How do I "defog" spedo and tach guages?

[rfbatman]

My 81 XS SH is looking great. Just got a great deal on ebay for the chrome buckets(like new). Only problem is the glass on the spedo is fogged a bit. Any ideas on how to disassemble and get some windex on the inside of the glass? It appears to be a sealed unit and the fogging bugs me. My buddy has an 81 Goldwing and I get all the comments and looks. (really bugs him)!

Thanks

[TopCatGr58]

They are sealed in that you can't take them apart, but(I think) you can still vent the air/humidity by pulling the bulbs out, that should allow some circulation thru them. I would think putting them in the sun up side down for several hours would work, I don't think I'd put them in the oven!? You could also try blowing a warm hair dryer into the bulb holes. Those are just my suggestions!?
T.C. Shadetree survivalist.

[Jeff]

I don't think te problem is humidity in the gages but more the "result" of the humidity. As the seals leak and allow moisture in.... it will dry out as it warms up but it leaves behind a hard water film or other residue on the inside of the glass. After a while it can leave the gage glass hazy or foggy looking.

I have yet to make an attempt to correct this on my bike.... but... I can only assuem that if they were put together.... they can be take apart. Though the difficulty might be a bit high.

[rfbatman]

re "defogging" guages

Tried all the suggestions(thanks). It does seem the the fogging is from "hard water" staining. They are perfectly dry as there is virtually no humidity down here for 10 months of the year! (desert like climate)

Looks like I will have to live with it for now.

The only other alternative that I can think of is to use a glass cutter, remove the old one and use clear glue for the replacement.

I have an old set I can practice on.

Rick

[dntemp_ca]

Somewhere in this forum I recall reading that some riders have used a dremel tool to make a clean straight cut through the metal bezel around the circumference of each gauge (speedo or tach). After cleaning the inside of the glass, I think they reattach the bezel with some Automotive Goop or the like.....makes a good strong, clean seal. I need to do this too. Another winter project.

[rfbatman]

.........defogging guages

Thanks.... that is an idea worth trying. I'll post on how successfull it turns out on my practice set. Could make it a winter project, but we don't have winter out here(at least not the winter weather). I used to live in Buffalo, so I know the down time you have back east.

Rick

[Chuck Olds]

Speedometer troubles

Dennis is right, Danny Meyer says you can carefully Dremel the faceplate ring off and glue it back on when finished. While you're in there, you might follow Jerry F's instructions on lubing the innards. I searched here for speedometer and found the thread for jgalle where all this info is located. You can do the same since I'm not sure how to properly link it here for you.

[rfbatman]

re...dremel tool

Thanks,

I like the idea of using the dremel tool. I followed the thread you mentioned and I'm gonna give it a shot later this week. Will post on how successful I am.

Rick