Who has painted their gauge cluster needles?

[TrentW]

You don't get the front of the cluster off. You remove the instruments from the housing by pulling the entire unit out and removing the screws on the back.

Thanks, but I already knew that. Question is, how do I install the trim rings?

[John in VA]

Just got my aluminum rings from Kensu and they look great. So now I'm also wondering how to get the front of the cluter off?

You don't get the front of the cluster off. You remove the instruments from the housing by pulling the entire unit out and removing the screws on the back.

[TrentW]

Ok im interested in doing this as well, but have no idea on how to open the cluster????

Just got my aluminum rings from Kensu and they look great. So now I'm also wondering how to get the front of the cluter off?

[Nonspec325]

Cluster looks great... This will be a later on project for me

[Luis325]

Ok im interested in doing this as well, but have no idea on how to open the cluster????

[maximumangle]

FWIW, I've seen it reported that the Alpina red needles were painted by hand with high gloss nail polish. I can't confirm that of course, but I have this funny picture of a little old German lady painting the needles in the Alpina factory...

pics of said german lady? lol

[maximumangle]

holy tits on a stick. there's the real deal, grade a c.f. with the matching rings inset in for $40 on his store.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/M-CAR...Q5fAccessories

[evilnickwong]

where did you get the CF overlay an gauge rings?! i am dying to do this!

I got mine from ebay user "kensu903". This is his store:

http://stores.shop.ebay.com/KENSU903__W0QQ_armrsZ1

Just to confirm for those looking to get a set from this guy:
1) The CF backing is a thick sticker
2) The matt alu rings are proper metal ones in a single piece (no seams)

[JasonC]

Just type "e30 gauge" on ebay. They should be there.

[maximumangle]

looks awesome btw...

[maximumangle]

where did you get the CF overlay an gauge rings?! i am dying to do this!

Here's mine. CF backing + matt aluminum rings from ebay. Needles colored in with a red sharpie. Lights up just the same at night as before, but admittedly on overcast/cloudy days, they're tougher to see if you don't turn the lights on.

[G-MAC]

FWIW, I've seen it reported that the Alpina red needles were painted by hand with high gloss nail polish. I can't confirm that of course, but I have this funny picture of a little old German lady painting the needles in the Alpina factory...

[TrentW]

Okay, no one has yet has bothered to answer which ebay rings are the best ones to buy and I'm itching to do this. Advice anyone?

[A1BMW325iSport]

Here is my set I did ages ago...

[evilnickwong]

Here's another photo I had: