I recently bought an old 69 parts car just for the dash cluster which was absolutely perfect(radio holes,tabs)but its got a film on it and is dull looking,does anyone have any ideas on a cleaner and polish because I dont want to paint it, and also does anyone have a good method to put the chrome trim lines and words back on a 69 dash cluster?

I would use warm water and Joy dishwashing liquid. Joy doesn't leave a film on stuff when you use it. You might try using 409 on the real grundy areas, but don't rub too hard or you will scratch the plastic.

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Pearl blue & white 69 Camaro with supercharged 350, Tremec TKO, and 3.73 12-bolt

See my website updated 9/01/00 at:

www.geocities.com/gheatly (http://www.geocities.com/gheatly)

z-me,

You really only have two options for the chrome edging/lettering:

1. Send the dash out and have it professionally done. There are several companies that will rechrome the entire dash and then paint the black areas (I know, sounds back asswards). Check the instrument restorations ad in Hemmings.

2. Go to a hobby store and get a silver paint marker. If you've got a steady hand you can trace along the edges and then follow up with a little clear coat and a small brush. Pretty tedious work, but looks decent. It's not chrome, but close. You can call Patty at Firewheels Classics and they will do it for a couple hundred bucks (silver paint method). They did mine and it looks pretty good - not show quality but much better than it was.

Hope this helps. Where in KY are you?

P.S. - How come they can repro everthing else for a '69 but this piece? You can buy 67-68 brand new.


[This message has been edited by jm69ss (edited 11-29-2000).]

Thanks everyone for your help,I thought about the paint marker deal but wasn`t to sure, I`ll check into having it pro done.jm69ss I`m in a small town about 30 miles outside of Lexington,but I grew up in the south end of Louisville around Churchill Downs.....

I read a article on dash recovering in one of the car mags and they said the company, Just Dashes, sold a pen or marker of some sort to duplicate the chrome highlights. I used some model paint and a q-tip and it did ok, but a marker would probley give more control and better finish.

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69 rallye green X77 Z/28,1967 SS 396 Conv. 1974 c-10 454 swb

I just did my dash (took about an hour) and it looks pretty good. I used the Testors #2546 Glossy Silver paint marker that I got at the hobby shop. It really wasn't that hard to do and my dash was still in the car. Use a little paint thinner (very carefully) for any cleanup. Definately a do-it-yourself project.

I was gonna try a product called "chrome foil" or something close. I forget who it is but a member here or on the chevelle site customizes ertl's and uses the stuff. It comes in sheets and you rub it on. Hobby shops carry it. I figured a touch of clear or some spray fixative (stuff we used it in the drafting office) over it would provide some durability...

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...Dennis
The Cars:
'69 RS Convertible w/SS trim (http://www.camaroslimited.com/memberscars/den.htm)
'96 Z28SS #1679 of 2410 (http://www.camaroslimited.com/graphics/memcars/96ss.jpg)
The Club:
Camaros Limited Nor-Cal (http://camaroslimited.com)

[This message has been edited by DjD (edited 11-30-2000).]

Yeah, I know the stuff. It's called "bare metal foil". It would probably give you the best "chroming" effect. It's kind of a PITA to work with though. You have to remove this REALLY thin backing paper to expose adhesive on the back. And then you have to cut it with a razor or exacto knife, which wouldn't be so bad along lines and edges but the lettering would give you fits. It would need some sort of clearcoat or other fixative cuz the glue's pretty weak. It'd probably look GREAT though.

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'69 Garnet Red Convertible, Ivory over black, 350 w/turbo 400

[This message has been edited by POP D TOP (edited 11-30-2000).]

DJD / POP,

I tried some of this foil stuff on an old scrap '69 cluster I had. I picked some up at an arts and crafts store. You have to apply glue to the surface you want to chrome, wait 10 minutes to partially cure, place the thin chrome foil over the area and then rub gently with a pencil eraser. When finished, it is chromed. It was not very durable though and I couldn't figure out how to apply the glue "just where I wanted it". I would get part of it looking great and then would screw up. I finally gave up.

I think the stuff was called tinning foil. It came in silver, gold, bronze, chrome, etc.

If you've got something to practice on, it definitely will work (you just need more patience than me).

I have seem in Classic Industries a Complete 69 Dash (minus gauges and lens) for 200 with the crome wording. YOu might want to check it out

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69 SS

I have heard that the repop clusters leave much to be desired.....

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Steve McCorry - Central Ohio Camaro Club
'69 Camaro RS/SS-350 - Daytona Yellow
'95 Camaro Z-28 - Sebring Silver
click here to see my webpage ---> www.mindspring.com/~mccorry (http://www.mindspring.com/~mccorry) (updated 11/7/00)

I haven't checked for a month or so, but even though they list them in their catalogues, they all tell me they're not available yet. NPD says that they're due in spring of '99!!!!

Might be worth a phone call - who knows.