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The top of my dash has a rough black paint, almost like a crinkle finish. Is this correct? I would like to repaint it, but don't know what to use. The windshield and headliner are currently out, so its the perfect time to get it done.
Steve
Sreve,
It sounds like you have the original finish on your dash panel. This is what is on my 55. I removed my panel and painted over the original finish keeping the original appearance. Can't recall exactly what paint I used but it was something less than gloss.
Mac
Steve,
As Mac says, the crinkle finish is the correct original finish for your '55 dash. As you might imagine, sun glare was a concern even in the '50's, especially with all the chrome interior trim. The top dash panel was painted with a crinkle flat paint/coating specially developed for DeSoto. If I get them to attach, you will see an original ad from Bakelite with details of the coating developed for the DeSoto dash. I've also attached a photo of my '55 dash. I purchased my '55 thirty years ago when it had 32,000 miles. I removed the dash panel and cleaned it with soap and water and it still looks good today. For safety, you definitely want to use a flat or satin finish paint to prevent glare and stay close to original.
Mark
Krylon makes a semiflat black (not their semigloss) that worked slick on my dash top and air cleaner and gen. unit. nice finish. dave
Thanks for the info, guys. I used the semi-flat paint from krylon and the dash looks pretty good.
Mark & Dave, your interiors look beautiful!
Steve
