Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

I'm trying to repaint the center console components with black "wrinkle" paint like original.

I have used VHT brand Black Wrinkle Paint from Auto Zone with poor and inconsistent results. I've tried twice to paint the center console and am very dissatisfied with the finish -- blotchy.

Can any Forum members recommend a product that you have found to be good?

Do you have any hints on how to apply the paint for a nice result?

Thanks for any suggestions!

Cary

I’ve seen some videos on YouTube where they use a heat gun to the paint job to produce wrinkles.

That paint originally had a dangerous chemical ,but was easy to use / good results I remember it didn't exist for a while then it was back( different formula but not the same results

I used Rust Oleum Textured with very nice results

I went with the Rust-Oleum Stops Rust Satin Aged Iron Textured Spray Paint. It took 2 cans to cover the flat dash and center console. I tested others and found the dry sort of sandpaper finish felt like the original finish. It also is grayish, almost identical to the original color on my 1966 SPL311-00054.

Thanks Ed. Every bit of detective work that you solve helps everyone else. Much appreciated!

I'd like more details on your rear light conversion. Did you replace the bulb sockets with NOS or a modern equivalent? Did that fit into the original brake light assembly?

Thanks!

HI Ed, and everyone -- I appreciate your suggestion. I'll give the Rust-Oleum Stops Rust Satin Aged Iron Textured Spray Paint a try and report back in a few days.

You guys are *SO* helpful -- thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ADR wrote: Fri Jul 26, 2024 7:17 am Thanks Ed. Every bit of detective work that you solve helps everyone else. Much appreciated!

I'd like more details on your rear light conversion. Did you replace the bulb sockets with NOS or a modern equivalent? Did that fit into the original brake light assembly?

Thanks!

I used the original tail light sockets and wiring. Changing to an LED compatible flasher was the "hardest" part of the project.

I sprayed my 67.5 dash and radio console with VHT hi-temp wrinkle paint:

Did not use a clear overtop.. did not want any glare from the dash in the sun.

Found the best way to get an even size pebbly wrinkle finish was to use a heat gun as I was spraying:

1) strip and clean metal dash and glovebox door
2) suspend them for painting
3) using a heat gun, preheat the metal a bit, not scorching hot but warm to touch
4) apply thin coat of VHT
5) use heat gun to gently cure VHT to smaller, even pebble surface consistency
6) repeat steps 4 & 5

If the VHT doesn't wrinkle evenly, strip it off and try again. Constant even heat made the difference.

I also used VHT wrinkle plus on my dash and console. Had a really hard time getting a consistent fine wrinkle.
The technique I settled on was no preheat, a HEAVY coat of vht made up of three passes in different directions, then immediately over to the bench with a heat gun, slowly evenly heating the whole surface. You can see the paint sheen flash off and then magically start to wrinkle. I did use a very light even coat of some other spray paint after the fact to give a little color without filling in my precious wrinkles. to my eyes its very close to the original finish, but I suspect whatever technique you use will depend on your ambient heat and humidity.
-Daniel

The top picture looks like it has a semi-glossy finish. Is that so?

When I zoom in the Rust-Oleum spray has the same rough finish.

Nded wrote: Sat Jul 27, 2024 12:44 pm The top picture looks like it has a semi-glossy finish. Is that so?

it looks very flat to me in the sunlight but the paint i used over the wrinkle is satin, with a tiny bit of sparkle. I really like the finish and color you got from the aged iron rustoleum!
-Daniel

Great job!

Ok, here's another option. I tried the Hammerite as a texture/color finish, knowing it wasn't wrinkle. I then did a significant clear coat for protection. After practice fitting switches and gauges a zillion times it was nicked and dinged to looking unsatisfactory. In a final attempt I laid down a fairly thick Hammerite, left it overnight and sprayed my satin clear the next morning. Arguably not very precise wrinkle and hillbilly approach, but finish is very durable.