I'm trying to repaint the gauge cluster and console in my C-3. Any tips or old posts that might be helpful? Especially getting good chrome edging and lettering. Thanks 😃

 

On the 68 bezels we like to use an acid primer and then a color coat. You can get away with this on a 68 because they don't have any grain texture to fill. On 69 and new cars you can't because you'll fill the grain with primer. For the color coat we use our part number 431920 black dye.

Two ways to get the letters clean.. First paint the bezel and then with sharp razor blade scrape off the letters and/or the chrome edge. The other way would be to use a lint free rag and after the paint is dry, use some thinner to wipe off the letters. You do this by putting the rag over one of your finger tips tightly, dip it into thinner, tap it off on a towel (keeps extra from dripping) and then wipe the letters.

Razor seems to work best IMHO.

Willcox

 

Just ordered a can...thanks for the info!
I was tired of trying different cans of hardware store paint!

 

Hi,
I've not used any primer and haven't had a problem with the paint adhering.
Krylon #1613 is a good choice too.
Because it's acrylic lacquer it gives a very thin coat similar to what was on the bezels originally.
I also like using a razor blade (I use an x-acto knife) because it gives a very clean/sharp edge.
Bezels I see that have been painted using tape on the chrome surfaces generally show a build up of paint at the point the tape was removed.
It takes a little practice to get the look just right with a blade but it's not difficult to do. The trick is to know just how long to wait before stating on the edges so the paint comes off in long 'strings' not chips.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan

 

Alan, I couldnt find #1613....only #51613. When I spray it, it seems to go on too thick and orange peels....maybe its my prep, no matter how far back and light i try to coat it. I should probably wipe it down between coats with lacquer thinner.

 

Hi S,
The #51613 is a different formula. It's enamel based not acrylic lacquer.
The #1613 is considered an 'industrial product'.
There have been threads about this situation here but perhaps you didn't come across them.
I order the #1613 from MSC Industrial Supply. One of their warehouses is in the same UPS zone as my home so if I order before 3:00 pm I have it the next afternoon.
Regards,
Alan

I believe this is the latest packaging.

 

I didn't realize this was even possible. So to understand this correctly. Use the pre mentioned paint and spray the entire console and than carefully scratch off the chrome lettering and edges with a sharp edge (razor)?
What if your missing a little bit of the chrome on the lettering or edges, is that fixable?

 

Here is the info on ordering

Krylon 1613

Call 800-645-7270
Account # 3682266 C3 Corvette Forum
Identify yourself as a new buyer and they will take your shipping info
order 00264671 Krylon semi flat black case quantity is 6 but you can order what you need.
After the order you will get a confirmation by email
when it ships you will get a tracking code should take 1 to 2 days

Thanks
Andy

 

1. Use a chemical stripper to remove ALL the old paint. Otherwise, you will be able to see the edges of chipped areas through the new paint.

2. Wash and rinse thoroughly to remove all stripper and detergent/soap. Dry overnight.

3. DO NOT MASK AREAS TO BE LEFT CHROME. Trying this is a big mistake.

4. Use John Deere 'Blitz' black spray paint (satin black). It can be bought at any J-D outlet or dealership. Big can; inexpensive. Paint is very durable. [Same finish as Krylon semi-flat black]

5. If you want to use a primer, suggest Dupli-Color self-etching primer. Or, just spray a covering coat of black paint; then follow with another coat after about 10 minutes.

6. Once paint starts to set (5 minutes or so), use either method listed above (lacquer thinner on lint free cloth to remove unwanted paint...OR...X-acto knife to shave off soft paint. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL PAINT IS HARDENING. If using thinner/cloth, find a new area of cloth with each wipe. If shaving, peel off paint but DO NOT TRY TO WIPE OR BRUSH IT OFF. You can blow off what is free. Other shavings will easily wipe off once the paint has hardened.

7. Lastly... Let part cure at least 3 days before you try to install gauges, etc. Otherwise, you will chip new paint with any firm contact to it. After 3 days, it will be pretty durable. (Full cure may take a week!) Too many folks mess up their work with 'fast' installation. Bad idea.

 

Great help guys. What stripper is safe to use and does anyone have any before and after pictures? Id love to see how good this has worked for others.
jim

 

A pint of any stripper at your local hardware store will do it.

The finished part will look just like new when it left the factory.

 

If you wait about an hour after you paint it should confirm me off in strips. If you wait until it is fully cured it will chip. I have asnt going for the original fi ish I wanted the high gloss look