Pillar Pod Painting

[Gryph]

Just ordered a triple pillar pod. I know i'll have to paint it when i receive it. Do i need a primer coat first?
Thanks
Gryph

 

[EMDDIESEL]

I have the triple gauge pod in my 2001 with the Agate interior. I have dark tinted windows and honestly, you really cant notice it does not match that much. Aside from the glossy finish, you really dont notice the color difference. I did not paint mine because a friend who did, had his look really nasty since the gauge pod plastic is much smoother then the factory "A" pillar plus the color was not exact. It just looked really bad. At least by leaving it plain it somooth and uniform. In regards to Primer, you normally dont use primer on plastic, especially since the shaded of paint are so close. good luck

 

[Gil Moncrief]

I agree, painting is difficult and scratches easily. I left mine black with the grey interior and it looks great! Anyone who wants a can of factory grey paint,I have an unused can.

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1996 D3500 auto ext cab,4" turbo back exhaust(Jardine),Suncoast converter, BD VB,Pressure Lock, Banks gauges,GV overdrive
Mag-Hytec trans and diff. TST #6 and loving it!

 

[Jetpilot]

I installed a pillar mount about a month ago. I chose to paint mine. I used a flexible primer first (several coats) and then painted it with OEM interior spray paint (several more coats) that I got from DC dealer.

I have the camel interior and it matches perfect! I personally wouldn't do it any other way. IMHO painting it makes the pillar mount in your 30K+ rig look like it belongs there. I am not bashing anyone who doesn't paint it, just my opinion..... Also I really haven't had any problems with scratches.

Good luck,

Doug S.

 

[Gryph]

Thanks for the input guys. I would rather paint the pillar than leave it black.
John i'll have to check around for the SEM brand .
Thanks All
Gryph

 

[OILBRNR]

I did the same thing John did with the SEM product. I have the camel interior, and it did not match exactly. My fault, as the paint shop was going on a paint chip sample in their book, and x-reffing to the SEM colors.

I'm about to add a fuel pressure gauge, which will require a three pod. I'm going to take the ashtray in this time to have them do a better match.

The SEM product does seem bulletproof though and easy to apply.

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'99 4x4 • SB • QC • 3. 54 • LSD • AT • Leather • Mag-Hytec • Westach Guages • Line-X • Luverne Nerfs • Tommy Gate

Towing:
'99 28' Airstream Excella (~7000# dry)
'69 24' IMP Inca Twin Screw (~6000# wet)

 

[John]

A primer is not necessary however, there are steps that should be taken to ensure a quality paint application. First, the gauge panel should be washed with soap and water and dried. Second, an application of SEM Plastic Prep (part #38353. . 11. 25 oz. spray can) or equivalent should be applied and any residue subsequently wiped off (this removes the mold release from the plastic). Third, an application of SEM Sand Free (part #38363. . 13 oz. spray can) or equivalent should be applied JUST before you're ready to start painting the part. Sand Free softens the substrate thereby promoting adhesion. You want to be applying the paint while the part is still "wet" with the Sand Free (by "wet" I do not mean dripping). And lastly, I applied a custom mixed Dupont Vinyl Color with a spray gun (they tried color matching SEM but it was too flat looking). Both of the paints have the flex agent required for plastics.

There are easier ways of accomplishing pretty much the same results however, this will ensure superior adhesion of the paint, adding to the aesthetics/longevity of the finish.

On my Gauge Works (double) gauge pod I used the Plastic Prep and the Mopar trim spray paint with high quality, long lasting results. I also used two different SEM clear coats (matte and gloss) to correct the light shade of the Mopar Agate spray paint. Recently, on my SPA upgrade project I painted the Gauge Works panel (triple w. tweeter) as described in the first paragraph. The results look very professional. #ad
Durability? almost bulletproof! ..... even after only one day of curing.

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John Treibel
'98. 5 2500 QC 4x4 Sport, Glasstite Vision II, 285 BFG A/Ts on M/T Challengers, Warn 4X Boards, Mopar fender flares & tow hooks, NW Custom s/s-rubber mud flaps and accs. , Mag-Hytec diff. cover & DD trans. pan, Edelbrock IAS shocks, Reese Titan V hitch, SPA gauges (3), Dynamat, '00 Sport grille and headlights/PIAA Super White bulbs, PIAA Dual Sport 900 aux. lights, BD exh. brake, Amsoil Dual Remote Bypass w. trick billet block adapter and Aeroquip Teflon-s/s hoses, Optima Yellow Tops, DD3s and DD TTPM, Aeroquip AQP s/s fuel hoses, tricked out Cummins valve cover, tricked out Banks High-Ram intake manifold and 14 cm2 turbine housing w/Big Head wastegate actuator, ATS 3-piece exh. man. , Banks 4" dia. s/s exh. sys. , DTT 93% TC, DTT custom tuned VB, BD modified trans. front pump (enhanced by DTT), Air Bulldog induction hood (with NACA ducts), plus MANY other trick modifications

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