Stripping paint off instrument panel

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

Chris64

Full Access Member
Joined
Sep 16, 2024
Posts
80
Reaction score
110
Location
San Diego
First Name
Chris
Truck Year
1974
Truck Model
K20
Engine Size
350
The dash was filthy and flaking so I washed it with warm soapy water and it flaked way worse. I then went with a scrubber sponge and some Comet to see if that would take it all off. It didn't really change much.

If I paint over it, it will just flake off. If I sand/wire-brush it, it I will ruin the texture.

I tried some lacquer thinner on the back and it worked ok but definitely damages the chrome. So ideally, something that could strip it off without damaging the chrome underneath.

Any suggestions?

You must be registered for see images attach
 
Last edited:

mtbadbob

Full Access Member
Joined
May 9, 2021
Posts
668
Reaction score
1,048
Location
Montana
First Name
Bob
Truck Year
1987
Truck Model
V20
Engine Size
350
Try a soft wire wheel with a drill attachment, with light pressure.
 

ali_c20

Full Access Member
Joined
Sep 20, 2016
Posts
1,349
Reaction score
1,955
Location
Austria
First Name
Alexander
Truck Year
1974, 1979
Truck Model
C20, K5
Engine Size
350, 350
Try acetone or other chemicals on the back. Mechanically removing the paint will damage or scratch the chrome.
 

Chris64

Full Access Member
Joined
Sep 16, 2024
Posts
80
Reaction score
110
Location
San Diego
First Name
Chris
Truck Year
1974
Truck Model
K20
Engine Size
350
So far it seems like just tapping it (bristles down) with a detail brush seems to be doing the best job of chipping the paint away without harming the surface underneath. Acetone wasn't working. A Dremel tool with the soft bristles seemed to not hurt anything, but it wasn't removing much. A mini wire wheel didn't work well either. I don't think I'm going to get it to be completely chrome, which might be fun to play with, but hopefully I can get it flat enough that I can primer it without seeing the paint flakes under neath. Or maybe I'll break out the serious chemicals. Why is the chrome there anyway? The volume labels are all painted. I'm pretty sure this is all original stuff.

It's amazing to see a dash that made it through the 90's without the stereo getting cut into a DIN mount. I used to do these SO often.

You must be registered for see images attach
 

Latest posts

Forum statistics

Threads
44,426
Posts
957,668
Members
36,791
Latest member
bperez3
Top