How to re face your gauges

After endless waffling I went with the British face plate replacements on SoDak's gauges.
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Couldn't stand the knurls showing on these handlebars so ordered Emgo's that are supposed to be correct for XS1- XS2
A second set of 70-71 gauges is back together with touched up original faceplates.
On both sets I removed, scraped off old adhesive and reglued the very thin and delicate trim rings and light jewels. The jewels got a coat of clear wheel paint to restore gloss.
I sourced some 2mm x5mmx.3mm SS washers from aliexpress to hold those slightly worn 'round the screw hole faces on this set.
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Been using gel style blue locktite on the faceplate screws, it seems to set VERY slowly, if at all.
@jpdevol you had asked recently: Got some gray loom covers, also from aliexpress.
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for sizing; after depinning 6 small lightbulb wires from the connector was JUST able to get them all pushed through the 8mm, with the crimped ends still on, had to stagger the ends, wiggle, push and finally drag them with tiny long nose, needlenose pliers. If the cover had been any longer I would have had to use a pull string, a good idea anyways :doh:.
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The other cables and looms in the pic are originals, maybe touched up with some silver paint ;).

I refitted my faceplate screws without threadlock, might I be regretting that on these vibey machines?
 
I refitted my faceplate screws without threadlock, might I be regretting that on these vibey machines?
Only time will tell?
They don't ALL shake loose, but it's not rare either.
from my experience maybe 10-15% of the screws will loosen over time.
 
I used Gary’s suggestion for in the oven straightening heat however I realized I overkilled with to many plates for weight thus absorbing all the heat after 30 minutes. I removed them,turned oven up to 300• watching the reaction closely.In 8-10 minutes it was flat and while still hot removed and tweaked with welding gloves on.It can be done. I cleaned inner and outer of lense.Reinstalled lense ring only folding tight at 3 opposite points for easy opening later.Back on the test stand it goes for now.Reiterating my thanks for the suggestion and accessibility to others experiences and tips in this TX/XS650 community.
 

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Emgo 7/8" Handlbars Chrome #23-12548 came in (that was fast!)
@GLJ they have plugs, weights in the ends
KIMG3397.JPG
Are slightly different bend than what was on SoDak but can't be %100 they were original either.
Left to right;
new bars from where ever

Emgo 23-12548

What was on it.

KIMG3396.JPG
Knurling peaks out a little between the clamps but guess I'll live with it.
KIMG3398.JPG
 
Emgo 7/8" Handlbars Chrome #23-12548 came in (that was fast!)
@GLJ they have plugs, weights in the ends
View attachment 239394
Are slightly different bend than what was on SoDak but can't be %100 they were original either.
Left to right;
new bars from where ever

Emgo 23-12548

What was on it.

View attachment 239393
Knurling peaks out a little between the clamps but guess I'll live with it.
View attachment 239395
Once you get them on and for a ride give an update
I just got these ( and quick too!) and need to get them on and for all the damn snow to melt to try em out
https://www.ebay.com/itm/202757630041
Just curious as to what might get me to where I want to be
 
I see they had the make an offer option
Did you :whistle:
 
I used Gary’s suggestion for in the oven straightening heat however I realized I overkilled with to many plates for weight thus absorbing all the heat after 30 minutes. I removed them,turned oven up to 300• watching the reaction closely.In 8-10 minutes it was flat and while still hot removed and tweaked with welding gloves on.It can be done. I cleaned inner and outer of lense.Reinstalled lense ring only folding tight at 3 opposite points for easy opening later.Back on the test stand it goes for now.Reiterating my thanks for the suggestion and accessibility to others experiences and tips in this TX/XS650 community.
Ordered a set today for when I get back in the gauge refurb mode.Ill definitely share the process and results when I get to them.
 

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Recently replaced the original 75b tachometer with the freshened up test spare tach I’d done and shared in this thread previously.Working well.The original had been doing all the misbehaving antics.Its time.The Diablo set;As others have shared here,the one year 74TX offering is nice. I’m not doing speedo at this time.Diablos Speedo face is a fine compatible match for 75b also.Going to search a bit deeper on a 75b face option replacement and share here on my findings at a later date.
 

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I’m all in on keeping this the informative thread clean as it is.74TX/75b gauge face plate color finishes are in a way older thread.Had 4-75b keepers with matte black,3- 75b keepers with the bronze.#8 is bronze finish.Lets visit that again in the winter,when we all get older.Ride Safe this summer Friends.🤝
 
the 72 riser centers are the same as later models. I put a set of ‘72 gauges on my 75 trees with no issue. Used the entire mount gauge bracket and all.
 
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