I have a Wayne model 80 that I'm restoring and in need of help on restoring my indented computer wheels. The computer operates properly, so that doesn't have to be rebuilt. I am going to motorize this unit, so I would like the numbers to look good. I don't care for the look of stickers. Any ideas on how to accomplish this would be greatly appreciated. Thank you Mike

I'd almost Guarantee that after you paint 1 set You'll never do another, let alone the other side!

I went through a trail and error trying a lot of ideas,but this worked for me.I removed the wheels and stripped all paint and painted them with black Dupont Centari Acrylic Enamel with hardener.I let them dry for about a week,then hand painted the numbers with white water base house paint.I was not careful about getting outside the numbers.I let them dry about a hour.Then I used Mr Clean Magic Eraser to remove the excessive white paint.After that dried I clear coated them.Click the link for pictures.http://www.oldgas.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Main=42315&Number=270793#Post270793

Was that for a static display or to be motorized?
By removing from VR frame, most will have a problem getting them back into the correct bank & timing.

It is motorized.When you remove the shaft make sure you start on zeros and do take lots of pictures.Keep the wheels together for each shaft.Do not mix them up.Take pictures of each part you remove as to orientation.Take your time.You will need to make a dummy shaft to fit width of the wheels to reinstall them.I had no problems but it took a lot of time.

A lot station owners would keep sets of extra wheels to fix broken wheels.Cheaper than calling a pump mechanic.

I consider myself fairly mechanically inclined and very brave and always up for a good challenge! Having said that; I`m kinda unsure if I would remove the number wheels from a VR.

Obviously there was a mass production method of painting them originally. I've suspected they were painted white then rolled over an "inked" surface, to apply a good flowing, black paint to all the raised surface. Maybe some retarder to let it flow more, or cooler temps... It's the small, silk screened type reels that really have me wondering how one would redo them without decals. Am I way off?

How about a paint marker from an arts and crafts store?

Some stations might have kept an extra VR or 2, but I can almost guarantee that station operators didn't change out individual VR wheels as they seldom ever go bad.
Operators did keep extra nozzles & hoses to change out as needed. When the service guy came around, he would replace the worn out nozzle/hose & charge the station.

This is true, and is still the case today. A few of the mom and pop stations that I calibrate will ask me to change a hose, nozzle, a breakaway or even a filter. I usually do it for free as good will.

Most indented wheels are marked
1-R, 2-R, 3-R for 1 side
4-L, 5-L, 6-L for the other
10ths wheel on the bottom
NOS set would be the best route
Joe

Where can I get NOS wheels,and what would they cost?
Mike

Post for some just make sure they are a complete set
the price wheel are B,E,A,F and 2 C wheels
On feebay sometimes, But the have to be the 3" not the 4" wheels
Normally $35-$50
That is cheaper than I can restore them for
Joe