I'm noticing specks of rust on my dash. Obvously, I need to repaint it to prevent it from spreading. So, what exactly is the procedure for doing this. Such as what do I use to sand, what do I use to prime and paint it and where I can find them? The original color is gold-like, anyone know the name of it and if it's available? Also, do I have to remove the dash or can I do it inside the car?

What year is your Chevelle?

It's a 1966 Chevelle.

I'm not familiar with a 66 Dash, hopefully 66 Mystery Chevelle will chime in here. I'm just trying to keep your topic near the top.

I would definately remove the dash from the car to do the deal... i think the color you are looking for is "Sandalwood Tan Metallic" - that is the original color of my 300 Deluxe. I have seen a ton of images of 66's with the gold color dash.

Originally posted by 66Deluxe300:
I would definately remove the dash from the car to do the deal... i think the color you are looking for is "Sandalwood Tan Metallic" - that is the original color of my 300 Deluxe. I have seen a ton of images of 66's with the gold color dash. Yep, that's the color. I was sorting hoping I'd be able to do it with it in the car as I wouldn't have the faintest of how to remove it and re-install it. Any advice would be helpful.

I did this with my 66 not long ago. Remove the dash and all the chrome pieces along with the speedometer and the glove box, its actually pretty easy. If you have to know how to pull the dash letme know.

Sorry i didnt see that you said u needed help with pulling the dash. First drop the steering column, there are two bolts holding a metal strap up under the column, undo them. Next there is a plate where the column meets the firewall with about 5 or 6 sheet metal screws, take them out and press a little bit down on the column and it should just drop.The dash pad has to be loosened from the dash, so take the 6 or 7 screws out from the front lip where the pad meets it. Next there are about 5 bolts under the dash, take them out. I believe there are also two screws, one on each side of the dash where it meets the two sides of the car. That should be it, remember to put a milk crate or somthing under the dash when u removed it because u must disconnect all wires to speedometer and gauges ect. Oh yea, it would also make it easier to pull the steering wheel. Not a hard job to do, didnt take me long.

A good way to bend your steering shaft is to "drop" it and leave it unsupported. If you use the "drop" method be sure to support it. The problem is you still have a column and its support in the way of the dash. I would recommend that you pull the entire steering column out. That way it is out of the way and you have more room to work on the dash.

Maybe some resto suppliers carry the correct color and sheen,

BUT, be sure to gte the paint BEFORE you sand it all down... I'd hate t osand it all down to discover I had the wrong paint... At least a paint shop could probably match the color if you bring in the whole dash...

It its starting to rust, then you might want to have it completely blasted (inside and out) and then use a metal etch/primer/paint to seal it up...


Also, I am not sure what the paint color would be called...

i think the color you are looking for is "Sandalwood Tan Metallic" - that is the original color of my 300 Deluxe.Sandlewood Tan was an exterior color only (although the dash might be very close), not an interior color... I had a two-tone "Fawn" interior that had the the gold dash in one of my 66's. The Fawn was kind of a tan...

1966 Chevelles did not have a gold interior (like gold seats, carpet, headliner, etc), so the gold colored dash would come with a different colored (and different named) interior...

I removed my 66 dash and all the chrome and switches and had it powder coated black and it looks great, it cost me $70.00, just another idea.

Rudy

I removed my 66 dash and all the chrome and switches and had it powder coated black and it looks great, it cost me $70.00, just another idea.

Rudy