1968 Dash Panel chrome

Cougar Community Classic Cougar Maintenance Restoration and Repair
1

So I have the PS dash panel – 04392-2 / C8WY-6504392-D, the chromed and black-painted plastic behind the padded trim panel – out of my car while waiting on some parts and decided to wash it in mild (dish) detergent and water. There appears to be a thin layer of yellowish something on it, and it’s softening and sloughing off with the wash water. Is this a protective covering – lacquer or varnish maybe? – or just ~50 years of collected oil, etc.? Any thoughts? Not much I can do about it at this point, just wondering.

Thanks.

2

I wouldn’t think it’s lacquer or varnish. I would guess it’s 48 years of accumulated dirt/debris.
Steven

3

My guess is that it’s nearly 50 years’ worth of gunk. This could especially true if the car was smoked in a lot. My first Cougar’s interior chrome was all practically orange from some heavy smoking in the car prior to my ownership.