SARGE - ROAD WARRIOR

While I'm waiting on the booster to get back, I'm revisiting the idea of changing the color of the faceplate on the speedometer. I posted on this before and looked back at the thread but there was one question that was not answered.

Ok the Speedo has opera lighting so, painting the back plate white is not the issue. The tricky part is changing the color of the numbers. The numbers are recessed on the inside of the plastic faceplate. The OEM color is white. I need to remove the white paint and repaint it black. I'm not a painter and my approach is probably not the best one but I would use a needle nose tool to scrape the original paint out of the crevasses. Then repaint it with a toothpick black.

I'm sure there is a better way

 

Wagons, BELIEVE IT OR NOT, I went to Google University and it said to use Rubbing Alcohol. Using a toothbrush, I was done in less than an hour! Now I'll buff the lens (just to remove any blemishes) and paint the numbers black. Last, paint the backing plate white and reassemble it. WOW!!

 

That's really neat!

 

I was going to say, test an unviewed corner of the plastic with DOT3 fluid (it's what I strip model train bodies with) just to make sure it doesn't craze, and if it doesn't, pour some on the numbers, scrub with an old toothbrush, rinse with water.

 

Got two projects going simultaneously. The speedo repaint is ready for the tedious part...painting the numbers on the lens. I painted the back faceplate white yesterday. I went to Hobby Lobby and bought a brush with a small beveled tip. It fits inside the numbers on the lens well but I haven't tried it with paint yet. My plan is to spray some of the Rustoleum paint into the paint cap to give me a pool to dip the brush into and go for it. I also have to paint the hashmarks on the faceplate black.
The second project is, the Brake Booster is back from A1 Cardone! Three weeks...I installed it yesterday and plan to bleed it today. I should be rolling soon!

 

All looks good Paladin.

 

Those are sold at Hobby Lobby and Michael's. Most hobby shops do not sell enamel paints anymore.
And Hobby Lobby sells both Testor's Enamel and Acrylic, so look carefully when you select your paints.

 

Not perfect...but...good enough for government work!

 

That actually came out pretty darned good. My shaky hands would've been evident.

 

Looks pretty good to me!

 

very nice

 

I agree. Very nice.

 

Looks great from 3 feet away