help with console restoration

[nathan_454]

first of, I searched... couldnt find what im looking for. The center console in my 71 Blazer needs some work... It has developed a crack where the hing attaches. what is the best way to fix it? the consoles are fiberglass correct? should I just fix it with some mat and resin? also what should I use to refinish it? paint? dye? thanx alot guys

[nathan_454]

nobody?

[jay_shy]

I have used the resin to patch one before and it worked out good. The only downside is you will loose the texture in that area.


Duplicolor semigloss paint works well also. You can get it at an advane auto parts store.

I learned this from a board member.

Jason

[nathan_454]

yeah thats what i was worried about with losing the texture... could I do the repair on the inside? i guess there would still be a hairline crack visible.... guess ill have to play with it... thans jay_shy... anyone else have any ideas/input?

[cogmeyer]

I am fixing up my interior also and just pulled apart my console today. I have some crack there as well, but they are not too bad. I was planning to just use some fiberglass resin on the inside to beef it up a bit.

A friend who is a pretty serious car restorer actually recommends just using autobody paint and a Preval sprayer for most plastic (If you don't have a paint gun). The Preval sprayer is a little disposable pressurized sprayer, sold online and also at Ace h/w. Essentially a rattle can where you can add your own paint.

I happen to have leftover body paint so this is my plan.

[nathan_454]

yeah i am figuring on doing the repair on the inside. it wont be seen, so no worries. I have a gun so im good there.

[CUSTOM/10]

You'll also start to loose the texture if you don't stip the paint off. Too many layers of paint will fill in the texture. If it's the original paint, acetone will strip it. Disassemble the console, put one piece at a time in a baking pan that's a few inches deep, poor in some acetone and use a small brush to scub it ( Like a fingernail brush ) After it's all stripped make your repairs and repaint it. It will look like new.

Gary

[nathan_454]

cool, thanx.... are they painted from the factory? its a durable finish whatever it is.

[CUSTOM/10]

They are painted, probably with enamal but not sure. I've refurbished several of them and the acetone worked well removing the original paint. If someone has painted it say with urethane, I don't know if acetone will work.

[nathan_454]

I know whatever is on there is original. the console finish is fine... the truck only has 50 some odd thousand on it.. dad bought it new... but it gets used as a seat all too often and is developing cracks...

[BobbyK]

Here's a link to the Pic's I took while refurbishing my console.


http://public.fotki.com/blazbk/blaze...furbishing_my/

[nathan_454]

so you didnt strip it at all and used dye?

[BobbyK]

Click on the link.
Pic's show what I did and what I used to strip it before painting.

[nathan_454]

yeah I see it now... the aircraft stripping stuff... thanx alot... very helpful!

[cogmeyer]

Thanks guys. Very helpful for me too! -John

[Davy]

Bobby, you do great work.

Now that it's been a while...have you seen any ill affects from using the aircraft stripper? More specifically, weakening of the fiberglass structure?

Seems like I remember someone saying it might be a concern.

Thanks,
Davy

[BobbyK]

Nope.Been about 2 years now.
The console still looks great,hasn't faded or scratched.
I've used it normally too,meaning I haven't treated it carefully or anything.

Just remember when useing the stripper that you don't leave it on too long.
I let it sit for 30 min. max. Then reapplied as necessary.

[Davy]

Thanks Bobby. I will be re-doing one very soon.

[cogmeyer]

I tried the Aircraft Paint remover today. Console has is original med blue paint color. 3 applications, total of about 2 hours, and paint wouldn't budge! With hard scrubbing with a vegetable brush was able to see a little of the base, but not much different than hard scrubbing with Simple Green. I don't know how GM applied that blue paint, the stuff is industructable!

I ended up just doing a very light sand and degreaser painting, and parts are looking great.

[BobbyK]

Try laquer thinner,that should get it off.