1972 Skylark dash painting question.

Hi all.

The gauge cluster on my 72 Suncoupe has been rechromed.
I'm thinking of removing the clock, and installing an in dash tach.

But my question is more about the cluster itself.
It has been rechromed, looks great but is lacking the black paint in the areas the should be black-it's a bit shiney.

Any tips on how to get the back areas black again? I mean yeah, black paint I know...

I'll be searching for a close-up picture too.

Thanks!

 

Lots of masking obviously, then scuff with a red scotch brite pad gently then spray a mist coat of "Bulldog" adhesion promoter, found at O'Reilly's then some semi flat

 

A TPP cluster?

 

Ohhh,, The Parts Place?

 

Since we're on the subject, who make a good in dash tach?

 

And how much is a all chrome cluster (with wood grain) worth?-- in perfect condition.

 

I'd like a shot at it if you sale

 

It looks as if the TPP cluster is missing the woodgrain.

 

$350 is steep at TPP. But yeah, it would save a boat load of masking...and when I say a boat load,, I mean a ship load.

 

Do you remember if the backlight lit up through the numbers at night like the rest of the factory gauges? ..

 

I thought maybe they did, and then I thought maybe they don't?
Thanks for clearing that up!

 

Any recommendations on who sells a decent in dash tach?
Do you have any experience with the Parts Place Tachs?

 

What I've done, but its tricky is paint the cluster, then take a towel, (tight nit, NOT TERRY CLOTH) put your finger in the towel, dip it in laquer thinner, then gently wipe the black paint off where you don't want it. Its tedious, and slow, but it works

 

I use(d) a little orange handled "pick set" from harbor fright. Dip the tip into some black enamel (gloss or flat or whatever) and use the pick as your brush. Practice first so you don't leave a blob of paint where you start. Its much the same as enameled jewelry was done. One day we'll get a lesson how the factory produced millions of the parts with 100% perfection... ws

http://www.instrument-specialties.com/services/plastic-chrome-bezels/

 

I got this liquid Chrome pen at Hobby Shop yesterday. Liquid chrome.
(MOLOTOW) the original. $14. Real Deal. My hands aren't steady anymore . So I will go over what I screwed up with a fine tooth sharpe. Permanent marker.

 

The Parts Place bezel isn't perfect but it is real nice. This has been discussed several times here. Just don't point any of that out to them, or Joe will jump down your throat. The harder part right now is finding the wood grain. Don't get the REM kit sold by many including TPP. It's absolutely garbage.