Tired of dull silver gauge bezels? Try chrome

**Pale Rider** · 06-14-2011, 01:17 AM

(warning - long thread. If you're at all interested, read it all the way through.
This is FREE, and includes ZERO paint.)

I absolutely HATE the dull satin silver gauge / instrument cluster bezel rings on the pre-2008 ('07?) Magnum and Charger.
I've inquired about having it chromed, and also spoke with Billet Technologies, but the price was not worth it.

So, after 5 years of owning this car, and staring at the ugliest part of the interior (imo), I took it out. I finally found a paint that I was willing to try. (its a buffable aluminum paint for models - gets very reflective. but enough about that.)

You have to remove the whole black face that the rings are attached to. First remove the tan or gray panel under the steering wheel. There are 2 screws holding that panel on, and then 3 holding the black section on. Both panels have clips that are pressed in. You have to gently pry on the panels to get them out after the screw are out.
After you have those out, then you can GENTLY lift the tabs off their hooks from the back of the rings.

See this thread by Junior for removal

SO, I started to sand the rings with 600 grit paper to prep for painting.
Much to my shock and amazement, it started to get real shiny.
So shiny, I quickly forgot about paint.

A few hours later, after hitting with 1000 then 1500, then buffing with polishing compound on a little dremel buffing wheel, I've got a stupid grin on my face that didn't cost a dime!

Who would have known that chrome was hiding in there all this time?
I guess it's a chromish coating on the ABS plastic, with a satin clear over that.

I'm just thrilled. I know chrome or polished isn't for everyone, but if you've ever thought it was silly as dull silver, when the shifter surround is chrome, and the radio bezel is shiny, well, get busy!

1/2 done for comparison.

**stroguy** · 06-14-2011, 01:22 AM

On the SamfordSimpson scale of garage modding you have obtained a 5 out of 5. If you are into chrome you have done an awesome job. Beans to you.

**MOL SRT-8** · 06-14-2011, 01:22 AM

looks good, I have wanted to do mine in cosma-chrome for a while now.

**...:SRT8:...** · 06-14-2011, 01:23 AM

Nice !!!!

**Big Daddy J 300** · 06-14-2011, 01:31 AM

Looks good

**MuscleMan305** · 06-14-2011, 01:34 AM

amazing find! big beans baby!!!

**Mr. iNCREDIBLE** · 06-14-2011, 01:36 AM

Makes one wonder if the same is true of the radio bezel and steering wheel button bezels

**MuscleMan305** · 06-14-2011, 01:38 AM

Originally Posted by Mr. iNCREDIBLE

Makes one wonder if the same is true of the radio bezel.

thought the same, but not out loud, since I have mine neffy wrapped.....

**Pale Rider** · 06-14-2011, 01:40 AM

Originally Posted by Mr. iNCREDIBLE

Makes one wonder if the same is true of the radio bezel.

At first I wondered the same, but it and the wheel spokes are already glossy, and have a silver metal flake look if you look real close at it.

**Lost** · 06-14-2011, 01:40 AM

coooool

**honu** · 06-14-2011, 03:01 AM

After seeing this mod, mine are gettin' done this week... thanks for the write up

**fnkycld** · 06-14-2011, 03:08 AM

that looks great, good job

**Davesatdoasisbar** · 06-14-2011, 09:23 AM

Looks nice. Is there a how to on the removal? Im not very "gentle" should something give me a hard time. I'm more of a pull on it - it will come apart.