Dash bezel cleanup/restore

[73c10Shorty]

Does anyone know how to cleaup/restore a dash bezel? This one is actually in really good shape but the silver part can use some help.

[treepete]

I am interested in this as well. I have refurbed the plastic lenses, all the gauges now work, all the 168 bulbs are replaced and working and I painited the light blue reflector thingy white, its a bit brighter I think now.

My bezel is similar to yours. I thought of trying to sand out the scratches, but I think that the aluminum( if its even aluminum) part may be damaged by this. I want to fix it but not ruin it.. I echo this question.

[yellowk20]

Be careful what you use on that "Aluminum" its very easy to dis-color it  You can light sand it but then it takes away the "brushed" look and also you run the risk of un-glueing it from plastic . PROCEED WITH CAUTION

[Dragon]

Try DAWN Dishsoap, and a Soft Bristle ToothBrush.....  First apply the soap dry(no water), then gently scrub with the toothbrush, then rinse with Cool-luke Warm Water...  Repeat as need, but don't let the Soap Stad longer than a few mins, as DAWN is strong enough to strip paint,chrome,etc, also Too Warm or Hot Water Can and Will Warp the Bezel(So Please Use Caution)......

[73c10Shorty]

Is there a way to re-paint the silver part? It almost looks like it's a decal. It would be nice if I could just cover it with something.

[Dragon]

Is there a way to re-paint the silver part? It almost looks like it's a decal. It would be nice if I could just cover it with something.

Well as stated earlier, yours should be an actual thin piece of painted metal.....   There is a way to apply a Faux Brushed Metal Finish to any surface, and it basically starts with a Silver or Aluminum Sprayed, and then using a Fine-Haired Paint Brush, slowly start dragging till the desired pattern is achieved.....  For a Full Breakdown with a Vid to Follow Along with, check out You-Tube and Search for Vids for "Faux Brushed Metal" 

[treepete]

is the silver part actually made of metal, though? or is it some kind of coated plastic to LOOK like metal..

I guess I could try it with a magnet

[ccz145a]

Aluminum will not respond to a magnet... I am pretty sure they have an aluminum spray coating, they oxidize white just like an aluminum sheet.

Only sure way to tell is an acid test... but then you are trying to fix it not destroy it trying to figure out what it is.

[yellowk20]

is the silver part actually made of metal, though? or is it some kind of coated plastic to LOOK like metal..

I guess I could try it with a magnet

I think it is clear coated aluminum. and can be ruined with differnt cleaners I have a bunch of these dashes that are "cloudy" or splotchy

[Maintenanceman]

I think  competitor.com or classicparts.com offers an overlay refurb kit Ill do some digging and see If I can find it.

[Maintenanceman]

http://www.classicparts.com/1978-80-Instrument-Bezel-Inserts-Brushed-Aluminum/productinfo/24-188A/

[73c10Shorty]

Hey Maintenanceman... that's exactly what I had in mind. Thanks for the link!

[Maintenanceman]

No problem glad I could Help