I am attempting to make a radio delete plate from plexiglass. I’ve cut it to fit. I wanted to get some suggestions on how to finish it. I’ve thought about painting the back side black, and leaving the clear side facing out and maybe putting a bird sail panel decal on it. Let me hear your opinions.

 

I like the idea of black on the back, and given how easily plexiglass scratches I'd consider a couple of coats of clear on the front before the decal goes on....

 

I think screaming chicken offers a radio delete plate.

 

i had not considered that but I absolutely agree. Thanks for the tip!

 

I think they do. But I thought it would be cool to say I made something for it myself.

 

Instead of a decal, why not engrave the back after its painted and back light the design? if you use smoked plexi it will look all black when its not lit.

 

I like the smoked idea. I’ve had to pause on this project so I could re-gear my headlight motors. What would be best to backlight it with?

 

We make a Camaro radio delete from aluminum. The mounting holes would have to be redrilled for a Firebird. Thanks for mentioning us thou!

https://screamingchicken.com/1982-92...-radio-delete/

 

Whatever you choose to do, I'd be curious to see the end result

 

Smoked plexiglass. Cut out the bird portion of the rear filler panel decal and apply it onto the backside of the plexiglass (like it would normally be applied to the backside of the rear filler panel). Paint the backside of the plexiglass fully in black. Peel off the bird decal. Tap into the dash lighting and put a couple of small LEDs in the radio pod to illuminate the bird outline.

Or, simpler, use clear plexiglass. Apply the bird decal onto the backside of the plexiglass. Decal is available in red or silver. Paint the backside of the plexiglass fully in black and leave the decal on. The finished delete panel will resemble the rear filler panel.

1985-1992 Pontiac Firebird Formula Rear Tail Light Lamp Filler Panel Decal Red or Silver - Hawks Third Generation (hawksmotorsports.com)

And since this thread is already 6 months old, the panel is probably already finished.

 

I ended up painting the back side black and leaving it blank. I may go back and redo it but I dedicated the winter to rebuilding the front suspension for autocross season.