Stripping paint off instrument panel

[Chris64]

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?

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[mtbadbob]

Try a soft wire wheel with a drill attachment, with light pressure.

 

[ali_c20]

Try acetone or other chemicals on the back. Mechanically removing the paint will damage or scratch the chrome.

 

[Chris64]

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.

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[84GMCSierra]

I got tired of the black on mine so tried something different, and painted the bezel the same blue as my door panels. I'm trying to find the picture. Will eventually do the steering column as well.

 

[84GMCSierra]

I got tired of the black on mine so tried something different, and painted the bezel the same blue as my door panels. I'm trying to find the picture. Will eventually do the steering column as well.

 

[84GMCSierra]

Krylon Fusion Matte Blue

 

[mxer147]

I tried citristrip which was too aggressive, it took all the coatings off, pretty much a disaster. I’m considering to sand it smooth and repaint it chrome. IDK, that might be too much effort as well, maybe just buy one and then repaint chrome.

 

[Chris64]

I ended up just painting it flat black which looks identical to the stock lower column cover. Then I used a chrome pen to highlight the letters. I considered trying to do the surround around the gauges but I knew I didn't have a steady enough hand for that.

The only problem was I didn't go harsh enough on the paint that was covering the chrome and some parts of it are still just flaking off. I'll probably end up replacing it with a new re-pop one because i do like the chrome but I have so many other things to spend money on first.