Dashboard Restoration

Posted By: RichL1967

Dashboard Restoration - 07/20/10 11:54 PM

Hey all, Looking to restore the dashboard from a 1971 Charger. I was wondering about the paint used on the metal. (Black) Is there a paint code to use? Has anyone found a good close matching substitute? How was it applied. It seems like it was a flat or semi gloss with a rough texture. But I've always found that flat would 'rub off or scuff' when you touch it and this paint doesn't/didn't. Any insights would be greatly appreciated.

What about having it Powder Coated? What color of black?
http://www.eastwood.com/hotcoat-powder-coating/powders/black-powders.html

Also, I called Just Dashes about the pad and they wanted $700 + $65 shipping to redo it. seems a little steep but I have heard nothing but good things about them. I see Ultimate Rides only wants about $481 + shipping. Anyone have any comparisons of the two to share?
Here is a Pic of what I'm starting out with.

Attached picture 6096459-dash.jpg

Posted By: marks69

Re: Dashboard Restoration - 07/21/10 05:05 AM

I noticed at Carlisle that Herb's Parts is selling interior paints in a large variety of colors. I know nothing of the quality.

Posted By: rexus31

Re: Dashboard Restoration - 07/21/10 09:52 PM

Quote:

Hey all, Looking to restore the dashboard from a 1971 Charger. I was wondering about the paint used on the metal. (Black) Is there a paint code to use? Has anyone found a good close matching substitute? How was it applied. It seems like it was a flat or semi gloss with a rough texture. But I've always found that flat would 'rub off or scuff' when you touch it and this paint doesn't/didn't. Any insights would be greatly appreciated.

What about having it Powder Coated? What color of black?
http://www.eastwood.com/hotcoat-powder-coating/powders/black-powders.html

Also, I called Just Dashes about the pad and they wanted $700 + $65 shipping to redo it. seems a little steep but I have heard nothing but good things about them. I see Ultimate Rides only wants about $481 + shipping. Anyone have any comparisons of the two to share?
Here is a Pic of what I'm starting out with.

I definitely think Just Dashes is the way to go. They do top notch work.

Posted By: j3wbagell

Re: Dashboard Restoration - 07/21/10 11:54 PM

idk about their reliability but i saw this while i was looking for mine: http://www.stockinteriors.com/DashCaps.asp?Itemid=11119&MakeId=7&ModelId=132

you might wanna pm mr fixit aswell

Posted By: cudaboone

Re: Dashboard Restoration - 07/22/10 01:35 AM

I ended up getting mine from just dashes and it was perfect. Had to send them my old core. Returned it in the same box they sent the new one in. That was after i bought one from year one. after it came, i found out that it is a molded pad without the steel core. it was misshaped and there was no metal tabs that you need to attach the interior trim pieces. I returned it.

Posted By: cudabitten

Re: Dashboard Restoration - 07/22/10 03:19 AM

Hi, I saw an article by Hot Rod Magazine, or Muscle Car Magazine,(you can go online and search),they did an e-body restoration with one of those dash pad caps. They took their time and had excellent results. When I get to mine, I will probably do this. 600+ is too much for someone else to do it. Any one can do what anyone else can do.
As far as paint, I think I've seen the guys on here using SEM brand, maybe semi-gloss.

Posted By: screamindriver

Re: Dashboard Restoration - 07/22/10 11:21 PM

The dash cap is a cheap alternative if you don't mind going that route...But I've been to a few shows and seen the caps expand sitting in the sun.... You can see where they glued them down to the old dash with the cap warping between the glue areas...

Posted By: broncobra

Re: Dashboard Restoration - 07/23/10 12:30 AM

I hate to disagree with you dude, but not just "anyone can do what anyone can do". If you have ever seen the photos in any of the mags that show the process, they replace the foam and put the dash in a heated vacuum machine to suck the vinyl down and into all the recessess like it was factory. Better than factory because they allegedly use better materials. If you can do that, maybe you should advertise for 1/2 the price, gaurentee it better than oem and call it a day when you make your first million. Or maybe the old fake fur treatment will give that nostalgic look. Or maybe spackle and spray paint.

Posted By: RichL1967

Re: Dashboard Restoration - 07/24/10 06:27 PM

Thanks for all the responses. Thought I would share what I have found out from some other sites.
It seems that the paint texture type used was called a suede finish. The closest matching types available would be to use John Deere Blitz Black or "Hot Rod Flatz" black. Both are a satin/semi gloss texture. Hot Rod Flatz is a urethane and John Deere is an enamel. The John Deere is made for tractors and is supposed to be extremely durable, it's also less expensive.

I see that Nicks Classic Parts is a dealer for the Ultimate Rides Dash Pads. Anyone have any experience with UR pads?

Posted By: autoxcuda

Re: Dashboard Restoration - 07/24/10 06:48 PM

Quote:

Thanks for all the responses. Thought I would share what I have found out from some other sites.
It seems that the paint texture type used was called a suede finish. The closest matching types available would be to use John Deere Blitz Black or "Hot Rod Flatz" black. Both are a satin/semi gloss texture. Hot Rod Flatz is a urethane and John Deere is an enamel. The John Deere is made for tractors and is supposed to be extremely durable, it's also less expensive.

I see that Nicks Classic Parts is a dealer for the Ultimate Rides Dash Pads. Anyone have any experience with UR pads?

Try restoleum textured satin black. They sell it in Walmart. Friend just did a black dash in that and he liked the texture, sheen, and color better then the custom paint he had made for his OE level resto previous resto.

71 B-body dash pad new using original type process.

https://board.moparts.org/ubbthreads/show...e=0#Post5963116 Their A-body and 68-70 B-body pads are the best on the market.

Posted By: zeke

Re: Dashboard Restoration - 07/25/10 03:26 PM

When I did my dash, I lightly sprayed rocker panel spray under the color. This actually mimicked the texture well. You just can't spray it too heavy because it will want to "flow" and ruin the effect. Hold the can a little further away than you normally would spray. I think it was a 3M brand that I got from my local jobber.
Good luck