Console Shift Pattern Plate
Thread Starter
Lifelong Vette Lover
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 177
Likes: 35
From: Naples FL
Console Shift Pattern Plate
I'm a new member, albeit a long time Vette owner. My 69 console is original but the shift pattern plate has been scratched over the years. I tried a few different paint restorations, none of which were really acceptable. Does anyone know how the plate is mounted as I am concerned about getting the old one off without damaging the console and it appears to be glued, welded, ?????. Thanks for whatever help you can provide.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,285
Likes: 4,374
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi OO,
The 4-speed shift pattern plate is held in place with adhesive.
They can sometimes be pried off without bending them.
If you want to try to restore yours you can remove the paint, and then spray it with semi-flat black paint. Krylon #1613 and SEMS semi-flat black are 2 possibilities.
After spraying you can use an x-acto knife blade to gently remove the paint from the raised shift pattern.
The reproduction plates are pretty nice so they're an option too.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
I painted this with Krylon in place on the shifter console plate because I didn't want to take a chance of bending it trying to remove it. It was out of the car though so I had good light and access doing it.
The 4-speed shift pattern plate is held in place with adhesive.
They can sometimes be pried off without bending them.
If you want to try to restore yours you can remove the paint, and then spray it with semi-flat black paint. Krylon #1613 and SEMS semi-flat black are 2 possibilities.
After spraying you can use an x-acto knife blade to gently remove the paint from the raised shift pattern.
The reproduction plates are pretty nice so they're an option too.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
I painted this with Krylon in place on the shifter console plate because I didn't want to take a chance of bending it trying to remove it. It was out of the car though so I had good light and access doing it.
Last edited by Alan 71; Jun 8, 2016 at 02:33 PM.
Thread Starter
Lifelong Vette Lover
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 177
Likes: 35
From: Naples FL
Hi OO,
The 4-speed shift pattern plate is held in place with adhesive.
They can sometimes be pried off without bending them.
If you want to try to restore yours you can remove the paint, and then spray it with semi-flat black paint. Krylon #1613 and SEMS semi-flat black are 2 possibilities.
After spraying you can use an x-acto knife blade to gently remove the paint from the raised shift pattern.
The reproduction plates are pretty nice so they're an option too.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
I painted this with Krylon in place on the shifter console plate because I didn't want to take a chance of bending it trying to remove it. It was out of the car though so I had good light and access doing it.
The 4-speed shift pattern plate is held in place with adhesive.
They can sometimes be pried off without bending them.
If you want to try to restore yours you can remove the paint, and then spray it with semi-flat black paint. Krylon #1613 and SEMS semi-flat black are 2 possibilities.
After spraying you can use an x-acto knife blade to gently remove the paint from the raised shift pattern.
The reproduction plates are pretty nice so they're an option too.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
I painted this with Krylon in place on the shifter console plate because I didn't want to take a chance of bending it trying to remove it. It was out of the car though so I had good light and access doing it.
Thread Starter
Lifelong Vette Lover
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 177
Likes: 35
From: Naples FL
I've had this car apart so many years, I can't remember BUT I don't think I used anything on it that had silicone! That said, I'm at the age where I no longer guarantee any memory-based info.
Thanks Alan
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
For best results, any metal part needs to have ALL paint chemically stripped first, then part needs to be cleaned WELL with detergent, rinsed repeatedly and thoroughly dried. THEN you can paint it will satin black or semi-flat black paint (different paint mfgrs. give different labels to the same sheen paint). As ALAN71 mentioned, you can shave soft paint off raised chrome with an X-Acto knife or wipe it off with clean cloth and lacquer thinner (carefully!). Either method works.
Thread Starter
Lifelong Vette Lover
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 177
Likes: 35
From: Naples FL
For best results, any metal part needs to have ALL paint chemically stripped first, then part needs to be cleaned WELL with detergent, rinsed repeatedly and thoroughly dried. THEN you can paint it will satin black or semi-flat black paint (different paint mfgrs. give different labels to the same sheen paint). As ALAN71 mentioned, you can shave soft paint off raised chrome with an X-Acto knife or wipe it off with clean cloth and lacquer thinner (carefully!). Either method works.
Thanks, guys. I did order the new replacement plate but I'm gonna try it one more time as it seems like a bear getting the old one out without damaging the console around it. I really appreciate your guidance!
