When it comes to restoring classic car interiors, every detail matters—including the exact color of your dashboard. At Just Dashes, we take pride in our ability to match any color you can think of, and we do it all by hand. Our expert craftsmen meticulously blend pigments to ensure your restored dash seamlessly integrates with the rest of your interior, whether it’s an original factory shade or a custom hue.
A Brief History of Dashboard Colors
Dashboards have evolved significantly over the decades, both in design and color. In the early days of automotive history, dashboards were often simple and painted in muted, utilitarian tones. However, by the 1950s and ‘60s, automakers embraced bold and vibrant interior colors, reflecting the cultural trends of the time. Whether it was the pastel greens and blues of mid-century American cars or the deep, rich hues of European luxury vehicles, color became an essential part of a car’s identity.
As safety regulations evolved in the 1970s and ‘80s, dashboards transitioned to softer, more impact-resistant materials, and color options became more subdued. Even so, manufacturers continued to offer a range of shades to complement interior upholstery, maintaining the importance of aesthetics in vehicle design.
Our Handcrafted Color Matching Process
At Just Dashes, our color-matching process is an art form. Unlike automated systems that rely on digital scans and pre-mixed formulas, we use hands-on expertise to achieve the perfect match. Here’s how it works:
- Visual and Spectral Assessment – We begin by analyzing the original color, comparing it under various lighting conditions to account for natural aging, fading, or discoloration over time.
- Custom Pigment Mixing – Our skilled technicians mix pigments by hand, carefully adjusting the formula to recreate the original shade. This process requires a trained eye and an in-depth understanding of color theory.
- Test Sprays and Refinements – Once we develop a close match, we apply test sprays to sample materials and compare them to the original dashboard. We make fine adjustments as needed until we achieve a seamless blend.
- Final Application – After confirming the perfect match, we apply the color to the restored dashboard using professional-grade materials, ensuring a factory-quality finish that stands the test of time.
Commonly Asked Questions About Color Matching
Q: If my dash is black, can you make it another color?
A: Absolutely! All of our material starts as stock black, and all colored dashes go through a vinyl dyeing process, allowing us to make it any color you like.
Q: Can I clean my dash after it’s been painted?
A: Yes, you can. We highly recommend using a water-based solvent, as this is the least harsh cleaning option and will not dry out the dash over time.
Q: Will the dash fade or chip over time?
A: Fading depends on the amount of sun exposure the dash receives over time. However, chipping is not an issue, as our vinyl paint penetrates the vinyl itself. It would take significant force to damage the surface.
Q: Can I paint the dash myself?
A: Definitely! When our customers are trying to match the dash to the rest of the panels in the vehicle, we encourage them to paint it themselves. This ensures that everything matches perfectly, as different temperatures and pressures in a paint booth can affect the final color. If you’re trying to match the rest of the interior, you can send us a color swatch, or we can leave the dash unpainted for you to handle locally.
Q: My dash is blue, and I want it to be red. Is that possible?
A: Yes, yes, yes! We just ask that you provide us with a physical color sample—no larger than the size of a quarter—and we’ll use that for an exact color match.
Q: I bought an interior kit from Legendary Auto Interiors. Can you match that color?
A: Yes! In fact, if you call Legendary Auto Interiors and ask them to send us a sample, they can ship it directly to us. We work with them regularly to ensure accurate color matching for our mutual customers.
Any Color, Any Time
Whether your car’s interior was originally produced in a rare shade, has faded over time, or you want to create a custom color, Just Dashes has the expertise to bring your vision to life. Our commitment to handcrafting each restoration ensures that no matter how unique your request, we can match it—down to the finest detail.
If you’re ready to restore your classic car interior with a perfect color match, contact Just Dashes today. Let’s bring your dashboard back to life with the precision and artistry it deserves!
