Correct paint colors for '64 instrument cluster

[Jeff H.]

I'm getting ready to refinish the instrument cluster on my '64. Does anyone have a suggestion for the best match paint to use for the black background and the brushed silver gauge surrounds? I'm looking for the mfr. and code. Thanks.

[Dale M.]

Re: Correct paint colors for '64 instrument cluster

I used Rust-Oleum Satin #7777. Not been judged, but everyone seems to fee lit OK. I don't use the spray cans because I cannot control the pattern and they spray to heavy. I buy the quart cans and used my detail gun. I want to see the replies to this.

[John H.]

Re: Correct paint colors for '64 instrument cluster

I'm getting ready to refinish the instrument cluster on my '64. Does anyone have a suggestion for the best match paint to use for the black background and the brushed silver gauge surrounds? I'm looking for the mfr. and code. Thanks.

Jeff -

SEM Trim Black #39143 works well for the grained portion of the cluster (and the glove box door and console plate).

[Donald H.]

Re: Correct paint colors for '64 instrument cluster

I second the SEM Trim Black recommendation. I have only found it at auto paint store or ordered on-line. It is rattle can but really lays down nicely.

[Hank D.]

Re: Correct paint colors for '64 instrument cluster

I second the SEM Trim Black recommendation. I have only found it at auto paint store or ordered on-line. It is rattle can but really lays down nicely.

Here's a link to a source for SEM Trim Black: http://www.tooltopia.com/sem-paints-39143.aspx

[Jeff H.]

Re: Correct paint colors for '64 instrument cluster

Thanks to all that replied to my questions about correct paint. There seems to be several suggestions about the black background, but not many about the brushed silver gauge surrounds. Still looking for suggestions on that paint.

[Kenneth S.]

Re: Correct paint colors for '64 instrument cluster

Jeff,
I used the paint from Long Island and it turned out great. It’s 45-02 Dull Aluminum and 45-13 Semi-gloss Black.
Ken

[Dale M.]

Re: Correct paint colors for '64 instrument cluster

Ken, I used the 45-02 dull Aluminum but did not like the spray from the can. What was your experience? I seems to me that most spray cans spray to heavy, maybe its just my technique. Ddaale

[Paul J.]

Re: Correct paint colors for '64 instrument cluster

Ken, I used the 45-02 dull Aluminum but did not like the spray from the can. What was your experience? I seems to me that most spray cans spray to heavy, maybe its just my technique. Ddaale

I agree. One member of this board told me to use a air brush. I've done this before but not with the dull silver. It worked well on the projects I've done, and I expect that it will work well with the dull silver.

Paul

[Dale M.]

Re: Correct paint colors for '64 instrument cluster

I find it difficult to always find the correct colors NOT in a spray can, like this dull sliver for the dash.

[Kenneth S.]

Re: Correct paint colors for '64 instrument cluster

Dale:
It’s been a while since I did my dash, but I don’t recall having any problems, in fact I thought the paint flowed out real nice and adhered well. I followed the directions on the can which say: “Spray surface with steady even strokes at a distance of 8 to 10 inches. Several light coats give a better finish than one heavy coat.” Then I used a rag wrapped tightly on my finger and soaked with acetone to remove the paint on the front chromed edges. Worked for me.
Ken

[Dale M.]

Re: Correct paint colors for '64 instrument cluster

My results are fine, I just prefer to have the lighter flow and can do lighter coats. Mine has been done about a year ago. My original cluster has a section at the bottom broken off. I found another one, had it rechromed, then painted it and it looks great. Yesterday my clutch pedal unexpectedly broke where its welded to the shaft. I guess its common, but I need to drop the clutch/brake support to repair. My car had been a race car, so its had some hard use. I appreciate your response. Thanks

[Jeff H.]

Re: Correct paint colors for '64 instrument cluster

Thanks to everyone for your suggestions for repainting my dash cluster. This tech forum is really great for getting advice on just about any restoration question you can think of!
I do have another question (or observation). For semi-gloss black items, I've recently used Krylon's new "satin black" enamel. For parts that have never been painted, it seems to work fine. For repainting parts previously painted with laquer, it often bubbles & "crinkles" as it dries. You can actually watch it happen about 3 minutes after spraying. The result looks like a "crinkle" finish. Somewhere within the last year I read in a Buick Club restoration article that the newer enamel based paints aren't compatible with repainting over lacquer. They specifically mentioned Krylon products and said you have one shot at applying it. If you try to respray it, even over a previous coat of the same stuff, it is likely to bubble. I can agree with this observation as this has been my personal experience with it
I'm not sure what the '64 dash cluster background was painted with. Likely it was lacquer. I would rather not strip the old paint; just paint over the old stuff. I'd also prefer to not prime the cluster as this will tend to fill in the simulated graining. What would the group suggest? Is the Long Island #45-13 a Krylon derivative? Does it also bubble? How about other brands?
Thanks again for your advice.