What paint for metal dash

[Carl Spangler]

Greetings

What paint should/can I use for the metal dash in a 71 C10? I have a decent gun so I'm not planning on rattle canning it. If possible I'd prefer to not use "automotive" paint.

thanks
JohnG

[Indian113]

I would use a Single Stage paint if it was me. But that is a automotive paint.

[cg285]

i guess the question is why do we not want automotive paint on an automotive truck?

[Carl Spangler]

I only have the big box stores and Sherwin Williams in my Az area. Looking for a paint that I can get/apply without major hassle. I'll call SW tomorrow and see if they carry any of their automotive paints.

Any suggestions still appreciated.
JohnG

[BigDan3131]

I suppose it depends on color and whether or not you have the truck torn apart or not.

[Carl Spangler]

Originally Posted by BigDan3131

I suppose it depends on color and whether or not you have the truck torn apart or not.

Dash is completely stripped (windshield still in though) and I want to paint it an 'white-offwhite'.

thanks
JohnG

[Indian113]

Try looking up TCP Global paint, I think they will ship it to you.

[theastronaut]

If there is a Tractor Supply local to you they'll have quarts of tractor enamel that will work, and they'll have plenty of colors to choose from. Make sure to use a hardener in it.

[JointTech]

doesnt the dash need to be flat so the glare doesnt blind you?

[Carl Spangler]

I'm going to try some Sherwin Williams Acrylic Enamel. Will post some pics in a few days.

[turp mcspray]

Originally Posted by JointTech

doesnt the dash need to be flat so the glare doesnt blind you?

Paint the top "flat". If you don't, you will wish you did!

[Carl Spangler]

Originally Posted by turp mcspray

Paint the top "flat". If you don't, you will wish you did!

Ugh, I got 'gloss' ...................

[Grumpy old man]

Pull the windshield and do it right or you will wish you did , the dash is not large enough to have gloss reflection problems unless you plan on painting the dash pad too ?

[mrolds88]

Might want to look where you got the paint. Or even at HD. Pick up a rattle can of flat clear.

[turp mcspray]

Originally Posted by Carl Spangler

Ugh, I got 'gloss' ...................

Paint the face gloss, just not the top.

[Carl Spangler]

Originally Posted by turp mcspray

Paint the face gloss, just not the top.

perhaps, a very light buff with some 400 wet-dry paper will work for the top. Will see...................

thanks for the suggestions!
JohnG

[Carl Spangler]

opps......... duplicate post.

[Carl Spangler]

Making steady progress: Patched the numerous holes in the dash (from the PO), sanded/prepped the surface, and then primed it.

If the weather cooperates tomorrow I should get the top coat applied.


cheers
JohnG

[dougf]

Looks great, cant wait until im at the same stage! Looking forward to the finished product.

[Carl Spangler]

Finished the top coat today and I'm "OK" with the results. Lessons learned.............
1.) Avoid paint work in the middle of winter. Cold steel doesn't like paint!
2.) Primer gun is a 'no bueno' for trim work. My bad that my trim gun is not here at the ranch and I continued on with an ancient primer gun.
3.) "Limited time/get it done fast" should never be combined with paint work. My bad again, leaving town on Mon and I can't stomach the idea of leaving the truck unfinished.

All pretty much self inflicted problems!

Anyway, I think the paintwork came out just OK: had to redo a couple runs and such. My paint skills are quite rusty (no pun intended) so this job may qualify as a "learning experience". TBD, until I get it back together.

I'll post some pics tomorrow night.

cheers
JohnG

[BC10]

I am about to my metal dash as well. It seems like the one area that will be the toughest will be right under my windshield, especially since my windshield is still on. Did you sand the dash down to bare metal?
I was going to paint mine today, but with the cold weather and rain, I might need to wait a couple of more weeks.

[Carl Spangler]

Originally Posted by BC10

I am about to my metal dash as well. It seems like the one area that will be the toughest will be right under my windshield, especially since my windshield is still on. Did you sand the dash down to bare metal?
I was going to paint mine today, but with the cold weather and rain, I might need to wait a couple of more weeks.

I sanded down that area and removed all of the paint the PO applied and some of the factory paint. I actually used a cheap knife to get to the area "under" the lower edge of the window molding. Taping the lower edge was a PITA but possible. Blow the crap out of the area as debris will be hiding under the window molding.

If you don't have one already I would highly recommend an 'HVLP detail gun" for spraying the dash. These detail guns are relatively small and will allow for very fine control of the paint.

Cold and wet is the NOT a good combo for any paintwork. I had a lot of problems due to cold and wrong spray gun. I was in a rush to finish the job so I did the job with a VERY old primer gun with the temps in the low 50's. Big mistake that while recoverable was NOT the 'right' approach. I'll post pics when I get back to the ranch (later Feb) and finish the assembly.

cheers
JohnG

[BC10]

Originally Posted by Carl Spangler

I sanded down that area and removed all of the paint the PO applied and some of the factory paint. I actually used a cheap knife to get to the area "under" the lower edge of the window molding. Taping the lower edge was a PITA but possible. Blow the crap out of the area as debris will be hiding under the window molding.

If you don't have one already I would highly recommend an 'HVLP detail gun" for spraying the dash. These detail guns are relatively small and will allow for very fine control of the paint.

Cold and wet is the NOT a good combo for any paintwork. I had a lot of problems due to cold and wrong spray gun. I was in a rush to finish the job so I did the job with a VERY old primer gun with the temps in the low 50's. Big mistake that while recoverable was NOT the 'right' approach. I'll post pics when I get back to the ranch (later Feb) and finish the assembly.

cheers
JohnG

Thanks for info John, I am glad I found this thread because I probably saved myself some major headaches. I was going to use the preval system to attack my dash, but am now having second thoughts. I had to sand through three layers on mine, burgundy, black, and orange, I left left most of the factory paint on because that stuff is tough.
I am going to start looking for a detail gun, any recommendations?
I had asked some paint shops around me for quotes, and they wanted around a $1000 to paint the entire interior.
I bought some dark grey DuPont auto paint, and will provide an update on how turns out.
Looking forward to your pics, and good luck!

[Carl Spangler]

Originally Posted by BC10

Thanks for info John, I am glad I found this thread because I probably saved myself some major headaches. I was going to use the preval system to attack my dash, but am now having second thoughts. I had to sand through three layers on mine, burgundy, black, and orange, I left left most of the factory paint on because that stuff is tough.
I am going to start looking for a detail gun, any recommendations?
I had asked some paint shops around me for quotes, and they wanted around a $1000 to paint the entire interior.
I bought some dark grey DuPont auto paint, and will provide an update on how turns out.
Looking forward to your pics, and good luck!

Looking forward to seeing some pics/updates from you.......... add them here if you want.

I have an inexpensive "Tool Force" HVLP detail gun (Amazon) that works remarkably well. That said, I would like to see recommendations on more pro oriented detail HVLP guns from the more experience folks that hang out here.

cheers
JohnG

[Grumpy old man]

Guys , For the cost of a new windshield gasket you will have a much better job when your done , paint just doesn't like to be shot into a dead corner and you will end up with one of 2 results , A dry sandy surface or runs and neither look good .For all the effort and time sanding and prepping not to mention materials cost and your just wasting your time and cash for a poor result .Take a good look at the gasket ,it probably could use a new one anyway !