Hey guys just need some help. I want to paint my black gauges white. has anyone done this before? I have a 1985 f-150. also if anyone has done this does the light that shows the guages at night sit in front or behind the gauges? Thanks for any answers to my questions.

 

I don't know anyone who's ever painted them, it would have to be a pain though. The face is back lit and the portions you see lit up are translucent. You would have to be very careful and not put paint over the numbers or the little ticks. I believe NR has the older faces still, and you can probably talk to NuImage to see if they have any laying around. The swap would be much easier.

 

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...or-spring.html

Little bit of a discussion here on it, thanks to 'must-be-a-stang'. I plan on refacing my gauges as well.

 

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/6...d-cluster.html

I did mine a few years ago. I took everything apart and just sprayed everything with an off white, then repainted all the lines, numbers, and needles with a brush and model paint. Takes a little patience and a steady hand, but well worth it.

 

You can compare the painted gauges with one I didn't paint to see the difference.

 

BTW, the light shines from behind the gauges. Having the white faces helps with the visibility greatly. Using a brighter bulb would make it even better. I plan on replacing my bulbs with LEDs since I don't use the dimmer anyways. I have also been suggested to paint the inner housing (where the gauges sit in) with a reflective paint to aid in the light projecting onto the gauge faces. Good luck if you decide to pursue this.

 

just wondering did you happen to have to sand the black off the old gauges or did you just paint right over it.? thanks everyone

 

Just cleaned the gauges real good (soap and water, then wiped down with alcohol) and painted right over them. It's been about two years and the gauges still look as good as the day I painted them.

 

thanks man...I think that the white faced gauges will make the guages easier to see at night and look alot better. but thanks again for you help.