Instrument cluster 1968 silver paint question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

72c20customcamper · 08-28-2022, 05:21 PM

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** · 08-28-2022, 06:19 PM

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

**LockDoc** · 08-28-2022, 07:31 PM

Quote:

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 · 08-28-2022, 09:06 PM

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 · 08-29-2022, 08:18 AM

Quote:

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 · 08-29-2022, 08:32 AM

Argent Silver, the same as used on rally wheels.

**dmjlambert** · 08-29-2022, 08:49 AM

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 · 08-29-2022, 12:24 PM

Quote:

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 · 08-29-2022, 12:31 PM

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 · 08-29-2022, 12:34 PM

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** · 08-29-2022, 01:24 PM

-
Came out good!

LockDoc

**dave6672** · 08-29-2022, 02:16 PM

Looks nice!

**ThreeQuarter** · 08-30-2022, 06:23 PM

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

**'68OrangeSunshine** · 08-30-2022, 06:38 PM

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 · 08-31-2022, 12:35 PM

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 · 08-31-2022, 12:40 PM

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 · 08-31-2022, 04:16 PM

Quote:

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

08-28-2022, 05:21 PM	#1
72c20customcamper Registered User Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Catskill Mountains,NY Posts: 8,184	Instrument cluster 1968 silver paint question 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. Attached Images __________________ Mark 72 c20 custom camper Husky edition, 66 SS396 Chevelle 1964 Hawk, 63 Avanti,62 lark 1969 AMX , 1968 c20 stepside ,85 K20 1977 Suburban sold 68 anniversary.

08-28-2022, 06:19 PM	#2
'68OrangeSunshine Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Tucson, AZ USA Posts: 7,078	Re: Instrument cluster 1968 silver paint question I used Silver/Fawn/Poly. but I don't know where to get it anymore. __________________ Every 25 years I like to rebuild that 292, whether it needs it or not. Last edited by '68OrangeSunshine; 08-28-2022 at 08:05 PM.

08-28-2022, 09:06 PM	#4
67C10Step Registered User Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: Beebe, AR Posts: 2,427	Re: Instrument cluster 1968 silver paint question If you like the look of what I did on my 67 I’ll dig through my rattle cans. It was one of those. Attached Images __________________ 1967 C10 1980 Jeep CJ5 2020 Toyota 4Runner 2020 Toyota CH-R 2020 Acura MDX

08-29-2022, 08:32 AM	#6
Willie Makeit Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Alabama Posts: 1,206	Re: Instrument cluster 1968 silver paint question Argent Silver, the same as used on rally wheels.

08-29-2022, 08:49 AM	#7
dmjlambert Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 3,577	Re: Instrument cluster 1968 silver paint question 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.

08-29-2022, 12:31 PM	#9
72c20customcamper Registered User Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Catskill Mountains,NY Posts: 8,184	Re: Instrument cluster 1968 silver paint question 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 Attached Images __________________ Mark 72 c20 custom camper Husky edition, 66 SS396 Chevelle 1964 Hawk, 63 Avanti,62 lark 1969 AMX , 1968 c20 stepside ,85 K20 1977 Suburban sold 68 anniversary.

08-29-2022, 12:34 PM	#10
72c20customcamper Registered User Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Catskill Mountains,NY Posts: 8,184	Re: Instrument cluster 1968 silver paint question 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 Attached Images __________________ Mark 72 c20 custom camper Husky edition, 66 SS396 Chevelle 1964 Hawk, 63 Avanti,62 lark 1969 AMX , 1968 c20 stepside ,85 K20 1977 Suburban sold 68 anniversary.

08-29-2022, 01:24 PM	#11
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,345	Re: Instrument cluster 1968 silver paint question - Came out good! LockDoc __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 -

08-29-2022, 02:16 PM	#12
dave6672 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Carrollton, KY Posts: 1,177	Re: Instrument cluster 1968 silver paint question Looks nice! __________________ Dave R. 1972 K20 1972 C20 Highlander 1957 Chevy 210 Delray 1967 C10

08-30-2022, 06:23 PM	#13
ThreeQuarter Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Texan in Iowa Posts: 2,522	Re: Instrument cluster 1968 silver paint question Nice job! Bookmarking for when I want to make mine look more authentic… __________________ Ben '68 Chevy C10 Custom LWB 327/TH400 2nd owner '16 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE Dblcab 4wd 5.3

08-30-2022, 06:38 PM	#14
'68OrangeSunshine Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Tucson, AZ USA Posts: 7,078	Re: Instrument cluster 1968 silver paint question 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. Attached Images __________________ Every 25 years I like to rebuild that 292, whether it needs it or not.

08-31-2022, 12:35 PM	#15
leftybass209 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Modesto, CA Posts: 2,186	Re: Instrument cluster 1968 silver paint question 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!

08-31-2022, 12:40 PM	#16
leftybass209 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Modesto, CA Posts: 2,186	Re: Instrument cluster 1968 silver paint question 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.



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