Painting the dash pad
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Painting the dash pad
- Thread starter schooncj7
- Start date Start date:
- Last post Last post:
coldwater
Crazy Sr. Respected Jeeper
Ok i have a tan colored faded dash pad on my 1980 CJ7 that i am wanting to paint black. has anyone done this and what type of paint is best to use
As a matter of fact, my dash pad was tan, and a wreck too. I went to the part store and bought a can of spray for vinyl car interiors. It was cheap, and it has lasted 12 years, so far so good. I imagine they still sell it now.
A quick search came up with this.
http://www.rustoleum.com/CBGProduct.asp?pid=117
schooncj7
Jeeper
Thanks I did see some vinyl spray paint from rustoleum at The home depot it looked like it would work just wanted some advice before I started.
kicknjeep
Old Time Jeeper
once again I agree with CW, I painted an old faded blue dash with black vinyl paint and lasted until i sold the Jeep. Just make sure you clean the padding well before painting.
coldwater
Crazy Sr. Respected Jeeper
Cleaning the bejesus out of it is paramount! Any dirt or grease will pop the coating right off. Scrub it well, and the spray is pretty durable for sure.
schooncj7
Jeeper
Thanks guys I will post some before and afters maybe next week though
Thanx Id be interested in seeing how it turns out.
BrockGrimes
Jeep-CJ.com Archive Master
use denatured alcohol will ensure grease and oils are removed.
schooncj7
Jeeper
Ok two weeks later and a 100.00 later. I finished the dash pad for about 6.00 but added some things to the dash. Here is the before and after
CJ
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That looks great - a good match for sure! 
Looks better then factory.
Can you give us the steps you used?
Looks better then factory.Can you give us the steps you used?
schooncj7
Jeeper
Thanks and I'll be glad to tell the steps because I used others recommendations and some luck to get it there.
I started off using denatured alcohol like BrockGrimes recommended and then I used the rustoleum spray paint for vinyl that Coldwater suggested. I found it at Home Depot. After around two coats I still had some spots that were flat. I gave them a few more coats but they stayed flat. I remembered that I had some Mothers back to black left over from my faded fenders and that made it look great. It gave it a shine and covered up any imperfections. Again thanks for all the help!!
RustOleum.com
I started off using denatured alcohol like BrockGrimes recommended and then I used the rustoleum spray paint for vinyl that Coldwater suggested. I found it at Home Depot. After around two coats I still had some spots that were flat. I gave them a few more coats but they stayed flat. I remembered that I had some Mothers back to black left over from my faded fenders and that made it look great. It gave it a shine and covered up any imperfections. Again thanks for all the help!!
RustOleum.com
elwood blues
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That looks sweet.
kicknjeep
Old Time Jeeper
Cool did you repaint the seats and console also?
schooncj7
Jeeper
I did repaint the dash, grab bar and steering column but bought new seats and a black gauge cover
lannytucker
Jeeper
Schooncj7, I'm about to paint my tan dash pad black as you describe. Can you tell me the steps and products you used and let me know how your dash pad color/paint quality is holding up since it's been a few years since you did the black vinyl spray paint?
Thanks,
LT
Thanks,
LT
Belizean
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I have done it on my truck when I changed the color from brown to blue. I painted everything in the cab from the dash to sun visors door panels and all inside trim. I got the paint from a auto body supply store. As said before you need to clean it real good all I used was soap and water and a brush. Let it dry good and just spray it. Don't go heavy coats just a lite coat let it flash and then apply another until you like how it looks. It's been over ten years and still looks good. Good luck it's not that hard. I hope this helps you any ? just ask.
yellow85cj
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The key is getting the vinyl clean.
You would be surprised at how well it soaks up oil and grease.
Clean it 2 or 3 times.
I used TSP a couple of times to get my vinyl clean. You can get TSP at a hardware store, mix with hot water and clean.
On a couple pf pieces I used a thin coat of Bulldog adhesion promoter. May not be necessary but figured it would't hurt.
Used SEM vinyl paint form an auto paint shop supply.
Mtnwhlr is correct, several thin coats works best.
You would be surprised at how well it soaks up oil and grease.
Clean it 2 or 3 times.
I used TSP a couple of times to get my vinyl clean. You can get TSP at a hardware store, mix with hot water and clean.
On a couple pf pieces I used a thin coat of Bulldog adhesion promoter. May not be necessary but figured it would't hurt.
Used SEM vinyl paint form an auto paint shop supply.
Mtnwhlr is correct, several thin coats works best.