Dash decal install

[1968Commando 173]

Hello everyone, I bought my wheel horse stickers probably a year ago anyways I put all the stickers on except the dash sticker… is it probably ruined now?? It’s a little wrinkled from the weather and humidity from sitting in the garage and such? Do I need a new one? Also how do you go about applying these properly without bubbles and cleanly

[JCM 11,252]

Back around the year 2000 I repainted this 1986  312-8 and installed OEM decals dry. Being older now I use either a small amount of Dawn dish shop mixed with water or my preferred method is Windex WITHOUT ammonia works very well. Patience helps a lot.  Good luck

[Achto 32,035]

6 hours ago, 1968Commando said:

It’s a little wrinkled from the weather and humidity from sitting in the garage and such? Do I need a new one? Also how do you go about applying these properly without bubbles and cleanly

 

Like suggested above, spray some soapy water on the dash first. Use a plastic body filler spreader or a credit card to help flatten the decal out on to the part. Always start in the middle of the decal and work towards the outside.

[Racinbob 13,022]

I believe you're talking about this style dash similar to the 500 Special I did.

 

 

Terry's decals are typically very easy and forgiving to apply but these dash decals might be the toughest. Make sure the surface is prepared very well. The metallic decal will show any imperfection. I primed, sanded and cleaned it like I was going to apply paint. Since this decal is so different from the others I started at the bottom and slowly worked my way up fitting it tight to the ridge across the center. The credit card thing works very well although I used an AARP card. 

 

[WHX?? 57,278]

I would just use the one you have. If it doesn't work out Terry will probably be more than happy to send another if it screws up. He's good about that. 

[1968Commando 173]

Thank you, yes this is my dash. This it what it looks like right now.

[Retired Wrencher 6,774]

23 hours ago, Racinbob said:

I believe you're talking about this style dash similar to the 500 Special I did.

 

 

Terry's decals are typically very easy and forgiving to apply but these dash decals might be the toughest. Make sure the surface is prepared very well. The metallic decal will show any imperfection. I primed, sanded and cleaned it like I was going to apply paint. Since this decal is so different from the others I started at the bottom and slowly worked my way up fitting it tight to the ridge across the center. The credit card thing works very well although I used an AARP card. 

 

Bob I found out by cutting it in half helps a lot  to apply the decals. Also a slow peel back of the two parts. Just my    

[WHX?? 57,278]

3 hours ago, Retired Wrencher said:

Bob I found out by cutting it in half helps a lot  to apply the decals.

Your not the first guy I heard that from Wrencher. 

Dan I noticed some funkyness going on with the dash on Radferd. Will get some pics. 

 

Your biggest chore is going to be removing everything to get the dash on the work bench Commando. Then having to put it all back together. 

[WHX?? 57,278]

1 hour ago, WHX?? said:

funkyness going on with the dash on Radferd. 

So I don't what happened here.  Looks worse in sunlight and I'm sure what with @Achto's analness for prepping it was done proper. 

Something else to watch for is don't rely on the D hole to keep the knob base from turning during tightening. I hate to tell you to clamp a vice grips on it. Will mar it for sure. Every one I have done did this you think I would have learned. 

Possibly cut the decal out from under the knob with an exacto knife so it doesn't set on the decal???

Same with the four corner screws and switches. Use plastic washers underneath. 

Looks like Dan cut the decal just above the black to silver transition. 

Edited July 2 by WHX??

[photorich1965 16]

I hate doing decal work, being shaky and impatient ;-).  Always read the wet method was the way to do bigger graphics... but water and adhesive ?  Just sounded like a bad mix to me.  Finally tried it on my WH hood graphics and it was a game changer !  No more instant grab, or slightly crooked lines you just have to live with.  Nope, you can pull it up, reapply, and once you're happy a soft squeegee will remove the water and bubbles.  So yeah, try the Water and Dawn method :-).     Good luck !        Rich R 

[Retired Wrencher 6,774]

5 hours ago, WHX?? said:

Your not the first guy I heard that from Wrencher. 

Dan I noticed some funkyness going on with the dash on Radferd. Will get some pics. 

 

Your biggest chore is going to be removing everything to get the dash on the work bench Commando. Then having to put it all back together. 

The first one I

did not come out right. So the second one I cut it and it was a lot better that way. I also sanded it with fine sand paper to smooth surface. This made it easy.

Edited July 2 by Retired Wrencher

[sqrlgtr 3,186]

I think Terry sells them in two, maybe three pieces now, I know that doesn't help if you already have the one-piece style but thought I would mention it. 

[Retired Wrencher 6,774]

12 hours ago, sqrlgtr said:

I think Terry sells them in two, maybe three pieces now, I know that doesn't help if you already have the one-piece style but thought I would mention it. 

That is good to no sqrlgtr:  Thanks.

Edited July 3 by Retired Wrencher

[1968Commando 173]

On 7/2/2026 at 9:37 AM, WHX?? said:

Your not the first guy I heard that from Wrencher. 

Dan I noticed some funkyness going on with the dash on Radferd. Will get some pics. 

 

Your biggest chore is going to be removing everything to get the dash on the work bench Commando. Then having to put it all back together. 

Got it out.

[1968Commando 173]

On 7/2/2026 at 4:22 PM, sqrlgtr said:

I think Terry sells them in two, maybe three pieces now, I know that doesn't help if you already have the one-piece style but thought I would mention it. 

What style is this one?

[1968Commando 173]

Is this clean enough?

[sqrlgtr 3,186]

5 hours ago, 1968Commando said:

What style is this one?

looks like a one piece decal. I think he makes the decals in 3 separate pieces (for ease of applying) if ya want it that way but its been a while since I was on his web page.

[1968Commando 173]

Yeah I got these decals a year ago 

[Achto 32,035]

On 7/2/2026 at 11:14 AM, WHX?? said:

So I don't what happened here.

 

I used Terry's 3 piece decal on that dash. The cracks you see are some issue with the silver and clear coat that I used on the dash before I put the decals on. Did not show up until a year or 2 later. Not super noticeable so I have not addressed it. 

[1968Commando 173]

Do I need to prime the dash or can I just put the decal right on the metal?

On 7/4/2026 at 7:47 PM, sqrlgtr said:

looks like a one piece decal. I think he makes the decals in 3 separate pieces (for ease of applying) if ya want it that way but its been a while since I was on his web page.

 

[sqrlgtr 3,186]

1 hour ago, 1968Commando said:

Do I need to prime the dash or can I just put the decal right on the metal?

 

I dont see why if it is very clean and free of oils/grease. I have always installed over paint.