dash finish or color?

[tarps3]

What is the correct appearance of the dash panel and glove box door for the '60 TBird?

I've seen it 2 ways:
1. a somewhat "anodized" or brushed aluminum looking finish.
2. very bright and shiny chrome.

Most of the "chrome" examples I've seen still have the aluminum look around the Thunderbird badge like they couldn't clean around the letters or something.

Can someone tell me how this was supposed to look from the factory?
I'm guessing the "aluminum" look is correct.

If this is so, how do you restore a dash that has some of the aluminum finish flaking off?

thanks,
Casey

'60 TBird hardtop
'64 Galaxie convertible

[Alexander]

RE: dash finish or color?

From the factory, there is a matte clear finish over bright chrome. Only the edges of the dash and glovebox should be bare bright chrome. Many owners over the years mistake this finish for tarnish or dirt and rub it off.

I have gotten an acceptable appearance with slightly pitted chrome using Eastwood's Argent Silver Wheel Paint http://www.eastwoodco.com . I have done this to the radio faceplate and it nearly matches my NOS air conditioner vent.

Alexander
1959 Hardtop
1960 Golde Top