console shift plate restoration
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Pahrump NV
console shift plate restoration
Hello, everyone. This is my first post to this forum. I currently own a triple black 2000 convertible and a 1968 convertible that I got in 1972. As you all know the console trim plate around the shifter is unique to the 1968 model. I have the original and a second one that I purchased off of an auction site. Neither is in excellent shape. They are structurally sound but need repainted. I thought I read somewhere here on the forum that someone had posted instructions/procedures on how to restore this item. Do any of you know where I can look for those instructions. Thanks in advance for your help.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,270
Likes: 20
From: Central Michigan
Welcome to the Forum
I bought a 68 console plate off e-bay(automatic in this case), took it apart including the crossed flag emblem, stripped it with paint stripper and a small brass wire brush, then washed it in soap and water to neutralize the paint stripper. I then painted it a satin black, then took a rag and laquer thinner and rubbed off the paint where the chrome is supposed to show. I bought another flag emblem rather than try to repaint the original one.
Some people may have other ways of doing this, but this seems to work for me
Also works on the fiber optic trim plate, door panel trim, lock *****, gauge bezel, even used it on rally wheel caps
I bought a 68 console plate off e-bay(automatic in this case), took it apart including the crossed flag emblem, stripped it with paint stripper and a small brass wire brush, then washed it in soap and water to neutralize the paint stripper. I then painted it a satin black, then took a rag and laquer thinner and rubbed off the paint where the chrome is supposed to show. I bought another flag emblem rather than try to repaint the original one.
Some people may have other ways of doing this, but this seems to work for me
Also works on the fiber optic trim plate, door panel trim, lock *****, gauge bezel, even used it on rally wheel caps
Instructor
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 203
Likes: 1
From: El Cajon CA
I've restored several bezels and I agree with most of the above. It's best to strip the old paint off and brass brush or fine steel wool to prep. I've used a coat of black primer before painting to help with adhesion. I've found that SEM Landau Black is a little closer to the level of gloss that looks right. Put the paint on heavy enough to just below the point of running as it flows well and smooths out great .I use SEM Ssatin Black on all the vinyl trim as this is a little lower gloss and loks right on the ebrake console and any other soft trim pieces for a black interior.
I carefully use a razor blase or exacto knife to scrape the paint off the chrome edges and then carefully run fine steel wool over the chrome to shine it back up. The emblem is just black and white and can be painted with a fine brush and testors model paint.
I carefully use a razor blase or exacto knife to scrape the paint off the chrome edges and then carefully run fine steel wool over the chrome to shine it back up. The emblem is just black and white and can be painted with a fine brush and testors model paint.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 136
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh PA
Safety Car
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 4,176
Likes: 7
From: Jennings LA
Originally Posted by Easy Mike
Did mine with Krylon semi-flat black. Near perfect match.
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
From: KC MO
I use Krylon Fusion Satin black. It seems to put a less brittle coating which is good in this case. I scratch the letters and chrome trim clean with a very sharp X-acto but at an angle like you're shaving your face. I do this when the paint is still tacky-ish so the paint curls up and doesnt chip. the paint just comes up real easy.
Replace the flags and the shift plate, theyre not worth restoring...
IMO
Replace the flags and the shift plate, theyre not worth restoring...
IMO
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Racer
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 421
Likes: 2
From: Long Grove, IL
Originally Posted by dshanks
...Replace the flags and the shift plate, theyre not worth restoring...
IMO
IMO
Regards,
Jay
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
From: KC MO
Originally Posted by griffths
Be careful when removing the existing shift pattern plate so you can reuse it if needed. I ended up reusing my original shift pattern indicator because the reproduction one I bought looked a little different and not quite as crisp as the original.
Regards,
Jay
Regards,
Jay
BTW-mine was a year one repro. there may be better ones out there...
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Gatineau QC
I bought some Evercoat Black-it Out for my rear window trim, I might use it on the console shift plate as well if I like the way it looks on the window trim.
But I have a question, I have a 79, is that really chrome trim on the console shift plate? It looks to me like it's just silver paint.
But I have a question, I have a 79, is that really chrome trim on the console shift plate? It looks to me like it's just silver paint.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Originally Posted by CrypTECH
...But I have a question, I have a 79, is that really chrome trim on the console shift plate? It looks to me like it's just silver paint.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 4,176
Likes: 7
From: Jennings LA
Originally Posted by CrypTECH
Is there a way to give it back its chromy look?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 793
Likes: 10
From: Grafton MA
My car has mostly original interior and i was thinking of freshing up the shift plate, gauge bezel, and rear parking brake console. Curious if folks have used the semi-flat spray paint for more than just the shift plate....or do you think i should do everything with the interior dye spray cans they sell at places like mid america, corvette america etc.
Thanks
Paul
Thanks
Paul
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 12,696
Likes: 329
From: Scottsdale Arizona
Originally Posted by gator79
on my 81 it looked like silver paint. some was rubbed off. I used a silver paint pen to redo it and it came out looking like new. I bought it in the craft dept. at Wal Mart. you can use a silver sharpie also
The Krylon Fusion Satin black was a nice match too.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Originally Posted by 427-390
I'll be doing my '68 console this winter. Where would I locate the crossed flag emblem? Trying to paint the red on the one flag looks extremely difficult....
You can paint your flags. I did mine. Take your time and make sure you have your tongue sticking out in exactly the correct manner.
