Refurbish center console

[jaybatta]

What is used to remove the paint on a center console? And what paint to use to repaint? Do I need to use a primer?

Thanks,

Joe

[onebigjohn]

Subscribed.....

[SoCoC10]

I think guys are pulling them apart. Having them soda blasted. Then painting with SEM rattle cans. I would think you could use grey scotch brite pads. Then use a prepsol degreaser. Then paint with Krylon Fusion paint for plastic.

[jaybatta]

Would it be a bad idea to sandblast?

[Already Gone]

I had mine blasted and they used glass beads.

[jaybatta]

Was it difficult to get the chrome ring off? I've head they're very easy to break

[Already Gone]

Originally Posted by jaybatta

Was it difficult to get the chrome ring off? I've head they're very easy to break

No. Take the console apart the its easy to remove the ring. There are clips that fit through the holes and they are metal. They are twisted so you need pair of pliers to straighten then first and then the rig comes out easy. I took an SOS pad to my old ring an it came out perfect. to reuse it again.

[onebigjohn]

Originally Posted by Already Gone

No. Take the console apart the its easy to remove the ring. There are clips that fit through the holes and they are metal. They are twisted so you need pair of pliers to straighten then first and then the rig comes out easy. I took an SOS pad to my old ring an it came out perfect. to reuse it again.

Are the clips (the ones you twist w/pliers) for the ring, Reusable?

[davepl]

I scrubbed mine with a strong cleaner (like 409) for a LONG time to get any hint of armor all or other silicons off it.

Then I primed with DP90LF, then blue paint, then DCU2060 "Flexed'n'Flat" low gloss clear coat. Turned out very nice.

One thing I've found when shooting vinyl and plastic like this is to use light coats so you don't bury the grain. Almost looks velvety...

The trim ring and ashtray I was able to clean up and reuse. The console plate I used a repro but they're not very nice, just flat with holes cut, no shape stamped into them.

[Already Gone]

Originally Posted by onebigjohn

Are the clips (the ones you twist w/pliers) for the ring, Reusable?

I plan to reuse mine. I bought one of the cup holders in the attached link for my console.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=650980

[Mike C]

If I remember correctly, the "clips" are actually tabs that are attached to the chrome surround. It depends on how far the were twisted originally and how far you have to tweak them to disassemble and reassemble on whether they break off or no.

I restored a couple of them 25 years ago and rattle canned them black. One was already primered and my original was not. Not shooting primer and light coats was the better looking fineshed example.

[davepl]

My console was riveted together so I didn't split the upper and lower halfs. I assume if they're held together by screws they've been apart before?

[leddzepp]

Strip with lacquer thinner, it works great.

[FirstOwner69]

Originally Posted by davepl

My console was riveted together so I didn't split the upper and lower halfs. I assume if they're held together by screws they've been apart before?

The early consoles, such as the one in my '69, were riveted. The later consoles were screwed. I thought the riveted versions were only used in '69s. The riveted version is shown in the '69 section of the assembly manual as seen below. If I recall correctly, the version with screws is shown later in the manual. I'd check, but I'm separated from my assembly manual by 2100 miles. Obviously, it's a lot more difficult to get the chrome ring off the riveted version.
Pictures of my original riveted console are below also.

A hint for repairing cracks when restoring a console...
Use super glue. It is absorbed into the fiber the console is made of, sets up hard as a rock, mends the crack and reinforces the area around the crack.

[Shinysideup]

Can I ask why pay $300+ for an original in rough condition and have to restore when available new for $150?

[Willie Makeit]

Originally Posted by Shinysideup

Can I ask why pay $300+ for an original in rough condition and have to restore when available new for $150?

because they are not accurate reproductions

[402Bowtie]

I've used this successfully....but blasting would be faster.

[jaybatta]

Is it okay to use a sandblaster?

[Already Gone]

Originally Posted by jaybatta

Is it okay to use a sandblaster?

I tried using Acetone and although it did work but it was mess and slow. For 75.00 I had mine blasted and was done in a day. Go to professional sandblast place and take a scab piece ( as I did ) for them to try blast on first.

[jaybatta]

Did you have it sand blasted, bead blasted?

[oldchevynut]

I never did a center console, but I sandblast all my plastic interior parts with considerable success. I just cut the pressure way down. Say 25-30 psi. Used to use sand, now I use crushed glass. Then I paint directly onto the blasted plastic with no primer, sealer, etc. Most any kind of paint seems to work well. The somewhat roughened, blasted surface provides 'bite' for the paint but is not so rough that it shows through the paint. As mentioned previously, you do not want to go too heavy on the paint. Randy

[jaybatta]

Ok thanks gents for all the advice

[Grumpy old man]

you don't need to strip them bare to recolor it . If your going to try sand blasting it I would (as said above ) turn the pressure way down or you'll strip the grain right off of it .Wash it down a few times with dawn dish soap and then Wipe it down with Lac thinner. once cleaned use Bulldog adhesion promoter before you spray color and it won't crack peel or wear off easily . When using Bull dog spray very light even coat ,your just misting it with bulldog not trying to lay a heavy coat that will fill the grain . A can of bulldog goes a long way so buy the smallest one you can find . use one of the plastic paints available at most auto parts stores .You can't use regular paint on plastic without a flex agent added

http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/1407572...&ul_noapp=true

[70STOVEBOLT]

Be careful when using sand or glass beads. It can get hot quickly and warp the plastic.

[BILT4ME]

I did this 30 years ago for the console in my 69.

I had about 4 center consoles that I combine with the best parts. I had brown, white, and I think blue pieces. I washed all parts with soap and water. Then wiped down everything with a t-shirt rag and rubbing alcohol.

Then I sprayed it with Duplicolor Semi-gloss black and it held up PERFECTLY for the 11 years that I drove the heck out of that truck (300K + miles)

I sprayed the inside and out of each piece, then reassembled it and it looked brand-new! I wish I had it back.........