Electroluminescent Gauges
What is Electroluminescence?
In 1960-3, and again in 1966-67, far ahead of its time, Chrysler designed their dash instruments using electroluminescent technology. How do these gauges light without bulbs, filaments, or gases? The answer lies in ceramic engineering. The gauges and pointers are composed of laminated layers of material that glow when a high-voltage alternating current is applied. As a result, the pointers are a light source in themselves, as are the gauges. A typical gauge or pointer is composed of several layers:
- A sheet of vitreous enameling steel forms the instrument back.
- A layer of solid ceramic is applied to the steel sheet.
- Another layer is added which has electroluminescent phosphor suspended in ceramic.
- A transparent, electrically conducting layer is then added.
- A finish layer of transparent glass coating is sprayed on.
The gauges and pointers are powered by a power pack, which converts the 12 volt D/C to 200 volts A/C at 250 cycles per second. The power pack on a 1960-2 Chrysler or 1960-3 Imperial is mounted on the cowl side panel underneath the instrument panel. On the 1966-67 Chargers, it is mounted to the lower lip of the instrument panel, behind the glove box.
Restoration of electroluminescent gauges
JC Auto Restoration is one of the very few shops around the world that has the experience, knowledge and parts to restore these beautiful and complex gauge clusters. Please contact us ahead of time for an initial pre-evaluation. Upon receipt of your carefully packaged instruments, we will evaluate them for both function and appearance and send you a quote. There is no charge for this service; however, you are responsible for the cost of the return shipping. Suggestions for how to safely package your instruments can be found HERE. All electroluminescent gauges should be sent to our Montana division in Helena. They can be reached at (406) 422.0677.
All other Gauges
JC Auto Restoration has significant experience restoring instrument clusters for Chrysler product vehicles from the 1920s through the early 1970s. Please contact us to see if your project is one that we can help you with. You can see examples of some of our previous work on the Gallery page.
