I am replacing the old previously replaced (and darker than stock) carpets and the original "shredded" seat skins in my 66 Beaumont SD. Both are "Bright Blue". Although this "driver"is in need of a proper frame off, and although it was repainted once (about 20 years ago), I still consider it somewhat of a "survivor" car. (For example I recently replaced the after market steering wheel with a well worn Beaumont steering wheel, as opposed to a refurbished wheel.) Having said that, the paint on my console has been wearing off to the point that the plastic area's look like they have two different colors of paint on them, and the metal storage lid is starting to show "black" through the blue paint. My question is...Should I repaint the console, or leave it with the worn look? (For the purpose of this survey, a proper frame off restoration is not in the immediate future.) Attached are a couple of pictures. Thanks in advance for the feedback.
"So when you spot violence, or bigotry, or intolerance or fear or just garden-variety hatred or ignorance, just look it in the eye and think... The good outnumber you, and we always will." Patton Oswalt
Looks great for a 45 year old console, so I voted for leaving it as is. If you were to do a full restoration then I would say paint it to look like new. If it stands out and makes the rest of the interior look bad, then paint it but I like survivor looking stuff better than restored.
I am 63 and look like a 63 year old. I like to think a 45 year old survivor car would also look like a survivor, and not all new and perfect. My vote would be to leave it alone.
I said yes because you are going with new seat skins and carpet. A freshly painted console won't look out of place. I agree that one brand new looking piece in an old interior would look out of place but I don't think your in that situation.
Looks great for a 45 year old console, so I voted for leaving it as is. If you were to do a full restoration then I would say paint it to look like new. If it stands out and makes the rest of the interior look bad, then paint it but I like survivor looking stuff better than restored.
The front half (plastic) does look great. The metal compartment lid,worn. The plastic sides are really looking bad though. They're only original once though... Thanks for the feedback.
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"So when you spot violence, or bigotry, or intolerance or fear or just garden-variety hatred or ignorance, just look it in the eye and think... The good outnumber you, and we always will." Patton Oswalt
Haaaa! The original carpet came out 20 years ago, and was replaced by some crappy dark blue stuff, that I thought would match the crappy blue velour inserts that were put in to repair the seats. Therefore, some of the vinyl is original, but not all of it. I'm thinking with the new "correct" materials, the car will look like a car that has been neglected as opposed to a car that has been modified. (Neither scenario is something to be proud of, but I prefer "neglect"...)
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"So when you spot violence, or bigotry, or intolerance or fear or just garden-variety hatred or ignorance, just look it in the eye and think... The good outnumber you, and we always will." Patton Oswalt
If spiffing up the interior with new carpets and seats then by all means bring the console back to original also. Its like sticking 1 piece of NOS chrome into a grille, it becomes too obvious.
Just my two cents would be that if you are going to paint it, is there a way to "flatten" the paint a bit so it looks more like a nice original vs. an over restored glossy finish?
I am becoming a big fan of original looking stuff.
-- Edited by Carl Stevenson on Friday 11th of March 2011 08:47:26 AM
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1966 Strato Chief 2 door, 427 4 speed, 45,000 original miles
1966 Grande Parisienne, 396 1 of 23 factory air cars
I say to refinish the console but I suggest that you use SEM, this product does a beautiful job of interior parts. Should be available at any auto body supply store.
COLOR COAT is the industry standard for vinyl or plastic restoration. It is fade resistant, flexible and is a permanent coating. COLOR COAT aerosols are currently available in over 50 colors including OEM automotive, bus and marine colors. Formulated to match, restore or change color on most vinyl surfaces, flexible and rigid plastics, carpet and velour. COLOR COAT is not a dye.
New carpets + new seat covers = freshly painted console. Geoff, You've got it apart, so I would paint it. Good for another 45 years!
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Prince Edward Island
'64 Parisienne CS "barn find" - last on the road in '86 ... Owner Protection Plan booklet, original paint, original near-mint aqua interior, original aqua GM floor mats, original 283, factory posi, and original rust.
will it look out of place if its not painted? will it look out of place if its painted? whichever of the two will bother you the most to look at, should decide its fate. personally, i like things that look new.
Wouldn't it be nice to say that some part of your car is still the way it left the factory?
Original cracked dash pad, belts that are missing face plates, sagging door panels, tired numbers matching engine, sluggish 2 speed, faded dash although the radio is missing LOL. Having said that, the console is somewhat of a center peice, so your point is well taken. I'll keep my eye on this poll while I continue to clean up the console... Thanks for all of the feedback folks!
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"So when you spot violence, or bigotry, or intolerance or fear or just garden-variety hatred or ignorance, just look it in the eye and think... The good outnumber you, and we always will." Patton Oswalt
Wouldn't it be nice to say that some part of your car is still the way it left the factory?
Original cracked dash pad, belts that are missing face plates, sagging door panels, tired numbers matching engine, sluggish 2 speed, faded dash although the radio is missing LOL. Having said that, the console is somewhat of a center peice, so your point is well taken. I'll keep my eye on this poll while I continue to clean up the console... Thanks for all of the feedback folks!
Geoff, you have enough original parts by the sounds of it
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Prince Edward Island
'64 Parisienne CS "barn find" - last on the road in '86 ... Owner Protection Plan booklet, original paint, original near-mint aqua interior, original aqua GM floor mats, original 283, factory posi, and original rust.
I am 63 and look like a 63 year old. I like to think a 45 year old survivor car would also look like a survivor, and not all new and perfect. My vote would be to leave it alone.
Yes, but I'm guessing that you feel like a 30 year old when you're driving your awesome '66? (Thanks for the feedback.)
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"So when you spot violence, or bigotry, or intolerance or fear or just garden-variety hatred or ignorance, just look it in the eye and think... The good outnumber you, and we always will." Patton Oswalt
I don't think you need more votes...but i'm with X2 on this comment: "New carpets + new seat covers = freshly painted console." Definitely paint it up!
