Instrument cluster 1968 silver paint question

[72c20customcamper]

I’m redoing my dash and the bezel is in great shape but needs painting . What have you used for the silver? I’ve look and haven’t found a flat silver . Closest I’ve come across is semi but I don’t think it would look right . I already have a new lens . The black is easy just this silver is the hurdle.

['68OrangeSunshine]

I used Silver/Fawn/Poly. but I don't know where to get it anymore.

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by 72c20customcamper

I’m redoing my dash and the bezel is in great shape but needs painting . What have you used for the silver? I’ve look and haven’t found a flat silver . Closest I’ve come across is semi but I don’t think it would look right . I already have a new lens . The black is easy just this silver is the hurdle.

This thread might give you some tips. The photos are blurry though.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=655962

LockDoc

[67C10Step]

If you like the look of what I did on my 67 I’ll dig through my rattle cans. It was one of those.

[72c20customcamper]

Originally Posted by 67C10Step

If you like the look of what I did on my 67 I’ll dig through my rattle cans. It was one of those.

That's the look I'm looking for as close to factory as possible

[Willie Makeit]

Argent Silver, the same as used on rally wheels.

[dmjlambert]

I believe the factory finish was an attempt at chrome, but has become somewhat worn over the years of aging. The chrome on plastic painting technology has improved through the years, so our trucks may have had some of the first attempts at doing that. My 1969 truck was sitting since 1986 and I doubt they had reproductions of much of anything at that time. There are parts of it that have a mirror-like look. Now it is faded and some of it is worn off and some of it flat.

[72c20customcamper]

Originally Posted by dmjlambert

I believe the factory finish was an attempt at chrome, but has become somewhat worn over the years of aging. The chrome on plastic painting technology has improved through the years, so our trucks may have had some of the first attempts at doing that. My 1969 truck was sitting since 1986 and I doubt they had reproductions of much of anything at that time. There are parts of it that have a mirror-like look. Now it is faded and some of it is worn off and some of it flat.

67-68 were different than 69-72 . This is my 72 which is “chrome “ and black totally different look .

[72c20customcamper]

Well it’s all done . The gages aren’t perfect the lower ones the white is rusty but I’m not going to replace them . Let the next owner do that

[72c20customcamper]

Painted the gage holes from the back to give it the factory soft edge . Used SEM trim black and Rustoleum plastic paint silver . Very low gloss which is what I wanted

[LockDoc]

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Came out good!

LockDoc

[dave6672]

Looks nice!

[ThreeQuarter]

Nice job! Bookmarking for when I want to make mine look more authentic…

['68OrangeSunshine]

Here's a pic of my Fawn shot on the Instrument Panel. After 18 years it's not holding up too well. I would use Argent Silver next time.

[leftybass209]

That looks good. Did you put any clear coat over it?

Harsh sunlight can wreak havoc on paint with no UV barrier. Also true, is a poor UV barrier or poor clearcoat can yellow over time. Oils on your skin, and especially any vinyl wipes or cleaners will be unforgiving to your newly painted gauge panel. The worst cleaners can even soften the paint, which may soften the top layer of plastic it's bonded to.

Sorry for the excessive info... been competitive model building for over 30 years, so i've painted a lot of plastic, and made even more mistakes!

[leftybass209]

Also as a bit of extra that i didn't think about. For "chrome" highlights, there's an option to get some convincing actual Chrome effects, and not just really bright silver like so many chrome spray paints are.

Molotow liquid chrome pens! They work great for the Choke, Lights, Wipers lettering that may rub off over time, and/or getting little chips in chrome bezels. This stuff is NOT hard wearing through. There are some other actual chrome effects paints that work well, but they are more finnicky and are more for static display, not day in day out use.

[72c20customcamper]

Originally Posted by leftybass209

That looks good. Did you put any clear coat over it?

Harsh sunlight can wreak havoc on paint with no UV barrier. Also true, is a poor UV barrier or poor clearcoat can yellow over time. Oils on your skin, and especially any vinyl wipes or cleaners will be unforgiving to your newly painted gauge panel. The worst cleaners can even soften the paint, which may soften the top layer of plastic it's bonded to.

Sorry for the excessive info... been competitive model building for over 30 years, so i've painted a lot of plastic, and made even more mistakes!

Both paints are for interior and exterior use so they have a uv protectant