Painting the Dash (still in the cab)?

[Sean C]

Anyone ever do this? I figure if I pull the seats and tape everything up this shouldn't be a problem. Any special tips as far as sanding the dash like covering vents and what not?

Sean

[TJ's Chevy]

I'd pull the window and seal out. It'll make things easier. Far as I know the dash is bolted in.

[Sean C]

Originally Posted by T.J. MCCAULEY

I'd pull the window and seal out. It'll make things easier. Far as I know the dash is bolted in.

I believe there are several spot welds along the seam of the windshield. I'd rather not drill them out

[oem4me]

I did it years ago with no probs. Masking will take a lot of time to do it properly, but it'll be worth it. Cutting corners and saving a few hours while masking will show in the results ...forever. You could pull the windshield, but it's not absolutely necessary. Depending upon the type and size of spray gun you use, getting down in close where the dash and glass meet will be the biggest challenge, and naturally, ANYTHING you don't want painted will have to be removed or covered.

[unique760]

yeah I took out the seat and carpet when I painted my dad's 66. as well as the cluster and heater components and painted them outside the cab. I also took out the heater vents and painted them a different color. the only trouble is sanding the lip between the windshield rubber and dash, I just pushed the sandpaper a little under the rubber and sanded like that, other than that it was smooth sailing with the prep. these are before and after pics

[Sean C]

Originally Posted by unique760

yeah I took out the seat and carpet when I painted my dad's 66. as well as the cluster and heater components and painted them outside the cab. I also took out the heater vents and painted them a different color. the only trouble is sanding the lip between the windshield rubber and dash, I just pushed the sandpaper a little under the rubber and sanded like that, other than that it was smooth sailing with the prep. these are before and after pics

Awesome!! Thanks for the pics amigo and to the others who responded! I'll put up some pics when I'm finished. I'm pretty excited for this one

[Sean C]

I think mine turned out pretty alright! Thanks again fellas

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post6703083

[1963c-10]

Don't think you'd have the same success with a 60-63 style dash due to the shape....but nice job.

[BR3W CITY]

I'd have no issue doing it without the windshield in. With it in place, I wouldn't even bother, as I wouldn't be happy not being able to angle the gun to both sides.

[Ronw435]

Any threads on removing the windshield?

[BR3W CITY]

Originally Posted by Ronw435

Any threads on removing the windshield?

[terbronco7]

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1401762434

[Ronw435]

BR3W City, that was not quite the answer I was looking forward but I can share your frustration........lol.

[1963c-10]

Originally Posted by Ronw435

Any threads on removing the windshield?

Easiest way is to cut the gasket from the inside while having else work from the outside. Should come out with minor work, just make sure to catch the glass so it doesn't fall out.

[Ronw435]

Thanks 1963c-10. I guess the worse thing that can happen is breaking the windshield, but with Deep Ellum Auto Glass being close by it sounds like an alternative.

[BR3W CITY]

Originally Posted by Ronw435

Thanks 1963c-10. I guess the worse thing that can happen is breaking the windshield, but with Deep Ellum Auto Glass being close by it sounds like an alternative.

In seriousness, the only advice I can give is that;

you might as well factor a new windshield into budget, and then be happy if you don't need it. When taking them out, its really common to either cut the gasket (eliminating the "press" fit), or to use those metal hook deals. On an older windshield, its possible to chip the outer lamination, and when you go to reinstall; craaaack.

They can be removed, but its gotta be in perfect shape, and removed in a way preventing chipping on the edges. If those things are not an issue, then it should come out and be able to be reinstalled later without any more headache than usual.

[1963c-10]

Although there was a member here who decided it was easier to kick the windshield out from inside the cab.....but he was going to replace the windshield anyways...

[terbronco7]

BR3W CITY is correct one chip and crackkkkkkk... I broke 2 new ones installing mine 3rd time was the charm.http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1401835228

[66BigBackWindow]

Thanks for the pics. I have a 66 that a previous owner primered the entire inside of the cab. Including the data plate on the drivers kick panel. I really want to see fawn back in there some day.

[vin63]

I just finished painting the interior. I removed the windshield so I could get a good consistent spray pattern on the top of the dash and A-pillars. I cut the weather strip around the glass with a utility knife with new blades, and tilted the windshield out (extra set of hands helps here). I removed a dash out of a parts cab once, but I would not want to try and re-install it after it was painted. It was a pain to remove cutting all of the welds...I can't imagine trying to install it without dings or chips.

Primer...


...base coat...


...satin clear...