Just spiced up my dash a little - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

rusty ol' 69' · 03-15-2003, 01:09 AM

Here are some pics of my new/old dash. I just painted the needles, cleaned up the plastic lens and painted the bezel with chrome paint. I hate using chrome paint, but I think it turned out pretty good. I wish I took some before photos to show how bad it was.

Longhorn Man · 03-15-2003, 01:18 AM

Looks nice...esp for the $5 cash outlay.
You did a good job taping it all off.

rusty ol' 69' · 03-15-2003, 01:35 AM

Hey thanks man. I'm a cheap a$$ especially since I lost my job. It's nice to still be able to work on my truck, eventhough I ain't got the funds. The wifey thinks it looks awesome, it's nice to have a woman that supports my truck habits.

Capitol68 · 03-15-2003, 09:56 AM

excelent job, hope mine will look that good.

casey · 03-21-2003, 02:52 AM

rusty old 69 looks great, why do you hate that chrome paint, was thinking of giving mine a spruce up, it really needs to be replaced with a new one, but can't effort that, What did you use for needle paint, and how did you get the plastic lens lookin so good,, that really looks awesome for just a clean up

Hooter · 03-21-2003, 03:12 AM

I did that to my dash, but the paint underneath created a whole bunch of ripples

72shadetree · 03-21-2003, 03:59 AM

turned out nice

Edmond · 03-21-2003, 05:57 AM

That looks good man!!
I painted the needles too not to long ago. The look like new

Good luck!

Cya,
Edmond

Blue Beard · 03-21-2003, 08:41 AM

Nice job.............

Don't feel bad about being cheap.....sometimes better results and ideas come from being cheap...........

I had to retire, so now I trade welding skills, mech, and woodwork for what I need......

Which brand of paint did you use, and the process for application? Did you clear coat it, or polish it?

71-longbed · 03-21-2003, 08:57 AM

how hard is it to remove the needles for painting ??

Edmond · 03-21-2003, 10:09 AM

I didn't removed the needles....just masked of the surrounding.
It's not that difficult to do.

Cya,
Edmond

Joe67 · 03-21-2003, 10:15 AM

Nice work on the dash

useRc10 · 03-21-2003, 10:22 AM

i've heard to use chevy orange engine paint for teh needles...

Long Knight · 03-21-2003, 10:26 AM

Do you have a wooden steering wheel?

gman · 03-21-2003, 11:00 AM

I've heard Krylon Flourescent Orange is darn near a perfect match.

dubie · 03-21-2003, 11:30 AM

Here is mine. The wife stripped it all apart and painted everything. If i hadn't read that you used chrome paint, i would never have guessed. LOOKS GREAT!!! I might have to get some of that for some touch ups

Good job

rusty ol' 69' · 03-21-2003, 01:37 PM

Wow, thanks for the positive words everyone!

Gman you hit it right on the nose!! That's exactly what color I used. The Krylon label actually says Glow Orange Part# SCB-022 I picked it up at Kmart of all places.

Casey the reason I said I hate chrome paint is because it's usually really hard to handle and usually doesn't come out looking like anything close to chrome. I sanded off the old chrome with 400 grit to give the new paint something to grab onto, taped it up and shot it with Krylon original chrome. The plastic lens that took me a while to figure out. For some reason the lens had funny spots all over it that I couldn't get off. I tried some mayonaise-autozone guy said it would work-and it looked good for a little while but got kinda funky after a while, and chunky! So when I painted the needles I figured I'd give it another try. The mayo was a pain in the a$$ to get off, I tried rubbing alcohol which got off the mayo, but the spots were still there, so on a whim I tried some Nothin's Better water spot remover I picked up from true value, and it took off the funky spots, but also scratched up the lens arrrrgh. Well since it was already scratched I figured to heck with it and just cleaned off the rest of the lens with it. After a little polishing on the front it started to look a little better. Then I got out a paint brush and squirted some 2001 plastic protector-which is basically armorall-and polished it up with silk rag-old valentines present silk boxers LOL. And the thing shined like new!! I could believe it and it's still looking like brand new!! It definitely has lasted longer than the mayo.

71 Longbed: I just cut a slit in a piece of paper and slide it over the needle. You can also tape the slits if you want. I just worked around the slits by turning as I painted.

Blue beard: Didn't polish or clear it--I should have cleared it. Check response to casey for process and paint.

Long Knight: Yep it's wood alright. Can't remember what # Grant wheel it is I throw a pic up later tonight if you want.

Jason71k10 · 03-21-2003, 02:34 PM

how did you get such nice lines around the edges?? I tried this too, but it looked kinda shi++y, cuz the lines weren't smooth......especially around the outer "chrome" part??

Jason

Looks really nice, BTW

*Randy70C-10* · 03-21-2003, 02:55 PM

Sweet!

Looks like a new dash.

rusty ol' 69' · 03-21-2003, 07:45 PM

Jason71k10: I used regular masking tape and an exacto knife around the edges--the exacto needs a new blade but there was enough edge left to cut with. another way to do it is pick up a replacement razor blade. They're pretty cheep last time I checked--under a dollar at least. I used newspaper with cutouts to tape over the big parts that way you don't have to use that much tape.

Long Knight: Here's a pic of the wheel. Ignore the rusty kick panel. :p

Reumster · 03-21-2003, 08:23 PM

Turned out really good actually.

gmc67swb · 03-21-2003, 08:38 PM

NICE JOB, DID YOU JUST PLUCK OFF ALL THE NEEDLES TO PAINT THEM. I TRIED PULLING OFF A SPEEDO NEEDLE ONCE.. BOY, THAT THING WANTED NO PART OF COMING OFF!

Jason71k10 · 03-21-2003, 08:40 PM

I did the same thing rusty ol'69, but it didn't turn out as well as your's. I'll admit, it was kind of a hurried job at taping. Actually, now that i think about it, the paint kept peeling on me...that's why I gave up on it........just til i had more time to do it properly. I 'll try again this spring

Jason

*racedvl* · 03-21-2003, 09:30 PM

Low budget always brings out the best in ya, don't it?

Looks great, great job.

trailwart · 03-21-2003, 09:41 PM

looks good

03-15-2003, 01:09 AM	#1
rusty ol' 69' Grubbin' Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Chico, CA Posts: 293	Just spiced up my dash a little Here are some pics of my new/old dash. I just painted the needles, cleaned up the plastic lens and painted the bezel with chrome paint. I hate using chrome paint, but I think it turned out pretty good. I wish I took some before photos to show how bad it was. Attached Images __________________ project rust attack 1969 Chevrolet LWB w/ 307. I got power steering now woohooooo!!!!!!!

03-15-2003, 01:35 AM	#3
rusty ol' 69' Grubbin' Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Chico, CA Posts: 293	Hey thanks man. I'm a cheap a$$ especially since I lost my job. It's nice to still be able to work on my truck, eventhough I ain't got the funds. The wifey thinks it looks awesome, it's nice to have a woman that supports my truck habits. __________________ project rust attack 1969 Chevrolet LWB w/ 307. I got power steering now woohooooo!!!!!!!

03-15-2003, 09:56 AM	#4
Capitol68 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Austin,Tx Posts: 327	excelent job, hope mine will look that good. __________________ '68 Fleet LWB orig 307 .030 over GM Hei/w Accel Super coil orig. stock TH 400. _______________________ “What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal.” Albert Pine English author d.1851

03-21-2003, 03:12 AM	#6
Hooter My other Love Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Castlegar B.C. Canada Posts: 4,085	I did that to my dash, but the paint underneath created a whole bunch of ripples __________________ Castlegar B.C.The great white North (Canada Eh!) Hooter_5@hotmail.com First generation Monte Carlo club pictures of my life

03-21-2003, 03:59 AM	#7
72shadetree KEEP ON TRUCKING Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: martinsville va Posts: 2,563	turned out nice __________________ 72 cheyenne 2wd lwb 71 k20 sons bassett va

03-15-2003, 01:18 AM	#2
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Looks nice...esp for the $5 cash outlay. You did a good job taping it all off.

03-21-2003, 02:52 AM	#5
casey Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Kelowna B.C. Canada Posts: 2,048	rusty old 69 looks great, why do you hate that chrome paint, was thinking of giving mine a spruce up, it really needs to be replaced with a new one, but can't effort that, What did you use for needle paint, and how did you get the plastic lens lookin so good,, that really looks awesome for just a clean up

03-21-2003, 05:57 AM	#8
Edmond Registered User Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 1,063	That looks good man!! I painted the needles too not to long ago. The look like new Good luck! Cya, Edmond __________________ 1971 Chevy C/20 Longhorn, 350/TH400, Edelbrock Performer, IMPCO 425 LPG Carb 1974 Chevy Camaro Z28 (Original) ------------------------- The Netherlands

03-21-2003, 08:41 AM	#9
Blue Beard Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Washington State Posts: 8,834	Nice job............. Don't feel bad about being cheap.....sometimes better results and ideas come from being cheap........... I had to retire, so now I trade welding skills, mech, and woodwork for what I need...... Which brand of paint did you use, and the process for application? Did you clear coat it, or polish it? __________________ 1970 Chev CST 2003 Harley Fatboy 1975 Chevrolet Step Van 1956 Chev Bel Air 1977 Blazer 2WD For Sale $3000.00 1978 Blazer 2WD For Sale $7000.00 1978 Silverado 2005 Monte Carlo

03-21-2003, 08:57 AM	#10
71-longbed Its Magically Delicious Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: oregon Posts: 2,398	how hard is it to remove the needles for painting ?? __________________ 71 C10 LWB 350sbc -TH350 12 bolt 3.42 Posi Of all my favorite things to do, The utmost is to have a brew. My love grows for my foamy friend, with each thirst-quenching elbow bend. Beer so frosty, smooth, and cold it's paradise pure liquid gold. Yes beer means many things to me that's all for now cus I gotta pee.

03-21-2003, 10:09 AM	#11
Edmond Registered User Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 1,063	I didn't removed the needles....just masked of the surrounding. It's not that difficult to do. Cya, Edmond __________________ 1971 Chevy C/20 Longhorn, 350/TH400, Edelbrock Performer, IMPCO 425 LPG Carb 1974 Chevy Camaro Z28 (Original) ------------------------- The Netherlands

03-21-2003, 10:15 AM	#12
Joe67 67 is sold Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Troy, Michigan Posts: 6,738	Nice work on the dash __________________ Joe - Formerly 67c10step ------------------------------- 1967 Chevy Stepside - ECE 4/6, fuelcell, 5lug - SOLD gr8lakes - My ebay auctions Click here to order forum apparel :: Click here to become a subscribing member

03-21-2003, 10:22 AM	#13
useRc10 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Mechanicsville, VA, 23111 Posts: 1,138	i've heard to use chevy orange engine paint for teh needles... __________________ -'02 Chevy Avalanche, 5.3L, 4x4... needing a small lift and bigger tires -'72 Chevy C-10(350, bored 60 over)dual flowmasters, 3 on the tree -'85 K5 Blazer,305 NO MORE...350 is in,2" lift,33" Mickey Thompson Baja Claw Radials -dads '70 burb (red, 5-7 drop, 350...) www.geocities.com/userc10/truckhome.html AIM: Auntjoedadda

03-21-2003, 10:26 AM	#14
Long Knight Spank 'em if you got 'em! Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Kansas City Posts: 628	Do you have a wooden steering wheel? __________________ Long Knight '71 C-20, 350ci, TH350, Edl. 1406 Carb w/elec.choke, Ignitor ignition, Viper Tires, Orange Dipstick

03-21-2003, 11:00 AM	#15
gman Registered User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Ogden, Utah Posts: 290	I've heard Krylon Flourescent Orange is darn near a perfect match. __________________ 72 Chevy SWB Custom Deluxe K10, 350/SM465, PS, PB, Fact. Air 2000 Harley...Wide Glide



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03-21-2003, 11:30 AM	#16
dubie Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Flin Flon, Manitoba, Canada Posts: 8,855	Here is mine. The wife stripped it all apart and painted everything. If i hadn't read that you used chrome paint, i would never have guessed. LOOKS GREAT!!! I might have to get some of that for some touch ups Good job __________________ My name's Tim and I'm a truckaholic My 56 Chevy shop truck build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=562795 Last edited by dubie; 03-21-2003 at 11:35 AM.

03-21-2003, 01:37 PM	#17
rusty ol' 69' Grubbin' Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Chico, CA Posts: 293	Wow, thanks for the positive words everyone! Gman you hit it right on the nose!! That's exactly what color I used. The Krylon label actually says Glow Orange Part# SCB-022 I picked it up at Kmart of all places. Casey the reason I said I hate chrome paint is because it's usually really hard to handle and usually doesn't come out looking like anything close to chrome. I sanded off the old chrome with 400 grit to give the new paint something to grab onto, taped it up and shot it with Krylon original chrome. The plastic lens that took me a while to figure out. For some reason the lens had funny spots all over it that I couldn't get off. I tried some mayonaise-autozone guy said it would work-and it looked good for a little while but got kinda funky after a while, and chunky! So when I painted the needles I figured I'd give it another try. The mayo was a pain in the a$$ to get off, I tried rubbing alcohol which got off the mayo, but the spots were still there, so on a whim I tried some Nothin's Better water spot remover I picked up from true value, and it took off the funky spots, but also scratched up the lens arrrrgh. Well since it was already scratched I figured to heck with it and just cleaned off the rest of the lens with it. After a little polishing on the front it started to look a little better. Then I got out a paint brush and squirted some 2001 plastic protector-which is basically armorall-and polished it up with silk rag-old valentines present silk boxers LOL. And the thing shined like new!! I could believe it and it's still looking like brand new!! It definitely has lasted longer than the mayo. 71 Longbed: I just cut a slit in a piece of paper and slide it over the needle. You can also tape the slits if you want. I just worked around the slits by turning as I painted. Blue beard: Didn't polish or clear it--I should have cleared it. Check response to casey for process and paint. Long Knight: Yep it's wood alright. Can't remember what # Grant wheel it is I throw a pic up later tonight if you want. __________________ project rust attack 1969 Chevrolet LWB w/ 307. I got power steering now woohooooo!!!!!!! Last edited by rusty ol' 69'; 03-21-2003 at 01:43 PM.

03-21-2003, 02:34 PM	#18
Jason71k10 ready for reassembly Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Barrie ONT, Canada Posts: 413	how did you get such nice lines around the edges?? I tried this too, but it looked kinda shi++y, cuz the lines weren't smooth......especially around the outer "chrome" part?? Jason Looks really nice, BTW __________________ stock 71 4x4 2003 Jeep Liberty, rocky mountain edition I'm obsessed, and wouldn't have it any other way!

03-21-2003, 02:55 PM	#19
Randy70C-10 Account Suspended Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Virginia Beach, Va. U.S.A. Posts: 15,320	Sweet! Looks like a new dash.

03-21-2003, 07:45 PM	#20
rusty ol' 69' Grubbin' Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Chico, CA Posts: 293	Jason71k10: I used regular masking tape and an exacto knife around the edges--the exacto needs a new blade but there was enough edge left to cut with. another way to do it is pick up a replacement razor blade. They're pretty cheep last time I checked--under a dollar at least. I used newspaper with cutouts to tape over the big parts that way you don't have to use that much tape. Long Knight: Here's a pic of the wheel. Ignore the rusty kick panel. :p Attached Images __________________ project rust attack 1969 Chevrolet LWB w/ 307. I got power steering now woohooooo!!!!!!!

03-21-2003, 08:23 PM	#21
Reumster L.E.D. Freak Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Polson MT Posts: 1,358	Turned out really good actually. __________________ Specializing in Custom L.E.D. inserts. http://www.ccled.com/ Contact me @ blazer2wd1972@hotmail.com (406)675-8082 or Joel @ jmcwaters@eps-corp.net 1972 2wd Blazer, 350/700R4/3:73 posi, err & Custom L.E.D. inserts! LOL

03-21-2003, 08:38 PM	#22
gmc67swb Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Mesquite, Tx Posts: 396	NICE JOB, DID YOU JUST PLUCK OFF ALL THE NEEDLES TO PAINT THEM. I TRIED PULLING OFF A SPEEDO NEEDLE ONCE.. BOY, THAT THING WANTED NO PART OF COMING OFF! __________________ GM 330HP/350, Magnuson 122HH, Tremec TKO 5spd

03-21-2003, 08:40 PM	#23
Jason71k10 ready for reassembly Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Barrie ONT, Canada Posts: 413	I did the same thing rusty ol'69, but it didn't turn out as well as your's. I'll admit, it was kind of a hurried job at taping. Actually, now that i think about it, the paint kept peeling on me...that's why I gave up on it........just til i had more time to do it properly. I 'll try again this spring Jason __________________ stock 71 4x4 2003 Jeep Liberty, rocky mountain edition I'm obsessed, and wouldn't have it any other way!

03-21-2003, 09:30 PM	#24
racedvl Account Suspended Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Woodstock, IL Posts: 7,020	Low budget always brings out the best in ya, don't it? Looks great, great job.

03-21-2003, 09:41 PM	#25
trailwart Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: michigan Posts: 356	looks good __________________ 72 chevy 3\4 ton 4 speed 4x4 84 1\2 ton 4x4 (gone but not forgotten, thanks for the memories) 1999 suburban 4x4 1982 chevrolet S-10 V-8 (Thanks uncle EARL)

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