How do you prep the die cast dashboard?

I need to sand the black at the bottom for scratches, and also want to paint the ribbed black area to clean it up.

How? What device or method to scratch that up a little for a splash of rattle can?

 

Do you want to remove all the black paint? You could scuff it with a scotchbrite but may still see scratch underneath. You could remove all black paint with a small wire wheel on a dremel type tool. A good primer that sticks is the key. I saw a video that tested primers and ace brand adhered the best.

 

For best results take it all off with paint stripper. Then give it a good washing and scrubbing with soap water. The ribbed chrome it tedious to clean up, maybe use an electric toothbrush, haha.
Areas to be painted can be further cleaned with fine steel wool or a brass bristle brush. Apply a light coat of primer if you want, but the factory didn't.... just black paint over the chrome.

I don't think you would get acceptable results painting over what is there.

 

I like the idea of a electric toothbrush for cleaning, have to remember that.
What type of paint stripper will no damage the chrome? Like that good old aircraft stripper stuff?

 

I never had an issue with aircraft stripper on chrome. Just do not use any thing that will scratch the chrome (steel wool, etc).

 

I restored mine like 15 yrs. ago so I don't remember what I used to strip the paint off of the chrome. I think I used lacquer thinner and 0000 steel wool. The upper ribbed part of mine was in great shape and just required cleaning and prep-sol to de-grease it. On yours it looks like it may require some light sanding to smooth out the paint that has chipped away, I would probably use some fine grit sanding sponges to go over any spots where that's occurred.

For paint, I used gloss black lacquer for the lower chrome part and SEM trim black for the ribbed section. No primer was used in either spot. It's held up pretty well 15 yrs. later...

 

I likely used aircraft stripper. Formulations have changed so it's always a good idea to test first. But I doubt any paint strippers contain anything strong enough to damage chrome.
Brake fluid or lacquer thinner will also soften paint, but will require extra effort.
0000 steel wool is fairly safe on old chrome for cleaning purposes, wouldn't use it on pristine chrome tho.

 

Hey Nick, did you also paint the silver area with the ridges?

 

No, I just cleaned it as best I could. I have no clue how the factory achieved the finish that's on there.