Dash - Instrument panel

[pasadenajim]

My "instrument cluster" (65 K1500) has seen better days, no extra holes or anything, just flaking chrome and the usual wear but it looks rough. Has anyone had good luck with "refinishing or rechroming" one of these? Any suggestions would be much appreciated. Jim Hyde, Phx AZ

[GVDobler]

Jim

I saw a short clip on the 2012 SEMA show that showed a machine for a "chrome" (any color) finish on anything, plastic etc. It does a beautiful job.

I tracked down the machine and it was about $6k. I did not buy one. I have not found any shop that has it and is doing that kind of work. But, it looked like an easy process to just mask off the portion you don't want a "chrome" finish on.

Mine is the same shape as yours, and I hate to just paint it all flat black. If I didn't toss their website, I will post it and maybe you can track down a shop around you. If you see SEMA 2012 rerun on Speed channel try to catch the short segment.

[Funky61]

Here's something from the archives Jim...

http://6066gmcclub.com/forum/showthread.php?t=18020&highlight=plastic+chrome

[FetchMeAPepsi]

I planned on using sanding, primer and paint with mine. The paint I have is SparVar S120 Silver paint (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002A03K0A/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B002A03K0A&linkCode=as2). It turns out looking original enough that I kept the paint number.

[GVDobler]

The process I saw was called Cosmic Chrome.
Really a neat process, but the equipment is $5-6k.
It would be nice if you could do enough to pay for it.

http://www.cosmic-chrome.com/

[jbgroby]

I've used this company for specialty plating for custom models parts, BUT they have expanded into dash bezels as well.

http://www.chrometechusa.com/

They did great work.

Jake
Lacombe, LA.

[Quigley]

I just received my instrument cluster back from chrometech USA. I think it looks great.

[pasadenajim]

Looks really good, what was the cost?

[FetchMeAPepsi]

Yeah that looks awesome! I'd be interested in knowing what it runs too

[Quigley]

:whipit: The cost was $200.00. Worth every penny!!

[FetchMeAPepsi]

:woowoo:

Too rich for my blood, but it does look nice.

[Funky61]

That dash came out PERFECT!

[GVDobler]

Very nice dash.

I can't tell. Are there black areas like original and did they do that?

Is the face brown or is that reflections in the photo?

How much did they do, and what did you have to do, I guess is what I'm asking.

[Quigley]

They did it all. Black around the outside and gauges. Chromed it and even polished out the gauge lenses. Dave

[tatastruck]

Hate to hijack but can any one tell me which idiot lights are where? I know turn signal is bottom right when looking at gauge cluster. Also anyone know where I can get the little tabs that the lights shine through?

[FetchMeAPepsi]

Hate to hijack but can any one tell me which idiot lights are where? I know turn signal is bottom right when looking at gauge cluster. Also anyone know where I can get the little tabs that the lights shine through?

Hijacker! Your new post button was broke!

The lights are top left = Gen, top right Oil, bottom right = turn, bottom left = Hi beam.

I dont know where you can get new ones but you can probably have them made at a decal or sign shop pretty cheap.

[65 GMC Custom Cab]

It may be that there is some variation in the position of indicators. On my 1965 Custom Cab clockwise starting with the GEN on the lower left, HI BEAM on the upper left, LOW OIL on the upper right and TURN SIG on the lower right.

I've shared a PDF file that includes instructions on how to make replacement lenses (includes the proper font and size for each lens). Here's the link (https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_YGUw2nZS1Wcl9PRVk0Sl9vRXc/view?usp=sharing) to the file.

[Okiefromwatonga]

Wow that's probably better looking than when it was new