What should I do with the dash?

[TT from NH]

I've cleaned up the windshield frame and repaired the corners and am moving back to the dash. My questions are:

1) The dash is in really good shape and I'd rather not remove it; thoughts?
2) Do I simply continue stripping the dash as I've been doing with the rest of the car? (I can see no reason why I shouldn't.)
3) What paint do I use to paint the dash? (I'm assuming I spray the epoxy primer followed by a couple of coats of matte black.)

That's it for now. Thanks! Terry

 

[RemCharger]

I would remove it. It's easy, and you're this far in. Bolting in a freshly restored dash assembly is very rewarding.

 

[R413]

Once the windshield is out the dash unbolts easily.

Get it out of there so it doesn't get any overspray or other damage from the car painting.

 

[Hilljack68]

Bolting in a freshly restored dash assembly is very rewarding.

Not to mention it saves the hassle down the road of having to do it anyway because a gauge (or three) isn't working.

 

[WileE]

You got everything else out. Why leave just that in, for reasons already mentioned.

 

[ruffcut]

You may want to test the gages and for paint on the dash, there are proper paints out there. Look at some threads on this site for info. Gotta be some here.

 

[gkent]

If its black, THIS will best duplicate the original finish - available at Walmart. Prep the dash, prime with black primer, apply one coat only of this. Best to do a test panel first to see how heavy you want it.

 

[440 4 speed]

Our dash and steering column was done with hot rod black. Like it!

 

[Black_Sheep]

Remove the dash and refinish it. You have the car torn that far apart, now would be the time to do it...

 

[jimbosride]

If its black, THIS will best duplicate the original finish - available at Walmart. Prep the dash, prime with black primer, apply one coat only of this. Best to do a test panel first to see how heavy you want it.

View attachment 1905010

I wonder if you use this first then apply a light cover of factory color over it? The correct texture paint is real $$$

 

[matthon]

Wrap it in vinyl for a custom no glare look.

 

[gkent]

I wonder if you use this first then apply a light cover of factory color over it? The correct texture paint is real $$$

This IS the correct texture - although there are many nay-sayers out there.
The sad part is it only comes in a few colors and the only match to original is the black. There is a guy in Canada doing all the factory colors in spray bombs at a very reasonable price. The downside is he can't ship because of what it is.

I don't think shooting over it with a factory color would give the same effect. However, you can buy the "suede" additive to mix in paint if you wanted yo shoot it through a gun yourself. you would ad that to the color if using single stage or to the clear if using base/clear.

Suede Additive

White powder that produces a textured finish in either MAP or VOC MAP colours/clears. Texture resembles suede appearance.

www.ndgraphics.com

HOMAX Paint Texture Additive SUEDE Light Finish - Mix In 1 Gallon - Roll On | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for HOMAX Paint Texture Additive SUEDE Light Finish - Mix In 1 Gallon - Roll On at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.ca

 

[Demonic]

Someone was selling the suede paint for dashes. Maybe Performance Car Graphics?

 

[davek]

If its black, THIS will best duplicate the original finish - available at Walmart. Prep the dash, prime with black primer, apply one coat only of this. Best to do a test panel first to see how heavy you want it.

View attachment 1905010

Ive have used this and it turn out nice. Unfortunately I got bad info,was told it was wrong so I stripped mine. They were wrong and I regret not leaving it alone.

 

[RJ Squirrel]

You dont want anything with a sheen on the top of it or you will get a lot of glare on the windshield- I found out

 

[TT from NH]

Okay, out it comes. Thanks for the advice.

 

[bandit67]

Once it s out you can see and repair/replace any butchered wiring. The rodents can really do some damage. Best time to do any mods needed for radios or gauges, fix air vents and best of all REPAINT. Whatever paint I use, I finish up with a matte finish clear coat. It covers and protects a bit while keeping the glare down. Good luck