Painting the gauge bezel… by HemiHead04

If you want to try this yourself, all it takes is time and very little money for the paint.

I'm going to try and write this up from memory. If you've explored taking any of your dash apart you shouldn't have any problems getting the gauge cluster out.

It's easier to do this if the gear selector is in 1st when you're removing the bezel.

1. Remove the headlight switch panel from the dash. I think I just pulled it, no screws. Be careful; remember there is an electrical connector back there. Push the button on the connector to remove it.

2. Remove the center dash panel. There is one screw where the trash bag hook is, remove it. Carefully pull the center dash panel out. Connectors include cigarette lighter, A/C controls and airbag on/off switch. All have buttons just like the headlight switch.

3. Remove screws in the outer gauge trim bezel and remove it.

4. Remove screws holding the gauge cluster in place.

5. Remove connectors on the top/back of the gauge cluster. Remove cluster from dash.

6. There are torx screws on the back of the cluster holding the two halves together. Remove them and separate the halves.

7. You should now have the front part of the gauge cluster (plastic shield, black bezel).

8. It would help to let the piece heat a little before removing the plastic. You can use a razor to separate the plastic from the bezel or you can use a screwdriver. Either way, be careful as not to scratch the plastic. If you do get a small shallow scratch, use toothpaste (not gel) to polish out the scratch.

9. Use a good grease/wax remover (I used an aerosol type) and wash down the bezel.

10. Begin with 120 grit sandpaper and work your way up to at least 600 grit. Sand as much area as you can get to.

11. Once you’re satisfied with sanding, use grease/wax remover again. Wash with Dawn dishwashing liquid.

12. Begin by spraying adhesion promoter on the bezel. Then spray light coats of primer letting it dry in between coats. I used a filler primer to eliminate all the areas I couldn't get to with sandpaper.

13. After the primer has cured make sure everything looks to your liking. If it doesn't, sand what you don't like and prime again.

14. When everything looks good, start with your base color using several light coats (letting it dry in between coats) until you have good coverage. 

15. When the base is dry, you can spray on a few coats of clear and you're done.

16. Remove any paint from the area that the plastic shield attaches to. Sparingly apply superglue to the areas that the shield attaches to. Very carefully lay the shield back in its place and let the glue dry.

17. Put everything back together and sit back and admire your handy work!