Prime/Paint Dash Shell

1970FuryConv · Nov 13, 2017

I have been using a die grinder and coarse discs to take my dash shell down to bare metal. I am planning on spray can prime & black paint. For filling small nicks and rust spots, what brand of primer do you recommend? The car is a driver. I am trying to hold down cost as much as possible. Taking it to a paint shop is not an option. Thanks for your recs!

Wollfen · Nov 13, 2017

I would use a can of etch primer first on it, then a use a can of Primer/Filler to coat it and rub back, put extra coats on the areas with pits. After rubbing back, reapply as necessary. Rustoleum will work fine in this instance. As for a top coat of black, try to find a top quality Satin black that will stand up to the suns rays.

'69FuryIIIConvertible · Nov 14, 2017

This is what I have decided to top coat mine with

1970FuryConv · Nov 14, 2017

Wollfen said:
I would use a can of etch primer first on it, then a use a can of Primer/Filler to coat it and rub back, put extra coats on the areas with pits. After rubbing back, reapply as necessary. Rustoleum will work fine in this instance. As for a top coat of black, try to find a top quality Satin black that will stand up to the suns rays.

Hi Gary. I don't know what "rub back" means. Is that a type of sanding? Thanks, Ben

Wollfen · Nov 14, 2017

1970FuryConv said:
Hi Gary. I don't know what "rub back" means. Is that a type of sanding? Thanks, Ben

Yes, I meant sanding it back.

1970FuryConv · Nov 15, 2017

Thanks Gary. If there is a very small ding that primer won't completely fill, is there a filler I could use over primer?

70Tom · Nov 15, 2017

Depends where it is. As that dash frame is highly flexible, I would hammer/dolly out the dent the best I could and then put in some All Metal filler.

71Polara383 · Mar 20, 2018

What products did you end up using for this project? Starting on my dash frame now.

1970FuryConv · Mar 21, 2018

Dash Shell:
The rear I cleaned and then brush painted with a combo prime/paint to keep down rust

Placed shell on table outside garage door. I worked over the front side of it with a die grinder and a coarse grit 3M disc. Took entire front down to bare metal. Air compressor powered die grinder left metal very smooth.

Duplicolor 2 in 1 Filler & Sandable Primer DAP1700 12oz $7.99. I applied the entire can in 4 coats on the dash shell. I applied in 30 minute intervals, temp 50°F. It went on very smooth.

Duplicolor Perfect Match Brilliant Black Pearl BCC0427. Entire 8 ounce can was gone in 2 coats. I applied in 30+ minute intervals. I used 2 cans. Tried clear, which was frosty, looked horrible. 2 more cans of duplicolor black. I mixed different spray blacks because the parts store only had 1 or 2 of any one thing. I think the last can was actually Toyota black (The Horror!), although they all look black to me. Did not try another clear.

The Duplicolor paints are too expensive, but they do yield a nice non-gloss finish