Applying DMT Dash Overlays

-

SpeedThrills

FABO Gold Member
FABO Gold Member
Joined
Jun 3, 2008
Messages
2,561
Reaction score
1,410
Location
Very South Jersey
The wood grain on my 74 Dart Sport dash is flaking in spots. It doesn't rub off any farther with my fingers.

I have Detroit Muscle Technologies wood grain replacement overlays. I didn't want to install them over the area that's flaking until I found out: A) If it would continue to flake after I install the overlays, and B) can I remove the entire original wood grain, or sand the edges and not have them show through the new wood grain decal.
Or, bottom line, what do I need to do before I put the new wood grain on?

I emailed DMT, figuring they would have a technique. Jim Fillmore replied saying, essentially, that it something I'll have to figure out.

I thought I'd check here to get ideas.

Peeling Woodgrain 1.jpg


Peeling Woodgrain 2.jpg
 
Trick from my plastic modelling days- mild oven cleaner makes a great stripper on plastic. Scrub with a toothbrush (Old one... :)). Try not to get it on the chrome if you're trying to save that. Wash thoroughly in soap and water afterward.
 
I had painted my dash before I put my DMT wood grain on , so I had a good surface. If your wood grain is the thin plastic like mine is, then it is probably not very critical. Just sand off the loose stuff and make sure it is clean and not oily from amour all or something like that. I spliced a piece in my dash and the DMT wood grain covered beautifully

If it is a decal, then surface prep becomes critical, as everything will show through.
 
Is your overlay a decal or die-cut thin plastic like mine?
They're decals.

Trick from my plastic modelling days- mild oven cleaner makes a great stripper on plastic. Scrub with a toothbrush (Old one... :)). Try not to get it on the chrome if you're trying to save that. Wash thoroughly in soap and water afterward.
I'll try a small section.
 
I had painted my dash before I put my DMT wood grain on , so I had a good surface. If your wood grain is the thin plastic like mine is, then it is probably not very critical. Just sand off the loose stuff and make sure it is clean and not oily from amour all or something like that. I spliced a piece in my dash and the DMT wood grain covered beautifully

If it is a decal, then surface prep becomes critical, as everything will show through.
The original isn't a decal, I don't know what it is.
 
Interesting, mine was a Barracuda rally dash, so the Dart one must be made differently. I bought both types and liked the DMT plastic ones much better.
 
Thats paint . there is a method to redo that two coats two colors , wipe and clear. Tint or reverse colors for different shades to match. Years ago a watched a guy do his . He did the glove box and the center piece. They matched the console and doors it looked great. the wood grain is molded int the plastic . You'll need paint or decal. I would suggest paint
 
Thats paint . there is a method to redo that two coats two colors , wipe and clear. Tint or reverse colors for different shades to match. Years ago a watched a guy do his . He did the glove box and the center piece. They matched the console and doors it looked great. the wood grain is molded int the plastic . You'll need paint or decal. I would suggest paint
I kinda thought it was paint. And it does look like the grain is molded in. I already have the decals. And besides, if I tried to reproduce the wood grain with paint, it would look like a bad acid trip. :rolleyes: There's what I picture before I start, and then there's what actually happens. :)
Thanks Steve.
 
Original is paint. Over a flash chrome coat. Paint doesn’t stick to chrome, but keep in mind that these parts are 50 years old now. Oven cleaner will work, but as noted, it will take the chrome off too!
 
Original is paint. Over a flash chrome coat. Paint doesn’t stick to chrome, but keep in mind that these parts are 50 years old now. Oven cleaner will work, but as noted, it will take the chrome off too!
Well, the chrome is all gone where it shows. I'm going to repaint the black, use "chrome" spray for the original chrome (good enough, it's not a resto), and then apply the wood grain decals.
I have a dash pad cap and I've resprayed the dash.
I have more time than money.
 
Be careful with the chrome spray paint. It can take months to dry. I used Molotov paint pens. Found them on Amazon. I went the carbon fiber route.

AF96F32B-BFCB-43B6-B4B5-7E63992BCB8D.png
 
Buy the medium width one. The fine one failed within seconds! I bought the three pack and the medium and wide one were useful.
 
-
Back
Top