Orange Paint for needles and other tips? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

337 · 08-29-2004, 02:16 PM

I'm rebuilding an instrument cluster today and have some questions.

What orange paint did you use for the needles on the gauge?
What tips do you have?

I will be adding a camaro tach and a camaro clock.

67cst · 08-29-2004, 02:24 PM

i used that testors model paint

337 · 08-29-2004, 02:32 PM

thanks!!
Spray paint or with the brush?

Rusty Rider · 08-29-2004, 02:34 PM

I would use a brush. go to the modle section to the store of your choice and look for the fine tiped detalers brush. it is alot easier to apply paint without extra brisles sliding off and hitting parts you do not want painted

Pilgrim · 08-29-2004, 03:21 PM

Cut a piece of thin cardboard and slide it under the needle before painting.

**Palf70Step** · 08-29-2004, 03:28 PM

I did mine using a QTip. But definitely use a piece of paper under the needle. Be very careful. One of mine desintigrated when I touched it. That old plastic sometimes will not take much touching/pressure.

FRENCHBLUE72 · 08-29-2004, 03:56 PM

I use spray paint with a templete laied under the needle the spray paint will give it a better look when it's done...

Longhorn Man · 08-29-2004, 04:56 PM

I agree 100% on the spray paint.
Place a thick piece of paper with a slit cut in it under the needle, and give it a few light coats of paint. I used Chevy orange, but the original color has quite a bit more red in it.
While you have the insterment panel taken apart, don't forget to paint the funky green stuff white for better light reflection, and to buff the lens with a small buffer and fine automotive wax. A buffer on a high speed drill will do fine.
For 25 bucks you can get a repro black/chrome lens (69 - 72 style) and you'll be lookin good.

silvertonguedevil · 08-29-2004, 05:19 PM

I just finished doing an "overhaul" on my radio and painted the radio dial with the Testors Orange paint. It's pretty damn-near an exact match. I just used a paint brush and it worked out well. It looks pretty sharp.

*Gee_Emm* · 08-29-2004, 06:50 PM

I used a flouresent orange and it matched perfect, comes in a small spray can. I sprayed some into the lid and used a brush to put it on.

337 · 08-29-2004, 07:39 PM

Okay i used the testors florescent orange with a good brush.
It came out like cramp. the paint did not flow smooth and did not dry smooth.
i guess i'll try the spray can.

HuggerCST · 08-29-2004, 09:42 PM

Gee_Emm- Was that testors brand flourescent orange spray paint?

*Gee_Emm* · 08-29-2004, 09:45 PM

It is called "odds n ends" made by plasti-kote, its a little shrimpy can like 4 inches tall

08-29-2004, 02:16 PM	#1
337 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: San Antonio, TEXAS Posts: 253	Orange Paint for needles and other tips? I'm rebuilding an instrument cluster today and have some questions. What orange paint did you use for the needles on the gauge? What tips do you have? I will be adding a camaro tach and a camaro clock.

08-29-2004, 02:24 PM	#2
67cst i love summertime Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Kelowna BC Posts: 4,302	i used that testors model paint __________________ 1967 shortbox stepside Chevy, 365 hp 327, th400. GLOVE BOX LIGHTS FORSALE, click link for info http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=273724

08-29-2004, 02:34 PM	#4
Rusty Rider Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Martinsburg, W.V. Posts: 85	I would use a brush. go to the modle section to the store of your choice and look for the fine tiped detalers brush. it is alot easier to apply paint without extra brisles sliding off and hitting parts you do not want painted __________________ 72 long fleet (WIP) 00 Astro every day

08-29-2004, 03:21 PM	#5
Pilgrim Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Crescent City, FL Posts: 492	Cut a piece of thin cardboard and slide it under the needle before painting. __________________ Bob 68 C20 Camper Special

08-29-2004, 03:28 PM	#6
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 47,322	I did mine using a QTip. But definitely use a piece of paper under the needle. Be very careful. One of mine desintigrated when I touched it. That old plastic sometimes will not take much touching/pressure. __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

08-29-2004, 02:32 PM	#3
337 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: San Antonio, TEXAS Posts: 253	thanks!! Spray paint or with the brush?

08-29-2004, 03:56 PM	#7
FRENCHBLUE72 PROJECT 7DEUCE Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: GRANTS PASS OR Posts: 21,606	I use spray paint with a templete laied under the needle the spray paint will give it a better look when it's done... __________________ GO BIG GREEN GO DUCKS MEMBER #6377 72 k-5 daily driver 6'' lift 35'' 350-350-205 slowly getting rust free. Project "7DEUCE" check out my build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=267665 Tim Powell..R.I.P EastSideLowlife..... R.I.P..

08-29-2004, 04:56 PM	#8
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	I agree 100% on the spray paint. Place a thick piece of paper with a slit cut in it under the needle, and give it a few light coats of paint. I used Chevy orange, but the original color has quite a bit more red in it. While you have the insterment panel taken apart, don't forget to paint the funky green stuff white for better light reflection, and to buff the lens with a small buffer and fine automotive wax. A buffer on a high speed drill will do fine. For 25 bucks you can get a repro black/chrome lens (69 - 72 style) and you'll be lookin good.

08-29-2004, 05:19 PM	#9
silvertonguedevil Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Seaside, Oregon Posts: 1,789	I just finished doing an "overhaul" on my radio and painted the radio dial with the Testors Orange paint. It's pretty damn-near an exact match. I just used a paint brush and it worked out well. It looks pretty sharp. __________________ -Greg My Chevy trucks, past and present: 1962 C10 SB Fleetside 1964 C10 LB Fleetside BBW 1966 C10 SB Fleetside 1966 C10 SB Fleetside BBW 1968 C10 SB Fleetside 1971 C10 LB Fleetside 1971 C10 SB Fleetside 1972 C10 SB Fleetside Cheyenne 1972 C10 SB Fleetside Cheyenne Super 1972 C10 LB Fleetside Cheyenne Super 1974 C20 Cheyenne 1979 K5 Blazer Cheyenne 1982 K10 SB Fleetside Custom Deluxe 1982 K10 SB Fleetside Scottsdale 1986 C10 SB Fleetside Silverado 2008 Silverado 1500 4x4

08-29-2004, 06:50 PM	#10
Gee_Emm Account Suspended Join Date: Sep 2000 Posts: 3,991	I used a flouresent orange and it matched perfect, comes in a small spray can. I sprayed some into the lid and used a brush to put it on.

08-29-2004, 07:39 PM	#11
337 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: San Antonio, TEXAS Posts: 253	Okay i used the testors florescent orange with a good brush. It came out like cramp. the paint did not flow smooth and did not dry smooth. i guess i'll try the spray can.

08-29-2004, 09:42 PM	#12
HuggerCST Registered User Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: North Louisiana Posts: 4,501	Gee_Emm- Was that testors brand flourescent orange spray paint? __________________ Wynne 70 CST short fleet Hugger orange & white, 350/350, ps, pb, air, tilt, tach/vac/speedwarning, original buckets, AM/FM, oak bed floor, shoulder belts, 3.5"/5.5" drop, 20" American Racing VN425s. Build thread 53 Chevy shortbed 69 Camaro Click here to subscribe Chevy GMC International Truck Club Louisiana Charter Member http://www.louisianaclassictruckclub.com

08-29-2004, 09:45 PM	#13
Gee_Emm Account Suspended Join Date: Sep 2000 Posts: 3,991	It is called "odds n ends" made by plasti-kote, its a little shrimpy can like 4 inches tall



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.