GUTEN Clusters - How to

[Ryan...]

Looks like I have a new project for this winter :D

[ShowStopper]

Subscribed ..will be doing tach strip, cluster rings and painted needles soon.

[ZM Blue Devil]

What's the best way to paint the mpg needle? do you want it at the 180 degree position?

And tips with the clear plastic cleaner and polish? How well do those remove/fill in scratches?

slide the tape under the mpg as shown above so it stays in place. As long as its not touching the stop on the left you will be fine.

The cleaner is straight forward, directions on the bottle, cliff notes... use soft foam pad to apply cleaner, remove all of it, use different pad to apply the polish and polish clean with buffing cloth.

[BMWManiac]

What's the best way to paint the mpg needle? do you want it at the 180 degree position?

And tips with the clear plastic cleaner and polish? How well do those remove/fill in scratches?

[Luis325]

In for pics of the alpina cluster!

[McGyver]

does anyone have a picture of a legit alpina cluster with the stripe? the only e30 ones i saw on google were just grey with red needles and it said ALPINA in the center of the bottom.

[ZM Blue Devil]

where do you get the tach stripes from if you dont mind me asking?

From us.

http://r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=115044

[FKNFASTM5]

where do you get the tach stripes from if you dont mind me asking?

[FKNFASTM5]

nice writeup so far

[ZM Blue Devil]

I finally decide to document this as I get a bunch of emails and PMs asking how its done.

This is not meant to be stickie or "the only way it can be done!", as with anything there are many ways to do. Having done dozens of them this is how we do it.

The Items you will need depending on which trim you are going with.

The things you can do to your cluster are:
Carbon Fiber Over Lay
Alpina Strip over Tach
Cluster Rings
Painted Needles

The Items you will need depending on which trim you are going with
A good working cluster
Alpina Strip
Cluster Rings (Not Pictured...yet)
Touch up Paint or Nail Polish
Clear Plastic Cleaner and Polish
Buffing Cloth
Various small screw drivers
Razor
Masking/Painters Tape



Start by removing the screws on the back of the Cluster.



Take note, on this cluster the nut behind the temp and fuel gauge are are missing, replace them.



Next using a razor gently cut the glue points around the lens. Take your time, its old glue it doesnt take much to seperate.



Pull the mileage tab(only if doing an overlay)



While cluster is out check the main bulbs and housing, they have a tendency to go bad.



Next tape up the needles



On the tach tape up so not to touch the stop. Also make sure to apply tape down firmly so the paint doesnt go under the tape.



Tape up below MPG gauge



Next cut the outline of the Alpina Strip



Cut the strips in 2 dash portions.



Start on the 1 side and work your way around. Dont panic if applied wrong, use razor to lift and reapply.



Next apply color of your choice. We prefer to use high end nail polish or Brilliant BMW touch up paint. Goes on smooth and levels out.





More to come...