Chrome trim around the guages on a G50

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AZ94Q
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Ok, I'm going to have the cluster shipped to Greg.

Hopefully with all of our mixed talents, we can make our guages look BMW sexy


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AZhitman
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Corey - I'm thinking a simple, thin chromed ring, semicircular in cross-section would be our best bet...

Ryan - Since you can't get off scot-free:), how about you find out what the thickness of the BMW (or other attractive) gauge trim is? That'll help.

Any idea how you think you want to attach these?

MiniMan
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Greg, IMO I think the best way would be the use of some professional quality 3M double stick tape cut out right. That may not be the longest lasting method though.

I could always have the back of the trim brushed so that glue would adhere better... Crazy glue or contact cement might do a good job.

Take into account where this trim will be... it's not like anyone will be touching it, grabbing it, etc. There should be virtually no stresses to hold it up... besides gravity of course.

The biggest problem I think we're facing is getting enough people to have a sufficient number of these produced. If we can get 16 people in on this cost should be $20 USD + shipping or thereabouts. Say we only get 4 people in on this, it'd cost about $50 USD + shipping a piece.

As far as thickness goes... the thinest it can be made is 1/32. I think something between 1/32 and 1/16 would be suitable. Keep in mind, chroming adds to this thickness... though only by a ver slight amount.

Corey

AZ94Q
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$50 + shipping is totally reasonable.. $16 is like unreal..

I have no problem spending 50 as long as they look good.. basically if they look like the BMW ones, I think 50 is nice..

It would really dress up the guages.

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Jeff Williams
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Hey Corey, sounds like you got something, there.

Count me in for at least one set.

If the rings are made from aluminum, then they could be polished, and no chrome plating is necessary. They could be cut from a 1/8" plate. They would not need to be very thick, possibly 3/16" wide, with a double bevel.

This would be a cool modification.

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AZhitman
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True - polishing would be cool too, although chroming would likely be just as cheap.

I like the 3M idea, but cutting it that thin in a perfect circle could be a PITA.

Hell, I'd just superglue mine.... :)

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Jeff Williams
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I kinda thought the chrome would add more expense, and weight. A brushed aluminum, or CNC machined surface would be fine, then the individual could polish it if desired. The Chroming process is kinda expensive, is it not?

Silver painted plastic would be better than what we have, now.

The superglue is a great idea, if you can be neat. Now with the gel type glues, it is much easier.

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AZhitman
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Chroming is cheap when you have a whole box of parts. It gets pricey when you do things one at a time.

I think you're onto something - Maybe these could be CNC'ed and then polishing would be up to the purchaser... Good idea.

Aluminum would be easier to get a smooth curve on than steel anyway.

MiniMan
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Lets say 15 people buy sets of gauge trim that is made out of alluminum, has been laser cut, polished (to remove imperfections), chromed, then baked for longevity. Cost would be $17/set if you want it done in 3 weeks or $15/set if you want it done in 5 weeks.

Now lets say 15 people buy sets of gauge trim that is made from alluminum, has been laser cut and is then buff polished. Cost would be $13/set if you want it done in 2 weeks and 3 days or $11/set if you want it done in 4 weeks.

As well, I feel laser cutting is the best way as punching something so thin may cause it to bend, especially around the point of contact. It also leaves a slightly rougher edge... of course the edge can be sanded, but that costs $$$.

Lets try and find out what people would like and we can go from there.

Shipping isn't included in any of the above prices btw!

Corey

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elwesso
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I will wait for cheaper!!!!!!!!

AZ94Q
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I think either or is fine..

Personally I would pay up to $50 for a set of nice rings, like the ones on the BMW..

So 13 17, 20, etc seems to me like a bargain

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elwesso
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Agreed... It should really spice it up... Just look at the pic in my sig...

Maybe ill do a quick photochop this weekend.....

AZ94Q
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Wes,

Do that photoshop. I asked the seller to give me a total including shipping to gregs address, and he isn't responded. I doubt he will turn down money for much longer...

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Jeff Williams
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Corey, put me down for 2 sets.

I will install one, and sell the other on eBay.

This might turn into something big!

I can PayPal you the $$ anytime, to show my commitment level, and to get you some front-money.

Definitely the polished laser-cut aluminum - no chrome plating, & the 2 week delivery is preferred.

$13 plus freight is a great deal. I am assuming this is for all four gages.

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Thanks Jeff! Once I get the measurements I will be able to give you an exact quote. I did round up however to compensate in case my approximations were wrong. I'll start a new thread once I can give the quote down to the penny. Then just tack shipping on.

By the way, someone in the U.S. is going to have to re-ship these individually (they come individually wrapped, ready to ship seperately). I could do it, but then you're talking about having to pay tariff's coming into Canada and tariff's leaving Canada. IMO, best bet is to have a trusted NICO member re-ship them.

Maybe Greg or someone else would look at buying some extras to sell on eBay as well? That's a great idea Jeff!

Corey

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elwesso
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I can sell/distribute extras, especailly over the summer! NO LIFE!!!

If they're individually packaged, all Id have to do is take them to the post office or UPS to have them shipped! GOLDEN

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AZhitman
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Nice work Corey - Keep it up!

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szh
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1qckser wrote:http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...43951

Is this what your talking about?


I love how its showing 75mph at 0 rpm!!! :D

Z

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elwesso
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There you go!!! Its a rough photoshop, but I did what I could with the limited resources.....

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elwesso
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^^^ That looks as good as this, IMHO!


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elwesso
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Heres one on a 90-93 cluster..... I added surroundings around the bottom 2 things just for kicks and giggles.....

MiniMan
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Wes, would you be able to send me the original gauge cluster shot? I wouldn't mind fiddling with some different designs :D

Corey

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AZhitman
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Those M gauges are straight-up UGLY. Get with the times, BMW!

Amazing that it has a display to tell you what gear you're in.... Duh.

Wes, I think the thicker gauge ring looks better - What do you guys think?

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elwesso
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Well I think something in between the 2 would be good, PRIME!

Mini.. The first one, I obvioulsy use the pic in my sig... The second one, I found a picture on ebay.... Just do that.....

AZ94Q
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I dunno wtf is going on.

I may have to bid on another pair. I emailed the seller telling him I just need payment instructions, and final price.. no response.

First time I have been ignored trying to send money to someone.

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desertq45
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Jeff has the right idea... I've built 3-4 street rods and polished aluminum with a sealer will shine as much as chrome and probably be a lot cheaper to produce. His description of final product is good too.

If it gets to that point I'd be in for a set also.

AZ94Q
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I think the Y33 anniversary editions have rings around the guages, as well..

someone post up a pic :)

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elwesso
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Thats the best ebay can offer right now! :D


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