Steering column paint

[fireguyfire]

I was watching Cuda Cody's videos tonight on steering column restorations; they were extremely informative and helpful; well done Cody!
I am just about to go through the column on my 73 rallye challenger and have a couple of questions.

I just wanted to confirm that a 73 would have had the suede finish paint on the steering column as well?
And also, if so, and I'm not able to track down some suede paint, is there a decent rattle can alternative?
I'm guessing a semi gloss is too shiny, a mat finish is too dull, and neither have the correct texture.
Wondering what you guys have used if you can't find the suede paint?

[Cuda Cody]

@HEMICUDA  has done a great job replicating suede with powder coating.  That might be a good option for you.

[HEMICUDA]

I was watching Cuda Cody's videos tonight on steering column restorations; they were extremely informative and helpful; well done Cody!
I am just about to go through the column on my 73 rallye challenger and have a couple of questions.

I just wanted to confirm that a 73 would have had the suede finish paint on the steering column as well?
And also, if so, and I'm not able to track down some suede paint, is there a decent rattle can alternative?
I'm guessing a semi gloss is too shiny, a mat finish is too dull, and neither have the correct texture.
Wondering what you guys have used if you can't find the suede paint?

Wad up all the column parts that need painted and I'll powder coat them for you.

[anlauto]

Does your column still have the original paint ? Does it have any texture to it ? Most of the later columns I see are smooth, not textured.

[Burdar]

No texture on my 73.  Dad bought it new and the interior was in really nice shape.  No texture on the lower dash either.  The dash and steering column on my 68 Dart was heavily worn but it still showed lots of texture.  No way did my Challenger have texture when new.

SEM Trim Black was a perfect match.  Spray the last coat from a little farther away so it goes on "dry". 

[HEMICUDA]

No texture on my 73.  Dad bought it new and the interior was in really nice shape.  No texture on the lower dash either.  The dash and steering column on my 68 Dart was heavily worn but it still showed lots of texture.  No way did my Challenger have texture when new.

SEM Trim Black was a perfect match.  Spray the last coat from a little farther away so it goes on "dry". 

That is probably absolutely correct, I've never spent much time on any 72-74 ebodies.

[fireguyfire]

My column appears to be in original paint, and it doesn't look like it has any texture to it.

[anlauto]

SEM Trim Black was a perfect match.  Spray the last coat from a little farther away so it goes on "dry". 

Darren has great advice here, I use Tremclad flat black with the same technique.

I guess you could send it out for powder coating as well if you require the extra durability. 

[blown motor]

@Burdar What are you using on your 68 column? Would all 68s be the same? I might pull the column on my Charger as there are a couple glitches with it.

[Msbaugh440]

I was watching Cuda Cody's videos tonight on steering column restorations; they were extremely informative and helpful; well done Cody!
I am just about to go through the column on my 73 rallye challenger and have a couple of questions.

I just wanted to confirm that a 73 would have had the suede finish paint on the steering column as well?
And also, if so, and I'm not able to track down some suede paint, is there a decent rattle can alternative?
I'm guessing a semi gloss is too shiny, a mat finish is too dull, and neither have the correct texture.
Wondering what you guys have used if you can't find the suede paint?

Wad up all the column parts that need painted and I'll powder coat them for you.

Have you found a good powder coat for trying to replicate a factory looking finish? I have a column I'm rebuilding and need all the interior parts and column parts painted and have been kicking around having them media blasted and powder coated by the local shop but don't know what color would be best.

[blucuda]

Not being happy with all the worn paint on my column, I really wanted to go with a powder coat.  I was not impressed with what any of the local guys showed me, so I sent my column to @HEMICUDA.  I am totally impressed with the results with the powder coat suede technique that he has come up with.  He kept in contact throughout the process and the turnaround was superfast.  I am sending him my whole dash frame as I am that impressed with the result.  I'm still waiting to assemble everything as I need a few small parts, but the pictures show the texture well even in the bad lighting.  I would highly recommend sending him a pm to see if he could take care of yours.     

[Cuda Cody]

That looks fantastic! 

[fireguyfire]

That does look great!

[JS29]

 :bigthumb:I like it, looks like my air cleaner that was powder coated. 

[Jocigar]

I'm Just curious, is this something you would do while painting dash frame or are they different color/texture/paint?