I'm restoring a lower plastic dash housing for a 1971 442. I know this has been discussed before in the past. What is the best way to paint the chrome trim? I've seen the krylon paint pens get a lot of recommendation but I couldn't find any good pictures and a lot of people say they are too dull and don't wear well. I've also seen the Parts Place and Inline Tube have pens now also but haven't heard anything good or bad about them. On my dash I used Testors argent silver model paint with a sponge brush. It came out pretty good but it requires a steady hand and it is pretty dull. I know the right way is to send it out and have it refinished in the vacumized aluminum. Is there anything else that will give it a shiney finish? What is everybody else using and pictures would be awesome. Thanks.

 

Here is my experience:

1. Paint Pens - better than looking at worn off trim. Not really chrome, more of a silver paint.

2. Bare Metal Foil - Used by model makers. tedious to put on, looks like chrome, not really super durable.

3. Vacuum Metallizing - What the factory did, Need to remove the dash sand send it out to a company like ChromeTech. Best way to go, but lots of work.

How fussy are you????

 

Molotow chrome pen. Killer stuff...You can get them at Hobby Lobby. They come in different widths. If it's trim they are great. But you can't do like an armrest backing plate.

 

Anybody else use this? Any pictures?

 

Here are a few pics of my dash. I used the Molotow liquid chrome paint pens.
I like the way it turned out. It's kind of hard to see in the pics, but it has a nice reflective shine unlike the dull look you get with the silver paint pens that are currently on the market. If you decided to get them at Hobby Lobby, check online for a 20% off coupon, it'll save you a couple bucks.

IMG_0367.jpg

IMG_0369.jpg

IMG_0368.jpg

IMG_0370.JPG

 

That looks pretty good. Definitely a lot shinier then the other paint pens I've seen. I see the Molotow pens come in a few different sizes, which one did you use?

 

Thanks!
I have the 2mm and 4mm pens.

 

I picked up the 4mm pen. The coupon online was for 40% off today. I will update with pictures after I get it done. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

 

40%? Wow, that's even better!! Good luck with your project!

 

Thanks!

 

Got the glove box lid finished today. I’ll finish the dash housing this evening. It really is very close to the factory chrome. It’s hard to capture in a picture.

 

Told you, it's the best stuff I've seen. A bit tricky to use because the paint is so thin. You have to keep moving. Looks great!

 

I didn’t do the gauge bezel because it is a bigger area I don’t think it would have came out as nice as the trim lines. I’m very happy with the results. Way better then the other paint pens and way cheaper then the vacuumized metal. Thanks for the suggestion. Also I will be listing the dash in the for sale section.

 

WOW! THE TRIM LOOKS GREAT ON BOTH I am just getting ready to do my 68 442 the the same question I know now how I am going to do it . good luck going on with project

 

I think they also make a spray paint. Can't tell you much about it, I have not tried it.