoot it back to a positive format on a "thick base" clear film. Sounds complicated but it really isn't if you have the right equipment or someone that can do it for you.



    Another option would be computer produced design plotted out on a thick base film. Could also draft out on mylar and have a master negative made to create a positives.



    I have a friend that has a business creating screen printed tags and labels for government equipment, control panels etc. I think he uses the positive to negative process to create plates and screens... maybe he can suggest something.



    Craig
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