The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Interiors rusty dash

Im starting to repair my dash which is really rusty. i dont want to pull out the gauges and stuff so i though i would use a sander and not a blaster, i was wondering which set up i should go with. another thing im going to blast the rest of the inside cab because it to is rusty and was wondering how should i cover up the gauges and windows, im not going to blast anywhere near them i just dont want to risk breaking them somehow.

Take it apart - gauges, glass, dash bezels and knobs.
It sounds like you've already made your mind up to use a blaster. So go the extra step and protect what you have.
Besides, what are you going to do after your done blasting? You have to paint it anyway.

Just my 2 cents.
HC

I'd use the blaster on both the dash and the rest of the cab, and would take the time to take it all apart as Heavy said...

I totally disassembled mine, sandblasted it really good repainted and it looks super...

You can try to cut corners by hand sanding or masking things without removing them, but often won't get as good of a result or may damage something and have to replace it if you don't do it right the first time so that's the direction I'd go...

Just my $0.02...

~Trev

yah I think i will just pull it all apart, i havent looked to hard but do the knobs just pull off, and how do you disconnect the gauges?

Depends on the dash, but they're usually VERY simple to figure out if you look at the gauges on the rear of the dash...

On the '37 two bolts hold each gauge in... doesn't get simpler than that!

~Trev

Well, lets see. . .
I would start by pulling the steering wheel

Seriously, though. If you're not completely prepared to dismantle everything you see in the cab (be it with the right tools - steering wheel puller - $20). I’d stop now and assess what needs to be done and what you’re willing to do.

Most jobs I plan on doing usually take twice as long as I plan (that’s just me).

The knobs come off differently on each control (at least on my ’57 they do). . .
Let see if I can recall some (don’t hold me to this though)

Headlights – there’s a release button on top of the body under the dash.
Some knobs (choke and Throttle) – set screw
Windshield – threaded (I think)

Take your time and I’m sure it’ll turn out looking great.

Any questions check back here – There’s bound to be an answer with these guy’s/gals.

What year are we talking about, and what condition is the wiring behind the dash in? If it a ’45 and the wiring is original I’d pull the dash and start replacing the wiring. Both pulling the dash and the wiring job are pretty straight forward.

sand blast it mine was so crusty i covered the guages with cardboard and tape and in about 15 minutes saved myself hours of work that wouldnt have cleaned up as good anyother way no more rust you can also just sand blast the areas you want