Removing paint from dash pads

[Bob R.]

Someone stained or painted the original dark blue dash pads in my 63 a dark brown color. The pads are in pretty good condition for 51 years old and I would like to clean them up and re install in the car. At first I thought I would just paint them with the Corvette America dark blue interior stain but I noticed when I removed a piece of tape from the pads the brown paint came off with it. The brown is obviously not adhered well and I am now concerned the blue paint will not hold up for long. I really don't want to take the dash apart in a few years to correct peeling paint. Does anyone have a suggestion on a good way to remove the old brown paint without damaging the pads? Or should I just take my chances with the blue stain?

[Curtis M.]

Re: Removing paint from dash pads

Bob,

I posted this back in 2008. My pads still look good with no peeling. I would certainly try to remove what I can. I was not able to get all the black off so I wouldn't be too concerned if you cannot get all the brown to come off.

My dark blue dash pads had been painted black. I used 3M Adhesive Remover to remove the black paint from the pads. It will take multiple passes as this solvent does not appear to be too aggressive. After that I cleaned them well with lacquer thinner, sprayed a vinyl primer and then re-dyed them blue. The dye adhered well and they still look good three years later with no lifting.

Good luck.
Curtis

[Bob R.]

Re: Removing paint from dash pads

Thanks for your suggestion