Replating C2 Dash Cluster - Part II

[Mark H.]

Following up on the posts further down the board, I tried scraping the paint off the letters and then painting with Testors Chrome paint. My findings are:

1. My eyes are not as good as they used to be. Those letters are small!

2. The chrome paint isn't shiny enough, which is good because

3. It is impossible to keep the paint on the letters only (see finding #1) and I tried smallest hobby brush I could buy, toothpick, cut to size sponge.

I am going to bring the housing to a local chrome plater and see what he thinks he can do. I contacted a couple of the dash cluster restorers who advertise in the Driveline and they will not/do not replate as part of the process.

If you've brought a C2 cluster housing back from the dead, I'd love to hear from you.

[Wayne D.]

Re: Replating C2 Dash Cluster - Part II

Mark, Just finished with my cluster, you might want to try this for the letters...take your paint or clear spray small amount into a shallow lid or bowl...dip your index finger into paint and ever so gently touch the letters with the tip of your finger, lift and go to next letters...this way the paint will not be pushed between the letters and will only outline the tops..I have tried many brushes but this works for me...btw my vette(65) is only a driver so this works for me..good luck.

[Kent D.]

Re: Replating C2 Dash Cluster - Part II

After I paint the cluster black I put a little lacquer thinner on a rag and wipe the black paint off the letters. Or after the paint is dry you can use some steel wool on the letters to remove the paint.

[Mark H.]

Re: Replating C2 Dash Cluster - Part II

Thanks. Getting the black paint off the letters I can do. Problem is that doing so reveals not chrome but the copper coating beneath the chrome, which has worn away.

[Mark H.]

Re: Replating C2 Dash Cluster - Part II

Been a long time since I finger painted. I will give that a try. wife also suggested a paint pen with a fine point. I will try that also.

[Kenneth S.]

Re: Replating C2 Dash Cluster - Part II

I had my '63 dash replated by Rick Applegate in Jackson, TN. He did an excellent job. He advertises in the Driveline and his email is applegate1@charter.net.
Ken