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Dash restoration

43tutor

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Location
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I just finished the dash restoration on my 72 SSP.

The clear plastic lens over my gauges where all scratched and somewhat yellowed. I used a headlight polishing kit to restore the clear lens and the results turned out great.

I used "Mothers" headlight polishing kit. I followed the directions using the wet sanding techniques in the instructions and then polished three times to achieve a crystal clear finish.

The pics show a before and after side by side comparison. The only issue that I had was the clean-up after the process was complete. The wet sanding residue did get between the lens and the housing but I just used a paper towel and gently cleaned in between the lens and the housing to remove the residue.
 

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Looks great!
 
i'll have to remember that tip in the future.
 
Huge difference and looks great! Wish i would have known this 8 months ago.. Good idea!
 
A great improvement! Really takes the years off, doesn't it? I'm in the process of restoring my '70 dash, I'll show that when it's done.
 
Great tip! I use it. Getting ready to so the dash on my 70 Coronet R/T. Thanks.
 
Excellent job and it makes it look like new.

Did you have to use a buffer or just hand buff it?
Ron
 
I just finished mine as well for my 73RR!!!! plus added all new gaskets for the turnsignals, light switches etc, repainted the needles and "chrome" trim.
 

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Thanks

They look like new..much better than i expected.....
Thanks again rick

i just finished the dash restoration on my 72 ssp.

The clear plastic lens over my gauges where all scratched and somewhat yellowed. I used a headlight polishing kit to restore the clear lens and the results turned out great.

I used "mothers" headlight polishing kit. I followed the directions using the wet sanding techniques in the instructions and then polished three times to achieve a crystal clear finish.

The pics show a before and after side by side comparison. The only issue that i had was the clean-up after the process was complete. The wet sanding residue did get between the lens and the housing but i just used a paper towel and gently cleaned in between the lens and the housing to remove the residue.
 
Looks like new

I JUST LOOKED AT YOUR LINK THEY CAME OUT SUPER NICE..I DID NOT THINK YOU COULD BRING THEM BACK TO LIFE BUT, YOU DID..
THANKS AGAIN RICK:blob1:



I just finished mine as well for my 73RR!!!! plus added all new gaskets for the turnsignals, light switches etc, repainted the needles and "chrome" trim.
 
Ron of Chicago asked if I used a buffer. The Mothers headlight kit comes with a buffing pad that you chuck into a drill. I used that to buff the plastic along with the polishing compound from the kit.

Another tip that I can offer.

I read several places on other threads about using a silver Sharpie marker to touch-up the silver accents around the dash. I tried the Sharpie but didn't have any luck. I found that a paint marker from Testors works great. I bought my marker from a local hobby store. The color is Argent Silver. I lightly sanded the edges of the dash with 400 grit paper, where the silver color is, and used the paint marker to apply a nice coat of silver paint. I found that 2 coats of paint work best.

The marker is easy to use and gives a crisp clear line.
 

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Looks very good,,,,thanks for the info,,,,
 
Those clusters look great!

Just and FYI, if you use a very small (Jewelers) flat screwdriver and a little patience, you can pick away at the melted plastic that is holding the lenses in place and gently pry them free without cracking the original mounting posts. This allows you free access to the lenses to polish by hand or with a benchtop buffer set up.

A tiny dab of silicone sealant/caulk on each post will secure the lenses once you've got them cleaned up...also allows you to repaint the plastic housing black without having to mask off anything.

idrivemopar - How did you get your odometer re-set to 00000? I know there's a way to pull the assembly apart to re-set it, but I've never found a good guide anywhere.

Thanks!
 
Some great info here. Well done on the gauges. I'm currently doing my 70 GTX and these tips are terrific.
 
Some great info here. Well done on the gauges. I'm currently doing my 70 GTX and these tips are terrific.

I know its been mentioned here before, where and what brown paint do you use for the dash?
 
I know its been mentioned here before, where and what brown paint do you use for the dash?

There is someone that posted his step-by-step instructions on what he did in the interior section. He used Tamiya Red-Brown lacquer, part number TS-1
 
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