Raticals 65 Dash

[Ratical]

So in my search for a perfect dash (HAHA).. I collected a few trims from ebay and parts cars. They all suffered from the usual pitting, and or cut for d.i.n. sized radios. I took a decent, just pitted Dash. and my only Complete Gauge Bezel. and Prepped them for Paint. 1. I knew Chrome would be terribly expensive. 2. I wouldn't like the Fact that after spending that much my gauge cluster would still look like a mismatch. 3. I just Prefer the D.I.Y when I can. I Decide that since I sprayed the car Dark Green the dash needed to be bright so my options were White, or an attempt at some home applied chrome.. So I Tried the Eastwood Liquid Chrome. Its a very thin silver Spray and a clear coat protection. that is applied over a Gloss Black base. Its a very unique product but overall I'm satisfied. I will Say it does NOT look like Chrome, nor did I expect it to look like chrome. I just wanted a consistent look across the dash that was better than rattle can Chrome. So enough with the Details lets Get to the part we all like Pictures.. Step by step of course.

The dash I Had.


I used other pieces I had stored away for this day, I washed them and lightly sandblasted the chrome finish and sanded.


Then with adhesion promoter applied I sprayed them with a coat of epoxy primer trying to achieve the best bond.


Then I used the Two part Black sent with the Eastwood Liquid Chrome kit




It says the black has to be a slick as the appearance you want the chrome. but I didn't see me being able to buff in all the areas, had to depend on the paint laying down smooth enough. at this point I was temped to leave it Black and go Darth Vader Style. But I went ahead and tapped up the areas to be left black. i decided no need in buying camera case material I would just leave it black from the base.




Then I untapped the black areas, Applied the Eastwood Clear and the next day used a Urethane Automotive Clear to Protect it even more. Wiring up my new Gauge and Installing the Dash now. I will Post up some Installed Pics When I Get There.

[Santa's Comet]

Very Nice! Great Job. Looks like you found a great way to make your dash shine!
NP Dave

[poboyjo65]

Yep looks great Rat!

[poboyjo65]

Hey! did you make a new console?

[ec164]

good job, nice work!........Al

[caseville cyclone]

Beautiful job,great patience and details,with fabulous results!!!!! Andy

[Ratical]

Thanks, I'm eager to see it all together in the car.

And it's a different console, I bought from TMI to match my seats.

[loman]

The dash looks great! You have done a lot of neat custom work on your comet. After the dash, what's going to be the next project?

[popscomet]

RATICAL,is a awsome person and does great work for sure,,you owe it to yourself to shake his hand......trust me ...POP

[Jims65cyclone]

Hey Rat, that looks great! It may not be real chrome, but it's got to be the next best thing. I'm going to give this some strong consideration when I get to the dash refurb on mine. Can't wait to see your "after" picture of the installed assembly.
Jim

[Ratical]

A little closer. Had to stop and straiten up the old wiring. And run some wires for new gauges. But the radio is back in. For the first time since I owned it.

[CALIFORNIA CALIENTE]

Looks VERY GOOD,a great alternative to chrome!!! ROY.

[poboyjo65]

HEY! did you make a cyclone steering wheel smaller? how much smaller is it & how did you go about it,,, with a donor ring from another wheel? I just keep noticing different changes, though the s wheel may be an older mod.

[Jims65cyclone]

Shoot!! Looks like chrome to me. I'm checking this stuff out!
Jim

[Ratical]

Yea its smaller, I used a mid 80's ford ranger ring. Reduced diameter and larger grip. I hope someday to have it leather wrapped.