1952-59 Ford 54 Customline Dash Questions

I just repainted my dash with rattle cans and not sure how to clearcoat it. Should I sand the painted dash with 1000 or 2000 grit before the clearcoat, or just spray with the clearcoat dirictly over the last coat of color? I'm also looking for a source for the piece marked "17318" in the linked pic and for the plastic or rubber piece that slides onto the windshield trim strip between the window and the front of the dash. Any info appreciated.
Trikepapa-RonC

https://picasaweb.google.com/113187458032027888320/54Dash#5717683931896508834

 

If you don't have the Ford Parts Manual CD Jim offers http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/group.php?do=discuss&group=&discussionid=27686 you should have look up the part number there and Google it,it is quite possible you won't find it for a '54 Ford as it was one year only however since the 55-56 T-Birds also shared the "Astro Dome" dash you may be able to find that at a Vintage T-Bird supplier andwith a slight adaptation make it work.

 

Depends, If you laid the color down good with no runs, sags or bugs in it, put down the clear. If you got uglies in it, water sand with 1200, moving to 1500 or 2000, then clear.

 

The part "17318" for 1954 even Ford didn't carry as a spare as they thought it could be easily replicated or there would be little call for it. They marked it with a *in the catalogue.
Regards

 

The part you need I think is called, wlndshield post garnish molding to dash rubber welts. Part # BA-7003127-A You can get it at MAC'S at around $9. Hope this helps.

 

Thanks guys, I do have Jim's CD and it's great! I was able to find the speedo part illustration and part # FDA-17318-A, but couldn't find any source for it. The info about the 55-56 T-Birds helped me find a close facsimile so thanks Jeff for that. Also thanks to streetdreems for the paint pointers. What I laid down was good except for one spot that I will wet sand before laying down the clear. Nascardave's info on the windshield post garnishment from Mac's is also appreciated. I had overlooked it on the parts CD. I'm back on track with my interior make over!!!!

 

They do make rattle can clear coat. I used some on my club plaque. Turned out pretty nice and I didn't do any sanding or anything to the top coat of paint. Just don't bake your part to ***ist drying. Makes it look "vintage" by turning the clear a yellowish brown color.