Hey guys, after removing my dash cluster (1969 camaro) i've decided to try and restore it. The two biggest problems i have are the little white (or it used to be) camaro emblem, and all the silver/chrome paint that outlines the gauges and instruments. My question is what paint should i use for this? And any advice on how to best do it. I was thinkin that i'd just brush it on but wouldn't mind listening to the experts weigh in.
Thanks,
David
1969 camaro

I used acrylic "pewter" and a very fine brush. Then after it dried, I wet sanded with 2500 grit. Then repeated until I liked it.
Ended up getting it rechromed.

:thumbsup: I was waiting until I could get some decent pictures of this, but, since you asked, I'll mention it. I just had my 1969 Camaro dash cluster, dash, bezel (whatever anyone wants to call it) restored. Originally, mine was just cruddy. Typical 36 year old piece with faded color and missing/worn chrome trim. I sent it to AUTOINSTRUMENTS in Martinsville VA. They had never done a 69 Camaro dash before and spent 6 months doing mine. I got it back a few weeks ago and it is just GEORGEOUS. Cost was about the same as a repro. From the work they did on mine, I will recommend them highly. For anyone wanting to restore any plastic part with the plastic "chrome" trim or chrome plating, I highly suggest trying AutoInstruments. When I get the photos done of mine, I will post them. You can reach them at 877-450-0110 or the web at www.autoinstruments.com. Again, I can't stress enough how my dash bezel looks like new. They did an excellant job of restoration. Should anyone contact them, tell them you saw it posted on Camaros.net. :thumbsup: :D

:thumbsup: :thumbsup: yes I used them aswell and had my astro vents rechromed aswell.
after 4 years they still look good as new.
well worth the money by far!

I'd love to go that route but not sure if i can wait six months with the spring and summer coming...

The time was due to them never having done a 69 bezel. Lots of complicated script, letters, and trim. Mine was the "prototype" so they could develop the technique. I would guess now that they have one under their belt and know how to accomplish the end means, it would only be a few weeks. Again, I can't say enough about how good my dash bezel looks. When I get the photos done, I'll post them.

alright maybe i will give them a call. could you pm how much it cost you with shipping and everything?

if you wanna do it your self, you can go to the hobby shop and they sell this stuff called bare metal foil , used for chroming model cars, the stuff works really well for your dash and emblem. you have to cut strips of the stuff and it has a backing on it that you have to peel off,and as good as you possibly can , take your time and go around the inside edge first and wrk your way around the guages, you need a sharp blade ,or an exacto knife to carefully trime the edge, and after that is done , polish the "new chrome" up with t-shirt material to a chrome finish. your emblem will take a bit of time too,set the emblem on the foil and cut around the emblem making sure you cut a little more than you need, so go an 1/8 of an inch bigger than the emblem itself, having the emblem set on the surface of the foil, trace out the "middle" of the name itself, and cut the middleout, if you take your time you'll be all right, even if you do have to make a couple of"joins" it'll polish out and you wont really see the seams of the foil,it's a cheap way out and i'm sure you'll be really happy with the results

Here's what I did on my 68 dash housing. I spray glued a sheet of aluminum foil, then with it laying flat on a table, I adhered my dash bezel to it. When it was dry, I carefully used an exacto blade and trimmed the inside and outside edge. It took me quite some time, but when finished, it looked as good as new.