Faded dash (black)

Anyone have advice on bringing a black faded dash on a late 70's tique back to life?

If that does not work, then color sand the gelcoat and polish. Start with 400 and work up to 600 minimum or 900 best. Use a rigid sanding block when working with 400 grit (not rubber) to avoid creating low spots. Use wet/dry sand paper with plenty of soapy water. Then use a course rubbing compound with electric buffer (not cheap polisher like you can buy at Home Depot). Follow with wax.

Incidently, I would suggest you remove the windsheild to have better access and avoid leaving unsanded spots. Also remove mirrors, glove box lids, instrument panels, etc. as applicable.

I just helped a friend redo a 1976 Ski Nautique and we used 3m products heavy oxidation remover and then 3m finess it , It looks like a million bucks .
Mike

buff it

Sanding is not exactly the cool way to go. Use this buffer http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=46507 and some 3M heavy ox remover on the 1st or second setting. After that finish out with the other steps of 3M process or cheat by using their finish restoring bottle which buffs and waxes.

I had a friend wet sanded most of his boat and he wanted to beat himself up whe realized the time and result benefits of using the buffer setup.

Remove windshield, gauges, prep for paint, repaint with PPG concept paint, reassemble looks like a million bucks and all i do is keep the dust off it. This seems like a lot of work but the results are great. Also faded gelcoat just will not retain gloss for very long.

Dave F-

Thanks....makes good sense.