Have you located a source for the 22464 dark gold suede paint for the top of the dash? I just got off the phone with TCPGlobal. They can mix it in Lacquer, Enamel, or Urethane.
What was it from factory? I guess that it was single stage? I will be in contact with PPG on Monday and hope to know it by then. If not, I need some of the paint that you can get over there. The question is how to get it here?
I would guess the ash tray was not painted attached to the dash, but separately. If that is so, and it was sprayed 'wetter' than the rest of the dash, the paint would have more of a gold tint since the metallic would 'settle' deeper in the paint.
If the paint is sprayed at a higher pressure, at a further distance from the surface, or 'drier', the metallic will tend to stay closer to the surface, which will give the paint a lighter appearance.
Back then the factory wasn't too concerned whether everything was a perfect match. If it was close, it was good enough! Personally, I would like for everything to match (all the parts that were supposed to be painted the same color) as if it was all painted at the same time. That might not be 100% correct but the appearance will be more pleasing to the eye. (In my opinion.)
One more thing to consider. lol
Dallas! You are so right. It's just to get to know how it was done back in the days?