Repairing or cleaning inside of gauge glass? How to re-ring?

Have we ever figured out a way to get that ring off and BACK ON that holds the Kawasaki gauges together like the one on the GPz550 I am working on now? The inside of the glass has some kind of condensation on it that won't go away.

 

My rebuild thread shows how to open the gauges.  I think it's somewhere near page 3 or so.  

Thanks. That is amazing rebuild!

So did you use the same screwdriver to put the ring back on, or how did you get it re-crimped back on?

You can use a screwdriver, or better, a punch and hammer, to push the lip back down.  

Pry slowly, a little at a time, as you work around the gauge.  It will take several revolutions around before the lip is suitably opened.  Same when closing; go slow, a little at a time, as you work around.

What is the ring made from? Tin? Would heat help, also?

I think if you apply enough heat to modify the properties of almost any metal, you'll run the risk of damaging the gauge face and/or internals

Agree no heat is needed. I know I am old but I think for some reason I have see some one on some on line site where a wheel was use to push  the ring back done tight but I can not find what I am thinking of sorry This getting old is not for sissies!

Nerdy wrote:

I think if you apply enough heat to modify the properties of almost any metal, you'll run the risk of damaging the gauge face and/or internals

This is an understatement.  The metal needs to be red hot in order to ease bending, and the plastic gauge housing would melt into a puddle