Painting plastic intrument clusters.

[AJG1996]

Has anyone had any luck painting the 68-72 plastic instrument clusters? If so, how did you do it???

[fordman]

chrome spary paint.

[ForingaMex]

Are you trying to paint it look stock? I don't have any experience with that but I painted mine black and it worked good. Just sanded the entire surface and painted.

[hazelnut]

Auto body supply houses have a spray that helps paint bond to plastics, Lots of plastic on cars today.

[AJG1996]

Ya, I want it to look stock. Would it be worth it to just have an autobody shop do it for me?

[Darrman]

If you are trying to get a pro look, you will have to get all the old clear base coat off the plastic, thats what the chrome plate sticks to. It looks yellowish from being years old. The best and easiest way to strip the clear coat off, is to geta suitable size tupperware style tub and a can of Oven-Off, the yellow can. Spray it all over and let it sit for awhile, but it wont hurt the plastic so dont worry. After sitting get a old toothbrush and scrub all the loose BEFORE you get any water on it. Afterward wash off and see where you are, the plastic should be white, if not you will have to repeat. Make sure you wipe the water off between aplications as water will interfere.
Also make sure to use some rubber gloves, as this stuff is pretty strong. Also make sure you have proper ventelation.
After that a adhesion promoter will help, prime and paint after that. This process will give you a clean slate to work on, no bubbles or peeling clear coat, or having to sand.

[Oren09]

Is there a way to put the wood grain back on?
Mine has almost no chrome left. I want to restore this truck back to original spec eventually.
I'm definitely making a note of the painting process. I was wondering if there are aftermarket wood grain stickers, though?

[In FORD we trust]

Look at this, Better yet go to their web site.
FORD
AUTOINSTRUMENTS.COM Call Toll Free: 877-450-0110 or
Email:classics@autoinstruments.com
FORD TRUCKS
Part No. Year Make Model Description Price
F6566TKD 1965/66 Ford Truck Chrome & detail Dash with or
without Gauge Holes
$150.00
F6566TKLR Chrome & detail Dash Lens
Rings(2)
48.00
PL25 Polish Lens & re-affix lens dials 40.00
Total Price $238.00
F6770TKSC 1967/70 Ford Truck Chrome Seat Side Covers $47.52
F6971TKD 1969/71 Ford Truck Chrome & detail Dash Bezel $177.21
F7174ED 1971/74 Ford Truck Chrome Dash Bezel & detail $187.24
F7174SC 1973/74 Ford Truck Chrome Seat Side Covers 47.52
Total Price $459.49
Page 22

[Joe Kriston]

I don't think any chrome in a can will match the factory look....I've had several done and the pros have the plastic plated with some kind of metallic and then chrome plated and finally detailed out with black and argent silver or wood grain if applicable...Because of the high environmental restrictions, the process is expensive...If you really desire the factory look, pay a place like SoCal speedshop the $150.00 or so for a new bezel and it'll look like it just came out of Dearborn....