E-Bodies.org Cuda Challenger Forum

Technical Shop => Interior => Topic started by: blown motor on May 01, 2017, 01:23:39 PM

Title: Another problem - Does it ever end?
Post by: blown motor on May 01, 2017, 01:23:39 PM
If you've been following my other thread on my gauge cluster restoration problems you'll know I've been having a bumpy ride. I got the dash all back together yesterday and thought it was finally good. Today I realized that when the turn signals blink that it sheds light down on to the gauge face below it. What's the solution here?
Title: Re: Another problem - Does it ever end?
Post by: 71GranCoupe on May 01, 2017, 01:29:25 PM
Did you have/install the light tubes that direct all the light from the bulb through the colored lenses? That is my guess with info provided. I will load a picture for you.

These tubes should be installed and is most likely the issue.

Title: Re: Another problem - Does it ever end?
Post by: blown motor on May 01, 2017, 01:32:32 PM
Oh Crap!! I can't recall for certain if they were on the bezel when I re-installed it. Do they attach to the bezel or gauge cluster? I'm not even sure where they are now!
Title: Re: Another problem - Does it ever end?
Post by: Cuda Cody on May 01, 2017, 01:35:13 PM
 :iagree:  Light tubes.  There are 3 (all different) that need to be in place.  many, I really feel for ya.   :Thud: 
Title: Re: Another problem - Does it ever end?
Post by: 71GranCoupe on May 01, 2017, 01:51:19 PM
Quote from: blown motor on May 01, 2017, 01:32:32 PM
Oh Crap!! I can't recall for certain if they were on the bezel when I re-installed it. Do they attach to the bezel or gauge cluster? I'm not even sure where they are now!

As Cody said, they are all different. They have tabs that clock them to the correct angle of the dash bezel to the clear lense where the tabs twist into the gauge body.

If you can't find yours, Dave at Roseville has them, as well as Mike at BE&A.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Set-Of-3-Rallye-Dash-Light-Tubes-1970-1974-Mopar-E-body-Rally-Cluster-Gauge-Cuda-/282451057218?hash=item41c3651a42:g:Qx0AAOSwP~tW5qFU
Title: Re: Another problem - Does it ever end?
Post by: anlauto on May 01, 2017, 02:11:22 PM
I thought all three were the same, it's the clocking on the gauge panel that is different :thinking:
Title: Re: Another problem - Does it ever end?
Post by: Jay Bee on May 01, 2017, 02:13:39 PM
Does this jar your memory any. Sorry, I was only able to find a pic showing 2 of them.
Title: Re: Another problem - Does it ever end?
Post by: Cuda Cody on May 01, 2017, 02:40:09 PM
Look at the end of the light tubes and you'll notice little notches that hold the different red and green transparent lenses (Brake & Turn).  The little notches line up with the cut outs on the lenses. 

Quote from: anlauto on May 01, 2017, 02:11:22 PM
I thought all three were the same, it's the clocking on the gauge panel that is different :thinking:
Title: Re: Another problem - Does it ever end?
Post by: blown motor on May 01, 2017, 02:49:09 PM
I know what the tubes look like but dang it guys I can't remember if they are there or not. I'm sounding like a real dummy here, aren't I. The green left and right signal indicators lenses and red brake lense are there. Do the tubes attach to the bezel or the cluster? Is it possible to see them from underneath?
Title: Re: Another problem - Does it ever end?
Post by: Cuda Cody on May 01, 2017, 02:53:40 PM
The tubes attach to the clean lens.  The twist and screw in.....  but not sure if you can see them once they are installed from looking up under the dash.  I can taker a peek and see when I get home if i can see them.

Alan, here's the notches for the light tubes.  But you might be right that they only screw in to the hole one way so they match up?   :notsure:  I just double check them when I install them to they all line up with the notches.
Title: Re: Another problem - Does it ever end?
Post by: Aar1064 on May 01, 2017, 06:47:05 PM
Quote from: anlauto on May 01, 2017, 02:11:22 PM
I thought all three were the same, it's the clocking on the gauge panel that is different :thinking:

That is correct. I thought they were different when disassembling and even numbered them but realized they were all the same when installing. The holes in the clear lens are what is different or rather the slots.
Title: Re: Another problem - Does it ever end?
Post by: Cuda Cody on May 01, 2017, 07:16:49 PM
I'm still thinking the tubes are different.   :dunno:  See how the small tabs that hold the lens are all in different spots?  Each one is specific to Left, Right and Brake lenses.  Right?  :huh:
Title: Re: Another problem - Does it ever end?
Post by: blown motor on May 01, 2017, 07:21:11 PM
The more I think about this the more annoyed I am. I'm sure I did not remove them from the lense when I shipped it for restoration. I'm certain they never came back. Thank you Mr Heaterbox!  :pullinghair:
Title: Re: Another problem - Does it ever end?
Post by: Burdar on May 01, 2017, 07:43:45 PM
Remember Murry has a 74. They probably changed them at some point. They might be the same.

There are foam gaskets that seal the tube around the lenses. If that foam isn't in there, you could get some light showing where you don't want it.
Title: Re: Another problem - Does it ever end?
Post by: Cuda Cody on May 01, 2017, 07:49:30 PM
 :iagree:  Good points.  I make my own little foam gaskets with hole punches and that could be it.  Good thinking Burdar.   :idea:
Title: Re: Another problem - Does it ever end?
Post by: anlauto on May 02, 2017, 03:59:31 AM
You might be on to something Cody, but the lens attaches to the housing, not the tubes.

Don't forget the square one for the high beam indicator as well.
Title: Re: Another problem - Does it ever end?
Post by: blown motor on May 02, 2017, 05:34:40 AM
Thanks Alan. I never thought of checking the high beam indicator.

I think for this year I'm just going to drive it. Then next winter I'll take it all apart again and make it right.
Title: Re: Another problem - Does it ever end?
Post by: MoparDave on May 02, 2017, 05:55:27 AM
WELL the replacements are all the same, as mentioned the indicator lenses are on the housings, which really doesn't explain the notching on the tube to lens. unless it was for installing the lens into the housing when building the dash for alignment ??
Title: Re: Another problem - Does it ever end?
Post by: blown motor on May 02, 2017, 06:25:55 AM
So Dave, then the lens goes in the bezel, the tube screws into the gauge cluster and the foam gasket goes between the two on assembly?
Title: Re: Another problem - Does it ever end?
Post by: Timbbuc2 on May 02, 2017, 07:41:09 AM
This is good information, I am doing this now
Title: Re: Another problem - Does it ever end?
Post by: MoparDave on May 02, 2017, 08:32:47 AM
Quote from: blown motor on May 02, 2017, 06:25:55 AM
So Dave, then the lens goes in the bezel, the tube screws into the gauge cluster and the foam gasket goes between the two on assembly?


found this. AS Cody mentioned and from this picture. I'm lead to believe  cluster lens, tube , indicator lens, Gasket , cluster bezel

after 40 + years I would take it that the lens sticks to the gasket in the cluster bezel.
Title: Re: Another problem - Does it ever end?
Post by: blown motor on May 02, 2017, 09:29:05 AM
Interesting. The bezel was returned to me with the lenses installed in it.  :dunno:
Title: Re: Another problem - Does it ever end?
Post by: anlauto on May 02, 2017, 10:46:32 AM
Quote from: MoparDave on May 02, 2017, 08:32:47 AM
Quote from: blown motor on May 02, 2017, 06:25:55 AM
So Dave, then the lens goes in the bezel, the tube screws into the gauge cluster and the foam gasket goes between the two on assembly?


found this. AS Cody mentioned and from this picture. I'm lead to believe  cluster lens, tube , indicator lens, Gasket , cluster bezel

after 40 + years I would take it that the lens sticks to the gasket in the cluster bezel.

In all my 32+ years of restoring E Bodies I've NEVER seen them assembled that way. :alan2cents:
Title: Re: Another problem - Does it ever end?
Post by: Cudajason on May 02, 2017, 11:00:54 AM
Quote from: anlauto on May 02, 2017, 10:46:32 AM
Quote from: MoparDave on May 02, 2017, 08:32:47 AM
Quote from: blown motor on May 02, 2017, 06:25:55 AM
So Dave, then the lens goes in the bezel, the tube screws into the gauge cluster and the foam gasket goes between the two on assembly?


found this. AS Cody mentioned and from this picture. I'm lead to believe  cluster lens, tube , indicator lens, Gasket , cluster bezel

after 40 + years I would take it that the lens sticks to the gasket in the cluster bezel.

In all my 32+ years of restoring E Bodies I've NEVER seen them assembled that way. :alan2cents:

WOW...the grizzled old veteran learned something new today...I am not sure what that means for the rest of us mere mortals!!

:))
Title: Re: Another problem - Does it ever end?
Post by: 1 Wild R/T on May 02, 2017, 11:06:12 AM
Thing is the indicator lenses are supposed to fit each individual tube, but once it's assembled the lenses stick to the foam seals & the attachment to the tubes fails.... So any time you take them apart the lenses are attached to the foam seal which in turn is attached to the wood grained bezel.... Alan isn't learning anything, he nearly stated he's never seen the lines attached to the tubes... Because they never are....
Title: Re: Another problem - Does it ever end?
Post by: blown motor on May 02, 2017, 11:37:02 AM
Thanks for clearing that up Wild. My statement about the order of assembly was a question. I wasn't saying that's the way they were when I got them back. So Jason, the grizzled old veteran is still the same grizzled old veteran. And I'd be careful how you speak to him. Remember, he's going to be restoring your next e-body.  :yes:
Title: Re: Another problem - Does it ever end?
Post by: anlauto on May 02, 2017, 11:41:48 AM
 :tired:
Title: Re: Another problem - Does it ever end?
Post by: 318Stroker on June 17, 2017, 02:11:29 PM
Quote from: anlauto on May 01, 2017, 02:11:22 PM
I thought all three were the same, it's the clocking on the gauge panel that is different :thinking:

I just went through this on my 73. The are position specific. If you look at the angle-cut ends when they are out of the car, they are slightly different.  I got my dash back together, and had some daylight showing on one of them, and of course that was driving me crazy. Had to pull the woodgrain again. Turns out I had two of them transposed. All is well now!
Title: Re: Another problem - Does it ever end?
Post by: blown motor on June 17, 2017, 02:18:21 PM
I need to get back on this some day. I had called the shop and told them they nevr sent them back with the gauges and he said he'd send them. Of course the idiot stick never did.  :verymad: Don't ever do busines with Mr Heaterbox/Premium Dash Decals! I'll have to get a new set from Roseville unless someone has a good used set to sell.