Replacing Clock Glass

HOLLYWOODSPIDER · Post by **HOLLYWOODSPIDER** » Thu Sep 28, 2006 3:58 pm

Some ov the Fiat vendors offer replacement clock glasses. Is there a way to remove and change the glass without wrecking the appearance of the bezel? Does anyone offer this as a service? My clock works bu is completely clouded, and it really brings down the look of my interior.

Can I install an OEM oil pressure setup in lieu of a clock? My car is a '78 Spider with just an oil light.

Spyderbuddy · Post by **Spyderbuddy** » Thu Sep 28, 2006 9:23 pm

that is what i did. i have a clock in the radio so installed a oil gauge from an early spyder with sender all i had to do is run the one wire to the sender and the other wires for the ground and hot are already there

HOLLYWOODSPIDER · Post by **HOLLYWOODSPIDER** » Thu Sep 28, 2006 9:31 pm

Sweet. Does anyone have an extra oil pressure guage or sending unit lying around?

spidernut · Post by **spidernut** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 5:15 am

Remove the gauge from the dash. From the back side of the bezel, take a small, chisel point jewelers screwdriver with a wide tip. Carefully, very, very, carefully pry the inside of the bezel up and out towards the perimeter of the gauge. It doesn't take much to loosen it enough to gently remove it.

It is very thin aluminum, so you must be gentle with it. Don't try to force it off. You will bend it.

If you're patient, it comes out in about 5 minutes. I made a new clear front using an old cassette tape case. Cost = $0

Gently replace the bezel. From the backside, roll it back against the gauge. If you place it face down on a soft towel (as not to scratch the front), you can put pressure downward to secure it tightly.

I put a small dab of clear silicone to secure the plastic and the bezel together and prevent any rattling of the clear plastic.

spiderrey · Post by **spiderrey** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 5:50 pm

is that your car

spidernut · Post by **spidernut** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 6:09 pm

It's a recent Photoshop job I did mixing a 57 Vette with a Spider. I kinda like the look.

spiderrey · Post by **spiderrey** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 6:16 pm

what exactly is photoshop.

spidernut · Post by **spidernut** » Sat Sep 30, 2006 3:20 am

Photoshop is a computer program that allows you to digitally manipulate photographs. I had to start with the Fiat picture, remove the bumper, turn signals and grille. I then had to take a picture of a Vette and copy the side panel, whitewalls and hubcaps and grille and superimpose them over the Fiat picture. It is a great way to try out vehicle modifications without ever touching your real car...it's all done on the computer and looks so real!

Here's a larger version of the manipulated photograph.

TVST*R · Post by **TVST*R** » Sat Sep 30, 2006 10:44 am

Way Cool...I like that!
Do mine, do mine...in its original pale yellow?

http://static.flickr.com/98/242022958_62f24a075a.jpg

Just kidding.
T

spiderrey · Post by **spiderrey** » Sat Sep 30, 2006 11:55 am

how much is the program

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Sat Sep 30, 2006 12:02 pm

years ago I had a customer that obtained a Spider and started modifying it. First was tailfins ala 57 Chevy, then headling pods on top of the fenders, then huge chrome bumpers that looked like they came off of a Checker cab. He reversed the hood opening so it lifted from the front, and finished it off with scallops on the side similar to that early Vette.
If only he'd had photoshop then, he could have saved himself years of work!

With the nostalgia kick driving auto design these days, this could kickstart Fiats return to the US market. What better way to capture the hearts of the Detroit iron faithful then with a Vette derivative!

spidernut · Post by **spidernut** » Sat Sep 30, 2006 5:48 pm

I'd recommend purchasing Photoshop Elements. It is a less expensive home version that is only $99.

The full version of Photoshop runs about $900. I've used both and the $99 version works just as well. It is missing a few bells and whistles that you'd probably never use. I certainly don't miss them and I've been in graphic design for 20 years.

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Sun Oct 01, 2006 1:43 am

has the replacement plastic held up?

spidernut · Post by **spidernut** » Sun Oct 01, 2006 3:35 am

I believe I put the replacement plastic in about 3 years ago. It is still clear as can be and looks great to this day (though I did accidentally put a scratch in it)

bandit · Post by **bandit** » Sun Oct 01, 2006 4:04 am

I made a new clear front using an old cassette tape case. Cost = $0
Whats a Cassette ?????? i herd of those things there from the 50's
right ............ lol JK John hehehe

I hope he has a case .

Daniel