Wood effect removal
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: PA
Wood effect removal
My 79 L82 has the wood effect console etc. It's a very cheap looking and unauthentic veneer and I'd like to get rid of it and just stay with the black plastic which I think would look better.
Was this veneer an aftermarket thing and if so how easy is it to remove? I'd like to avoid having to replace the whole console and gauge cluster etc with a standard black finish.
Was this veneer an aftermarket thing and if so how easy is it to remove? I'd like to avoid having to replace the whole console and gauge cluster etc with a standard black finish.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
IMO, using a hair dryer would be preferable to using a heat gun. A hair dryer will create enough heat to warm the adhesive behind the thin verneer. A heat gun could easily melt your console. And, yes, if you are careful no console damage will occur. But, if you accidentally overheat it? 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 5,339
Likes: 546
From: Central Texas
It is an aftermarket add on. It may be covering up some console damage such as cracks and missing plastic. This was the case when I removed mine. Be prepared to drop some coin and purchase another console.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: PA
Thanks for the help folks. I used a hair dryer and it came off very easily. Adhesive comes off with nail polish remover and a rag. Some "back to black" to finish off and it looks great. Now I just need some ideas about new carpet and seat covers. The car is black and interior is all black right too. I'd like get some contrast. Send me your interior pictures!
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
