When you take a convertible, put the top down, and then have the bright sun over your shoulder - the chrome on the dash can be a bit much! So I decided to knock down the shine a little - and did some other changes at the same time.

Here is where I started








And after using just some model paint from the local "Hobby Lobby" store:




And some time cleaning with very very light sanding on the chrome then some light coats of the flat clear and the flat black to change the vents themselves:




The chrome trim ring pops off the vent easily, four tabs but just be careful not to be too aggressive with moving them
The vent on the left has been hit with the flat clear, the right one is still stock

 

And some more work to complete the change


The gauge cluster comes apart easily - just drop the steering wheel as far as it will go and pull straight back. You don't have to remove the gauges themselves (although I did for another part of my project).



This why I pulled the gauge cluster too


Cluster back in place while the rest of the parts are drying


And now:






No more points of light hitting me in the eyes and a unique dash

 

looks fantastic! great job!

 

Good job! I've seen a good amount of guys on the forums looking to buy new black vents... or trade with someone. You just provided a cheap DIY alternative. :]

Love the white gauge faces too - where'd you get them from?

 

I like the white gauge faces as well, how does it look with the My Color dash lights...any appreciable change?

 

Nice job man, looks great. I'll definately have to do something similar.

 

Very nice.

 

great idea man. I've been blinded by my metallic dash a time or 2...never even considered what a vert would be like


I like how subtle what you changed is.

 

Looks good Jim. Nice job!

 

Nice job! Looks great