Originally, the entire face side was vacuum metallized chrome. Then argent, black, and white detail painting was done. To D.I.Y. liquid mask and a artist air brush is the best way.
To remove the center cones from the lenses is better than any mask on the clear lens. Separate the cone from the lens, then separate the lens from the bezel. Lots of work but you'll be able to polish the lenses before reassembly. Once separated you'll find the lens edges are blacked out so light can't enter the material in that direction. You want to keep that correct. I remove the red and green lenses also. Did I say lots of work?
Cone sides are flat black. Their face was left chrome when they had light circular texture to knock down some of that shine. Smooth face cone was argent or black in some models with only the larger outer edge ring chrome.
For what its worth, I had custom pieces made for backlighting HAZARD LIGHTS WIPER and the 67 base model climate controller too but...posted here and didn't get enough interest. So I never completed all the various climate controllers. I don't have to paint those little letters though. I just shave them away, peel the paper and stick the custom pieces on.
