Re: Is it possible to replace gauge needles?
As you are no doubt aware you can send gauges for rebuilding, most anything can be repaired...if you have the money of course.
That being said I imagine you are looking at saving a few dollars and doing it yourself, here is what has worked for me in the past.
You can purchase thick film mylar in different colors with adhesive backing, if you are careful with an Exacto knife you can cut out slivers for use as a needle and stack them together to get the thickness you require, I fabricated a punch die to make a number of slivers of the exact same size to do this job but with patience you could do this by hand. The layer of adhesive acts as a stiffener and enables you to have a long needle that won't deflect under its own weight. Another option is to use an old taillight lense and cut sections out in a needle shape and with a belt sander and fine sandpaper get a workable non-opaque needle that only needs polishing with a dremel to be perfectly clear. Luminescent paint can be purchased at any hobby supply or Michaels store for the tip if that kind of thing floats your boat.
These methods will get you a needle that can be glued to your existing stem, removing the stem carefully is of utmost importance of course. Watchmakers use special "hand removers" or "needle vises" for removal and can be purchased at a watchmaking supply company, here is a partial listing of suppliers;
http://www.horologysource.com/ToolsParts.htm
If you can tell I have done this type of restoration before but unless the gauge was extremely rare or hard to find...it was a last resort for repair. It is always cheaper to find a new replacement. BTW if you need to glue the housing back together any 5 minute epoxy can be mixed with carbon black powder to make an opaque glue to prevent light intrusion from behind, small amounts of carbon black can be made by using a oxy/acetlylene torch with a rich acetylene mixture aimed at a metal plate, the carbon will be deposited on the plate and can be scraped off for use as a powder.
To be honest I wouldn't tackle this job only because a complete replacement set is not that expensive but I understand that if you have the time and inclination...no one if going to stop you!
Hope this helps.
