Replacement Needles are available.

This website's sponsor:
American Classic Truck Parts:
1947-1948 Red Orange Chev SP186 $6.75
1947-1951 Red/Orange Chev SP 186-G $6.75
1949-1953 White Chev SP185 $7.00
1952-1953 White GMC SP185-G $7.00

Also:
Truck Shop www.truckandcarshop.com :
47-53 Part No. 47-03506 $ 5.00 each
55-59 Part No. 55-03507 $ 5.00 each

~ Kimberly
My '54 ... and my '63 and a '59 F100