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Standard instrument cluster dash trim question

Palmer Moe-par 68

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Hey guys, I am wondering if the trim around the instrument cluster is supposed to be black, or chrome in 1968. My Roadrunner was owned by a teenager in the 80's and 90's so I am uncertain if it just got spray painted like the rest of the car. Here are some pictures of what I am talking about.IMG_20170621_174548593.jpg
IMG_20170621_175009805_HDR.jpg
IMG_20170621_175027787_HDR.jpg
What idiot would use rattle cans on such a nice car?!
 

Russ69Runner

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You can get the piece off of classic industries new. I am restoring a 69 two post Runner and have to buy a lot of parts. Got a few things from classic they are the only ones that have some reproduction parts. Might try Tony's He has some used stuff. Hope this helps ya. Russ. :beep:
 

Palmer Moe-par 68

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You can get the piece off of classic industries new. I am restoring a 69 two post Runner and have to buy a lot of parts. Got a few things from classic they are the only ones that have some reproduction parts. Might try Tony's He has some used stuff. Hope this helps ya. Russ. :beep:
Thanks Russ. I would probably buy one new but I am very low on funds so I am going to have to make due with what I have and get the black paint off. Can't make very much money when your 15 and as you probably know, Mopar is a synonym for $$$$. I hope I can get it going before I can start driving!
 

Big John

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That's probably not black paint.

The original plastic is black and the "chrome" is applied over it. Over the years, the very thin coat of "chrome" (actually aluminum) wears off and the black plastic shows through. There really is nothing to do except replacing or "rechroming". The "chrome" spray paint looks like crap and once you paint it, don't count on getting it rechromed.

I just looked at the Classic website and $225 (on sale!) is nuts.

BTW, the process for chroming plastic is called vacuum metalizing and it's done in a vacuum chamber. There was a place doing plastic plating called Mr G's but they have stopped doing it. The only place I know of is http://www.instrument-specialties.com/ , but I've never used them.
 

Russ69Runner

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Hey that is grate to have such a young mopar lover. Yep it is pricey. Look on Ebay from time to time you might find something cheaper. Good luck my friend and wish you the best with this project. Russ.
 

Big John

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In looking at your car and seeing you're 15, I think you have some bigger fish to fry and let's see if we can help you make the dash look better without dropping that kind of coin.

Here's my best "bucks down" approach to that dash.

I would remove the bezel and polish the plastic. I suggest Meguiars #10 plastic polish. If it doesn't clean up, you may have to get serious and wet sand with some 2000 grit paper first. Get that looking nice first. Removing the scratches is the most important thing you can do to make the cluster look nice... and the one that a lot of people skip. There's probably some you tube videos on the process.

For the bezel, I'd remove what's left of the "chrome" with some Easy-off oven cleaner. Try a spot on the back first, but I'm pretty sure that it won't attack the plastic. It will take off the chrome and old paint though.

I've read that the Duplicolor chrome paint is about the best rattle can "chrome". Paint the bezel black first (again, test the paint on the back first) and then very light coats of the chrome.

This will look decent and if you do a good job, no one will notice. Most times, people just spray on chrome paint real thick or don't bother with the black first. Then, it does look like crap, as I said above.
 

Palmer Moe-par 68

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Thanks guys! I might try the "re-chroming" with paint on some extra trim panels I have and if that does not work, I might have to fork over some of my budget. eBay or Craigslist good places to find stuff a little cheaper.
 

Russ69Runner

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Yep that Ebay is a good place. You might see if any one is doing the spray on chrome. I saw them do this on Count custom car TV show. You might check around with the car paint people in you area. Seeing how you are a young man and interested in restoring the car they may have some left over from another job and give you a big brake I would Also check with some air brush artist in you area. Good luck Russ. :beep:
 
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