Instrument console restoration

OK guys. You may or may not know I.m making my Suzuki GSX 1100 better....fuck, yeah, ahem. Anyway I want to keep my instrument console stock and it's a bit scruffy, not least of which, the clear perspex over the instruments is crazed and almost impossible to read the dials through. Does anybody know of an instrument console restoration service that can repair my console? Or if anybody has got a 1979 GSX 1100 ET console in VGC that they want to part with let me know. Some pics


http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/z...3/IMG_3214.jpg


http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/z...3/IMG_3218.jpg

why not just do it yourself?

Take the front off, cut some new pieces of perspecs for it, give the front a good clean (ultrasonic) paint it if need be (vinyl dye), bit of white paint on the ignition writing and bobs your fathers brother.

if you can remove it you should be able to carfully buff scratches out by hand ,makes a huge difference to plastic if you can remove perspex just get some new stuff cut

If you contact these guys they might be able to source the lenses for you;

http://www.partsnmore.com/parts/suzuki/gsx1100/?filters[fitting]=custom

If you don't have any luck there just take the perspex pieces out and take them to a local pespex mob they can cut you a new set

Thanks for the advice. I'd considered cutting out new perspex but the perspex on the console is domed. not flat. I'm not sure but I think the doming may be part of how the guages are sealed from outside atmosphere. Vinyl dye I haven't heard of but will look on Google.
Also the trip reset rubber is horribly perished and brittle.

you can get vinyl dye in spray cans from auto shops i think its vht

I've got a set of GSX 11 clocks here, they're different to your in that mine has the gear position indicator where your check panel is, they're not too flash so they'e no good to you but they have flat lenses, maybe they've been replaced at some point?
Anyway, they look OK (factory) so go with new flat lenses & you'll be in business... if it was a 100 point concourse resto job then you'd be right in wanting to source the correct domed lenses but it's a STREETFIGHTER - we're like the Marines, we improvise, adapt & overcome. ;)
Is the bike ready for me to ride yet?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by TurboKat

we're like the Marines

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We're not that bad are we?

Dont flame me over this,But they use Brasso to polish perpex ,if theres no cracks init and only turned white,give it a go ,then i use thinners and transmission oil mixed 70%oil 30% thinners to give the plastic a subtle soft look

Cheers Pete I'll give that a try but I'm thinking that maybe the perspex is too far gone. Nothing to loose.

Daz, is your wife, girlfriend, sister, mother ready for me to ride yet :D

Oh snap!

Edit:

Just dug my spare one out for a look but its not good.
Badly "frosted" too. Sorry.

Your right. They are NOT flat.
The 3 windows, Speedo/Fuel/Rev's are raised area's that fit
up into the holes in the black plastic top half of the case.

http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/4937/etglass.jpg

If you cant get a replacement , that is resonably easy to replicate. Cut out a replacement piece leaving cover paper intact (when you buy your perspex it should come covered both sides in sticky paper to protect it) Cut the outer shape and drill holes then cut a rectanglar piece of Aluminium out that will just cover plastic drill identical mounting holes in it mark where raised bits of perspex are needed .

Screw plastic to a thick mdf board say 20mm ,with a hole drilled into its other side lining up with where you need the plastic blown (that your vacuum hose will push into, You need a vacuum with a blow function. Old drum type ones usally have one). Set up your vacuum to blow , heat plastic with a radiant heater (old bar type work great) try to avoid blow hearters as they tend to heat the outside to quickly and cause bubbles.

If your not game to try or think its a bit fiddley etc send me the old screen if you cant get a replacment and I'll knock you one up.

Lots of old Suzuki parts are still available in the US
and in the UK. I think most parts in the EU come from Holland.

Still looking but cant find a ET clock cover so far....

http://www.gssuzuki.com/fiche_section_detail.asp?section=95909&category=Motorcycles&make=SUZUKI&year=1980&fveh=2155

http://www.cmsnl.com/suzuki-gs1100-e...ist/95909.html

http://www.alpha-sports.com/suzuki_parts.htm

try this site guys http://www.cmsnl.com/suzuki-gsx1100-...742/partslist/

Already posted that one.
"Part not available."

Thanks for the input guys. Some options here. I've also been on the look out for NOS parts in the UK, Holland, US, Germany, Canada ad infinitum and these clock sets, covers just don't seem to be available anymore. I've asked Mick Hone with no joy either. Does anybody know of a Japan source for NOS Suzuki parts?
There's a guy in the UK that promises a full resto/replacement for the covers and perspex http://www.guagerepairs.com/ but prices are getting a bit prohibitive.
Redmohawk thanks very much for the offer, I may well take you up on it. If you need anything ultrasonic cleaned we could maybe do a barter thing. Thanks for looking Tony, looks like you could do with replacement lens also.
'kin oldskool stuff :mad: :D

Pm'ed bloke

Not sure were ur located but ib brissy around there is a place called lionel otto gauges they are very good at this and i have used them for some of my older bikes in the past and a couple of cars fair prices and great wk http://ottoinstruments.com.au/

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Originally Posted by stiffsimon

Thanks for looking Tony, looks like you could do with replacement lens also

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The one on my bike isnt too bad, but i'd still like a nice new one
so i'll be keeping on eye out to see how you get on.

The one in the pic came out of 3 big box's of spares
that came with my bike and i really need to sort through.