67 Bright Blue Dash Restoration

[Dereck S.]

I'm looking to restore my bright blue dash on my 67 BB Roadster. The dash and pads were repainted prior to my purchase many years ago. The paint is starting to flake off the riveted side tabs as well as the dash pads adjacent to the tabs. Adhesion appears poor. When the dash was repainted the tabs and original rivets were repainted as well. I can tell in the areas where the paint is flaking off the dash pad sides that the pads appear original. They appear the darker blue/green color I've seen on original bright blue interior cars. My plan was to remove the glove box assembly, instrument cluster, and dash pads. I recently had the correct dark bright blue paint mixed in spray cans. I have the following questions:

1. Is it possible to strip the paint off the original dash pads without damaging the original dye and finish and reuse them? They are in really good condition under the repaint. I was going to try SEM 39913 bumper stripper and leave it on for a very short time. If it tuns out bad I'll likely re-dye them. I'd prefer the original finish and color.
2. Is it possible to strip the paint from the end tabs and not affect the black rivets? Is it practical to mask off the rivets prior to repaint? I believe from other threads that the rivets are installed after the pre-painted dash is installed. I don't want to remove the original rivets.

[Wayne W.]

Re: 67 Bright Blue Dash Restoration

You need to keep in mind that the hard part of the dash was done in lacquer paint, and the soft parts were done in dye. Two different things. You can strip the hard parts down to the original fiberglass and start over. Stripper and thinner to clean that will not hurt the fiberglass if done correctly.

I wouldn't put any stripper on the soft parts. A little lacquer thinner and a rag and wipe is about all I would do there. You might find that pad to be one of several different colors, usually black or saddle. They were dyed blue at the manufacturer, and they are never exactly the same color as the hard parts.

You didn't say, but the only reason to have black rivets is if both the car and the interior is blue. Otherwise they were painted blue.