Butler finish instrument panel
 

My 29 ccpu has a chrome instrument panel, so I'm always on the lookout for one with a butler finish...preferably a worn butler finish to match the rest of the truck....

Anyway, this one keeps popping up on ebay..same seller....

Is the grain of the finish going the wrong way?

The one picture in the JS seems to show the grain vertical.....

Thanks...

Re: Butler finish instrument panel
 

I am not an expert, but I think the grain does go left to right (horizontal) like the dash in your picture. The pictures in the JS's are not very good and don't show much.
Rusty Nelson

Re: Butler finish instrument panel
 

I agree that one looks great.

You can remove the chrome layer and leave the nickel by brushing on muriatic acid and rinsing it off after a couple minutes, then lightly go over it with a green Scotch bright pad. Hopefully you have a good layer of nickel under the chrome. Be sure to do this outside, as the fumes are very corrosive to you and things around it.

Re: Butler finish instrument panel
 

Got this at a swap meet. Horizontal lines.

Re: Butler finish instrument panel
 

http://customplatingspecialist.com

This is who sold above panel to me at a swap. They may have more. Renickeled originals. Suggest you check with them. mike

Re: Butler finish instrument panel
 

If you feel adventurous take a scotch brite pad and scuff up the finish. I did it and it came out pretty good.

Re: Butler finish instrument panel
 

Thanks for the replies...

I am intrigued by the muriatic acid treatment, and also the straight scotch brite approach...

Mike, thanks for the link and the photo...also an option....

I'm not sure if my panel is original or a repo..been on there since we owned it but still plenty of aftermarket stuff around in the 60's....but it fits well..

Re: Butler finish instrument panel
 

Terry Meetz is about the best plater in the biz! Don Turley did have a couple of instrument panels for sale, and Dan Bixby might have some left too.

Re: Butler finish instrument panel
 

I've also used Muriatic Acid (MA) to remove chrome plating, zinc plating, and other coatings. Its amazingly easy to do.

Not all MA is created equally. The stuff at the big box stores is pretty weak; get yours at a real pool supply shop.

Use about 1 part MA and 2 parts water for starters, then adjust from there. Rinse well with some baking soda dissolved in water to neutralize the acid.

MA is probably the strongest chemical you can buy on the retail market. Be very smart. If you use it anywhere near your car, your car will melt into rust clumps :rolleyes:

Good luck

Re: Butler finish instrument panel
 

Thank you for the advice and warning.....

I'm surprised you can buy this stuff over the counter....

Re: Butler finish instrument panel
 

use it outside for sure. I used it in the shop once and all the machinery started to rust...

Re: Butler finish instrument panel
 

I take it the new repo instrument panels are chrome over steel?

Re: Butler finish instrument panel
 

I don't know what is correct. My Early 1930 AA came to me with an old and weathered black painted panel.

Re: Butler finish instrument panel
 

Imagine what it must do to your eyes, skin, lungs etc....

I have and would use a full face paint respirator......

Re: Butler finish instrument panel
 

Terry Meetz replied this morning and he has no more really nice originals.....but he has one that would be an OK driver....

The ebay panel is being sold by the people who make the Aries muffler.....I trust them and the price seemed OK so I bought it...he said he has one more....