I did a quick search to see if anybody else had asked this question, but found nothing. What kind (brand) of 5-min. epoxy do any of you use for instrument cluster gauges? I tried some but I ended up with some air bubbles in them. Has anybody else ever run into the “air bubble” problem? I also ran into a little problem of it starting to set up very quickly. How do you get it to cover evenly?
For now I think that I can live with it looking as it does as it won’t be easily seen when it is in the car (67 Mustang GT), but I do have a few more Mustangs (and cars in general) to do and would like to make the instrument cluster look good…even if it is only for my knowledge[:D].
Thanks in advance,
Jerry
Not exactly sure what you’re asking Jerry. The glass over the gauges? I haven’t tried anything like that but, if I understand what your asking, you could probably use that glass making goo, like the clear parts cement by testors can be used to make little windows.
That would probably work better for me. I have to find out if one of the hobby shops here has it, otherwise I will try ordering it online.
I was looking at a few posts and they were talking about using 5-minute epoxy to make the glass over the gauges and I tried it out. It worked rather well except I ended up with tiny air bubbles on them. It also starts setting up rather quickly and I did not get it spread over the entire gauge on one and while I was trying to get it spread it started “stringing” on me. It didn’t turn out too bad considering, the place that had the imperfection was toward the outer ring and is really not noticeable.
Thanks,
Jerry
Have you thought about using an epoxy that won’t set up so quick? I know the local walmart carries the testors clear glue. I got some with an auto color paint set. Used it a couple of times for headlights and tail lights other than glueing in windows. Works pretty good. Still have not figureded out how to make windows with the stuff though.
I always use Krystal Kleer. It covers easily, any surplus is cleaned up in water, its so clear its difficult to see and very easy to use. It wouldn’t even contemplate using anything else. It takes a couple of hours to dry, sometimes longer depending upon the depth. This stuff can also be used to make small windows.
Chris, this is my first attempt at using anything like this on the gauges. I used to paint them and that was it. I thought that I would like to try something else out. I was thinking about another type of clear epoxy though. Perhaps I will look for Krystal Kleer that nicholma and enzo (I figure that is the same stuff you posted about earlier) have suggested and give it a shot.
Thanks,
Jerry
Yep. I use both Krystal Kleer and Testors Clear Parts Cement. Both are awesome. I mostly use the clear parts cement for, well, clear parts and for making realistic eyes on dinosaur models. The krystal kleer on the occasional diaroma. The way I use K-Kleer to make windows is take a fine paintbrush and load it with the stuff. Then paint the edges and start to pull into the center until it all sticks together. It takes some practice to get it. But it looks really nice. Just be really carful not to touch it. It dries VERY thin.
If it’s that fragile then it would not last long on my kits. I don’t think I’ve had an antenna yet that did’nt get knocked off multiple times.