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TR2/3/3A rubber O rings that go around the gauges

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sp53

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I am trying to figure out if those rubber O rings that go around the gauges are more cosmetic rather than utilitarian. They are not very expensive, and I have put many gauges in and not thought about it until now when I saw them as I was going to order some dash lightbulbs. Any suggestions are helpful.
 
At least on the old car's I've had, that rubber ring damps the car's vibrations from the glass gauge cover.

Tom M.
 
I think you two are talking about two different rubber rings. There is the one between the bezel and glass and then there is the seal that goes around the gauge case and is sandwiched between the bezel and the dashboard.

As Tom said, the one between the bezel and glass mainly prevents vibration and noise. The ones around the gauge case offer some noise dampening but are not as necessary as the seals to the glass. Where visible they are somewhat cosmetic.
 
They "may" help block out some moisture and vibration which will help the gauge clamps from vibrating loose. Added them to my TR3 and like the look.
 
I get the impression the O-rings were not used against the vinyl covered panel, but were when the panel switched to painted. I have nothing to back that thought up, though.
 
I think that the o-ring might also keep the two metals from galling, but they are so tiny as to be almost un-noticeable. Mine were old and compressed, so they must've been doing something. Cheap enough to replace, why not?
 
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