Just wanted to share my dash with anyone wanting to make a color change. Yes it is time consuming, but do-able. All the plastic chroming was rechromed by C.V vacuum Platers Inc. in Canada (not cheap), but excellent work. As you can see I started with Saddle and in process of changing to black. The gauges are upgraded to the ralley pack as well as the Olds 4 spoke steering wheel. All switches including headlamp, heater/AC and wiper were replaced. New ashtray, cig lighter, light bulbs, woodgrain, radio, glove box liner, and all screws and bolts were replaced. I have the headliner in and package tray along with the dash. I have since stopped the interior process to focus on the exterior as this will also be undergoing a color change as well. From original Bamboo to white to ??? Not sure what the outcome will be but when it's done I will post before and after photo's.

 

Looks great, nice job! It is always easier to go from a light color to a darker color.

 

GREAT WORK!!!!

CV Vacuum Platers are the best.

 

Recolor your whole dash in just 5 easy steps! (Cause there are only 5 pics.)

I bet it was more involved than that but it came out nicely.

What did you use for painting the plasic parts and how did you apply it? Details please - I am gonna have to spray some of my parts using an air compressor for the first time.

 

I had that same Grant steering wheel at one time. The new dash looks so much nicer. Great work!

 

I guess I am not willing to spend the time that Rob does on documenting the whole process. Just doing the work is time consuming enough, besides I am not that nice! But since you are so giving in sharing the details of your interior restoration, it not only inspires others, anyone can pick up a good tip now and again from your experience. Besides I am selfish, just ask my wife. I would be happy to reply to anyone's questions as I do enjoy swapping details.
Now back to the question. Most of the recommedations on here when painting (dyeing) the interior is the use of SEM Landau Black. I however chose to use (OER) Original Equipment Reproduction #298 Black sold by Gold Eagle Classics. This was before I learned about the Landau Black. It is suppose to be the "original color, quality and appearance". OER sells it, but does not manufacture it. It does not say on the label who makes it. Only that it is "Manufactured to OER Specifications". I used the rattle can, but you may be able to purchase in pints or quarts. Since I started with this I will continue to use it. I think it matches well with the upholstery I bought from Legendary. I just cleaned everything really well before applying. Sand with 600-800 paper cleaned with alcohol etc. I started to use the prep spray in the beginning but did not like how sticky it came out, not like paint primer. I don't think it is necessary if the parts are properly cleaned. If you are spraying upholstery I would probably use the prep. I don't plan on spraying anything I can't replace, such as seat back's, vinyl, console lid etc. Of course the draw back to that is the replacement parts are never as good as the originals! The dash bezel and glove box were painted by CV Vacuum platers when they did the rechroming.

 

Thanks for sharing! I was ready to use the Chinese water torture if you wouldn't.

It look like you lucked out and were able to use rattle cans. I prefer to use them for convenience and I am pretty good with them so far.

I will have to use a paint gun with my compressor since my color is custom mixed and cannot be put into spray cans. I never did this before and have to learn the details before hand.
I did get the parts all squeaky clean, so I am that much prepared.

Did you spray your kick panels and door panels yet?

 

Nice job. I'm actually changing my dash back from black to original color ivy gold. Call me crazy but the gold dash pad and panel looks pretty awesome next to the black instrument panel and black ***** with silver outline.

 

I bought a quart of 400 engine bronze and took it to Car Quest and they put half of it into rattle cans for me at an unreasonble cost...but it was worth it in the end...