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Clean clean and clean it again. I like to remove all of the old paint, sometimes hard to get in around the "grain" texture
On chrome, use a really good primer. I like a self etching primer and quickly wipe it from the chrome edges that will show (but honestly I'm not sure the etching actually harms the chrome on those small edges enough to be seen)
On the shift console I will mask off the outer edges since they are easy
Paint with several light coats of semi-gloss. Past few years I've been using blitz-black john deere
Once dry or at least set, carefully wipe off the other chrome edges with a cloth wet with lacquer thinner tightly wrapped around a gloved finder or pop-sickle stick
Let it dry completely before handling it anymore
Then go ahead and cover it up with the deluxe wood grain insert
The leather boot (at least on the later ones, the 69/69 could be different) has a metal "ring" that holds it to the plate, you should be able to see 4 small screws, 2 at the front, 2 at the rear
I've not had a tonne of luck with the masking of really thin edges, just seems there's not enough surface for the tape to really grab and stay on, next thing is part way through it half falls off and I need to clean the paint off anyway sp....
But that's just me
M
Her are the correct steps to take:
1. remove the cover plate on the trans tunnel;
2. strip (liquid or gel paint stripper) ALL of the old paint off the plate; (you MUST do this if you want a smooth finish after painting);
3. wash/dry the plate WELL
4. paint the plate with satin black paint (Krylon or John Deere 'Blitz Black' spray paint); 2 coats only 10 minutes apart;
5. while paint is still soft (no more than 15 minutes after 2nd coat), use razor blade or X-acto knife to shave the paint off of the lines/letters to remain chrome; Note: DO NOT try to brush off shavings. You can lightly blow them off, but wiping them [before they harden] will make a mess.
6. Brush off all loose shavings AFTER the paint hardens overnight.
7. Allow paint to harden for 3 days (must do before handling part or assembling it, or paint can be easily scratched/damaged from handling);
8. Re-install the transmission console plate.
You can do this refurb any number of ways. But the above process is the easiestone to use and will give you the best results. Masking is very labor intensive and the results are generally not as good as just shaving paint off of 'raised' surfaces.
Last edited by 7T1vette; Jun 30, 2020 at 03:24 PM.
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
I do a very similar system that 7T1 di on my 68. I used acetone to get the paint off but I covered the the flag emblem with tape so I wouldnt have to repaint it. Amazingly the razor blade shaving off the chrome trim lines and letters works really well. Just dont touch anything you dont want to leave finger prints on. Satin paint is the best, high gloss looks like crap. It will show every little imperfection
And if you screw it up, acetone the whole thing and do it again. its really easy
Last edited by Rescue Rogers; Jun 30, 2020 at 05:48 PM.
I used pinstriping tape on the thin chrome lines and did not bother with the wider chrome around the outside edges; when it had dried, I used very fine steel wool on those outside edges, I was happy with the results.
