Restoring and decal upgrade
1964 Plymouth Instrument Cluster

Notes: This project would be good for the DIYer trying to save some money: download the .PDF file and print the graphics out on bumper sticker/decal sheets, like those sold at Office Depot etc.

Or people can buy a set already printed from me for $20.00. The extra graphics, (like the Poly Head ones I used), that help cover the cut marks, are custom made and an extra expense.

I customize these graphics to any engine or car type so the price will vary on these.

• They are not easy to apply. Because the gage surface area is concave or dish like, a cut has to be made so they will lay flat on the surface.
• I saw no easy way to remove the needles from any of the gages, so the pods with 2 gages in them, like the (temperature and gasoline) and (oil pressure and alternator). I had to cut those decals in half to make the installation easier. Then I applied additional decals over the cut marks, except for the gage where the clock is supposed to go: that decal I was able to get on in one piece, partly because there was no needle in the way I could place and work the decal in place a lot easier. I also used a little heat like, from a blow dryer, to heat up the decal that helped it lay down.(I think the heat may also may shrink the decal slightly, although I am not sure.)
• While I did match the fonts as closely as possible to the original ones used, the speedo/m.p.h. gage I thought looked better with the italicized font I ended up using. This does not affect the accuracy of the gage. The numbers, letters and hash marks are all as spot on as I could get them, by taking several measurements from the original gauges.
• All the Polyhead graphics were created and printed separately, and were used to hide the cut marks, as stated.
• Colored tape (like the kind you get at a hobby or craft store) or any other type of compatible decal may also work as a substitute. And, of course, I can make, and customize these to suit your needs.

I hope this can help someone.
Schuyler V. Wrobel

Thanks Schuyler!  

Gary H.

November 24, 2009; updated December 16, 2009