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Art: First, the gauges came from *Valu*-Bilt* and were pretty cheap (like $18-$19 each). They may not be absolutely correct (the oil pressure gauge reads to 60 psi, and the VAC will probably not exceed 15 or 20 psi) but they will do until and if I find a better correct OP gauge. They have a "chrome" ring that looks like it could rust, so I masked the glass and put two light coats of clear coat on the gauge rims. I cleaned the dash to bare metal in my electrolysis tank. Powerwashed it clean. Then repaired some extra holes with MIG, and two small dings. Applied one good coat of 2-part, self-etching epoxy primer (Transtar brand). Followed that with a coat of high-build urethane primer (TRanstar), blocked that down to reveal any pits, fixed pits with ultra-lite, glass bead filled filler (Icing brand), another coat of urethane high-build primer, dusted on a guide coat of spray can black, block sanded with 220 grit until it was clean, no black, no metal, and no pits showing. Two coats of color on dash and separately on the starter switch. Assembled the starter switch with primered bolt heads. Two more color coats. Wet sanded with 400 grit until just flat and smooth, no sand throughs. Applied two light coats of clear including switch knobs. On the tractor, I will go over it when mostly assembled and scuff every thing at least twice with brown Scotch-Brite, powerwash it a couple of times, then wash it down one or two final times with cheap thinner and then reducer. This should make it ready for the final coats of color. That's pretty much my method. It's a lot of work but I haven't found any way to get a good finish that is tough against the harsh Florida sun. Believe it or not, this is going to be my work tractor. Frank-in-Tallahassee
70D // 855 // VAC
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