Dash bezel repair

[1985K10]

While it was raining out I thought it would be a good time to cleanup/restore my dash bezel for my 77. Its in decent shape, but the chrome around the gauges is well worn. How can I fix it, aside from getting another bezel?

[COMP]

i have used a silver paint pin,,,looks ok

[andresco50]

Check mine I painted it black and dark gold!!!!

[canadianc-10]

other then silver paint not much you can do, the entire bezel is chromed then painted black

[COMP]

Originally Posted by andresco50

Check mine I painted it black and dark gold!!!!

that looks good

[mercman1951]

If you have patience, look for foil chrome at a hobby supply place. Model car builders use it to simulate chrome trim on model cars. It comes in sheets and has an adhesive backing. It's very thin so you have to be careful. Sort of like gold leaf. You cut it with an exacto knife, and push it into place with your finger or a Q-tip. I've used it to replace the plastic "chrome" trim on other vintage car bezels, most folks would never know the difference. Looks more authentic than just silver paint, since you can't tell it's been re-done.

Similar product: http://www.bare-metal.com/bare-metal-foil.html

[77 Sport]

I don't have any experience with either of these but Popular Science magazine has an ad for a chroming product: http://www.alsacorp.com/

Hot Rod magazine had an article about a company that will re-chrome your dash or other interior parts: http://www.autoinstruments.com/

While I am at it, here is a link to a company that will redo your dash pad (same Hot Rod article): http://www.justdashes.com/

Now I need to find a way to properly repair the wood grain on the dash bezel. Probably involves a thin veneer, patience and a vacuum table.

[andresco50]

Nice sites.. if you want a great look buy a new one from LMC and you can install a woodgrain cover too

[1985K10]

Thanks for the info....looks like an expensive project! $222 to rechrome and detail the dash bezel.....I think im gonna put it in the truck the way it is, and worry about it after I get the truck on the road.

Thanks again!

[N2TRUX]

If I were you I would look at the way andresco50 did his. There are several "simulated" chrome paints on the market that will look better than what you have. No, it won't replicate the original chrome finish, but it will look better if it has a fresh coat of satin black and some semi chrome rings...

[mercman1951]

Originally Posted by 1985K10

Thanks for the info....looks like an expensive project! $222 to rechrome and detail the dash bezel.....I think im gonna put it in the truck the way it is, and worry about it after I get the truck on the road.

Thanks again!

Screw the paints...it's not factory and looks "touched-up" IMO.

Send the bezel to me, I'll do it for $100 bucks...with the $6.00 a sheet foil I mentioned.

[andresco50]

Originally Posted by mercman1951

Screw the paints...it's not factory and looks "touched-up" IMO.

Send the bezel to me, I'll do it for $100 bucks...with the $6.00 a sheet foil I mentioned.

you have pics of that foil in a bezel?

[68Timber]

Originally Posted by 1985K10

Thanks for the info....looks like an expensive project! $222 to rechrome and detail the dash bezel.....I think im gonna put it in the truck the way it is, and worry about it after I get the truck on the road.

Thanks again!

I got a new one for $175....

[COMP]

Originally Posted by andresco50

you have pics of that foil in a bezel?

i agree

[f.monroe]

I watch ebay and find deals on occasion . I bought this NOS piece for cheap .
Frank

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...265361260&rd=1

[mercman1951]

Originally Posted by andresco50

you have pics of that foil in a bezel?

Unfortunately, no. both cars I did it on I sold long ago...before the digital camera days...but trust me, it looks really good compared to silver paint markers.

If someone wants to send me a bezel, I'll find the foil again and post pics of the restoration. None of my cars are in need of this right now, but it's really not that hard to do and looks good when done.

[mercman1951]

Originally Posted by COMP

i agree

Try it. The sheets are comparably cheap ($10-$20 bucks) vs. a $175+ nos or restored plastic dash bezel. All I was hoping to do was point people to an alternative restoration method to silver paint. If you are going for a Concours resto, then obviously, this ain't for you. Look into getting your plastic "re-chromed" instead. Then repaint your dash bezel or find unfaded woodgrain.

I wish I had a bezel laying around to show you what I am talking about. It's not hard to do. I just don't have any candidates laying around anymore.

http://www.bare-metal.com/bare-metal-foil.html

Would make for a cool tech post.