Instrument rejuvenation

[sevydrassel]

I have original panel instruments (1958) in need of refreshing.  For example, the airspeed indicator limit lines (green arc, yellow arc and red limit) are no longer bright. They have faded quite a bit. Where could I get this refreshed?

[0TreeLemur]

 

4 hours ago, sevydrassel said:

I have original panel instruments (1958) in need of refreshing.  For example, the airspeed indicator limit lines (green arc, yellow arc and red limit) are no longer bright. They have faded quite a bit. Where could I get this refreshed?

I wanted knots on the outer ring of my airspeed indicator.  So I bought the style I wanted on eBay for not too much, and sent it to Rudy Instruments in Arkansas.  For about 0.25 AMU's they overhauled/calibrated it and silk screened the color arcs from the POH on the face.  It turned out quite nice as the photo shows.

I reckon they could do the same kind of refresh on your Mooney ASI.   Wow, 1958?  I ask if you will post a photo of your panel.  I'm curious to see what they looked like in the "A" model.

 

[N201MKTurbo]

Back in the day, you could get an instrument shop to clean the glass and repaint the dial for about $100. Now they won't do anything without a complete overhaul. Our government is here to help you!

[Andy95W]

My gut says the government couldn't care less, but the shop's insurance policy might require a full overhaul be performed. 

[N201MKTurbo]

58 minutes ago, Andy95W said:

My gut says the government couldn't care less, but the shop's insurance policy might require a full overhaul be performed. 

Could be. We should ask an instrument guy what the deal is.

[RLCarter]

12 hours ago, N201MKTurbo said:

Back in the day, you could get an instrument shop to clean the glass and repaint the dial for about $100. Now they won't do anything without a complete overhaul. Our government is here to help you!

It’s amazing how foggy they get.... a good cleaning makes a world of good

[mhrivnak]

Mid-Continent can do this. They recently quoted me about $300-$350 to repaint my ASI and make it look brand new (with minor changes in where the arcs end due to a MGW increase), and another ~$200 if it was out of spec and needed overhaul. Give them a call, and they'll give you an idea of what it would cost for your instruments. I'm sure there are other outfits that do it also.

[NicoN]

Has someone removed the glass of the AI for cleaning? AFAIK it is not sealed

[N201MKTurbo]

3 hours ago, NicoN said:

Has someone removed the glass of the AI for cleaning? AFAIK it is not sealed

The easiest way is to take the 4 little screws out near the back and slide the AI out of the case. You will still have to deal with the horizon bar. There are usually 8 screws  around the bezel to take it apart.

This is specifically prohibited in the regulations, here anyway.