Hey guys

I have a 2002 Ram 1500 and was wonder how to paint my dash? the part I was to paint is the front dash piece around the clock and AC ***** but i dont know how to get it off or if I need to sand it and such

Thanks for your help
Jason

 

Don't know how to take off your dash but when you figure that out you don't have to sand it. Just clean it in soap and water, get some clear primer and the color of your choice. I went to Autozone to get the paint for my interior. Check it out sometime by clicking the link below.

http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/515154/2

DJ (1992 IROC)

 

To take the piece off you have to remove the piece under your steering wheel that is held in with two screws on the very bottom this piece then pops out then there is a screw behind the little hook on the passenger side put your parking brake on and trun on the key so that you can put the shifter all the way into 1 the center piece then just pops off you will either have to unscrew the a/c controls or unplug them i found it is easier to unscrew them you will have to unplug the lighter and your airbag on off switch if you have one

 

Painting the dash trim ring
Regardless of finish you should soap and water clean it then scuff the whole surface with a scotch brite medium pad. Wash it again and allow to dry and wiipe with a tack clothe or blow it with compressed air before the next step.

Next either

1) finish stays as is, use an automotive abs primer & then paint it. I gave mine 2 coats of primer, then 2coats of blue then 2coats of clear. I went for a more textured look on it so I didnt wet sand it. You can add more texture to it by misting the paint on from a farther distance on the final coat rather that going wet for a smoother finish.

2) go for a smooth finish. On my gauge bezel(& quite a few other pieces) I wanted it smooth so I primed it with 2 coats of filler/primer then sanded it smooth and reprimed one more time. I gave it 2 coats of blue with the final coat fairly wet(not so much to cause runs), wet sanded lightly, then 2 coats of clear, wet sanded and polished it. Think it came out pretty good. You dont want to sand the plastic on the trim ring smooth first, could weaken it & when you reinstall it could crack.

Amazing how much better you can make it look if you take your time and do it right.

 

Not too good leaves a soapy residue you cant see and makes paint hard to apply.. Use alcohol to clean it evaporates instantly. and leaves no residue..

 

Your absolutely correct, forgot to mention cleaning after washing with the alcohol, my bad .

 

Personally I use a plastic dye to change the color of anything in my interior. If you have the money and access to it, use a professional paint gun or air brush but use automotive grade paint because it has hardners that will make the paint more durable and longer lasting. I personally scuff the paint with steel wool and clean it with denatured alchol.