I am gathering all the parts I need in preperation of dismantling the instrument cluster and center console.

When I do I want to refinish the shifter plate and the instrument cluster bezel. I need sugestions and ideas for doing this and keeping or cleaning the paint off the crome outlines and trim.

Any sugestions will be a big help. Thanks

GHunt

 

I would tape off the chrome parts with plastic pin striping tape that you can hopefully keep taut during application.

Most auto parts chains sell it on small rolls in widths ranging from 1/16" to 1/2" or more.

Have a peek at these:

http://www.finessepinstriping.com/edgeinfo.asp

http://www.shop3m.com/3m-fine-line-m...76d6r3pmf.html

I like the 3M stuff. In any event, they all bend around corners great and leave crisp, reliable lines.

 

I removed all the old paint and then taped off all the chrome edging. Then repainted with trim black moulding paint and they came out just like original.

 

Hi GH,
I've had good luck with Krylon #1613 semi-flat paint and using an X-acto blade to 'slice' the paint off the raised chrome lines and lettering. If you wait until the paint is set but still soft the paint comes off in long threads and the blade leaves a very precise edge.
I found I had a paint build up at the chrome edge when I used tape.
Regards,
Alan

 

This is something I'll have to do as well.

 

Use a good gel-type paint stripper to remove ALL existing paint from the components. Wash, rinse, and dry them thoroughly. Use Krylon semi-flat black paint, John Deere 'Blitz' black, or other similar (good quality semi-flat or satin black paint) to apply one or two coats of paint to the components. [Do them separately, so that you have enough time to complete the work before the paint gets too hard.] Wait about 30 minutes for the paint to firm up but not get hard.

Use an X-acto knife with a fresh diagonal blade to trim off the paint from the raised chrome edging and lettering. Figure out how to hold the part to do this...without putting fingerprints into the fresh paint. You might want to mount a wooden handle to the underside so that you can get a good grip for doing this. DO NOT try to brush off the paint trimmings at this time. You can try to blow them off or vacuum them [without touching the paint], but wait until you get all the trimming done or you will be spending all your time going over and over the part every time you trim off some paint. If any of the trimmings tend to stick to the paint, just wait 24 hours until the paint gets firm enough to use a soft brush to clean them off.

Finally, let the painted parts cure for at least 5 days before you try to install them. It takes that long for the paint to build its strength up so that it can resist minor contact without scratching.

 

Thanks guy's. Alan's turned out real good.
I'm going to give it a try, I can't justify spending 500.00 plus for just a little paint.
GH

 

Whichever way you choose to paint the trick is multiple light coats.

 

Light coats...yes. But the paint must cover enough for it to 'flash' or you won't get a smooth appearance.