So I have the console that I received from Carl all apart, and I'm anxious to attempt to bring it back to hopefully like new condition.
Overall, the console is in very nice condition. But as with anything this old, it'll need some new parts to make it look new again. But without a doubt, I have a very good starting point.
I'll make a post about bringing it back, and perhaps it might be of some use to others doing the same.
Cheers, Mark
As delivered, it's a nice piece. The bonus is it came with all the stuff to mount it, the brackets, and critically, the shifter hump.
It's a PG setup, so it'll need the shifter detent, neutral safety switch, gear indicator and the shift rod changed to work with my TH400. Everything I'll need is out there. Thanks Chevy!
So first things first...
The console has a small crack at the back, above the courtesy lamp lens. Not surprising...from what I've seen, this section of the console seems to be damaged more times than not. A little mishandling by me...and this is what happens.
Think about kids passing through, stepping on it, kicking it from the back, stuff being dropped on it there. And then there is the courtesy lamp bulb...yes, the straight bulb that you could toast bread with if left on. Well ,these consoles have that bulb, with no protection from the heat at all. Just black paint so it doesn't light up the console top at night. So an already brittle plastic gets worse...if it hasn't already melted or caught fire.
If you've ever had one of these consoles apart, you immediately see something familiar to most older car guys...the console appears made out of Styrene plastic used in model cars. I'm not kidding, its yellowed and appears just about as delicate and brittle as my Jenkins Camaro from 1970. So we need to be really gentle here.
Flipped the top over, degreased, then scuffed the crack and surrounding area up. Chose not to drill a hole at the end of the crack.
You can see the small outer courtesy lens ridge of the console, above the crack is worn away. I had the console on the shelf and pulled a part out behind it, and it drug across the that spot, ripping it away. Like I said, the plastic in this area is delicate.
We'll deal with building that area up in the next installment.
To build a little strength, and to reflect heat in that area, I cut a little piece out of .014 aluminum. Cleaned it up, scuffed it, buttered it with some good 5 minute epoxy, fitted and clamped it in place.
I think I'll place metal inside the entire light area, at least the top half.
Nice work cdnpont. I fully respect that what you choose to do with your console inserts is entirely up to you, regardless of what others think or suggest. I know that finding quality materials is a difficult task. If you decide to replace your original woodgrain, here is a site you may want to check out. I have never dealt with this company and know nothing about the quality of their materials. Go to MetroRestyling.com. Click on the Vinyl Products which is listed under the "Shop by Categories" heading. Then click on the "Wood Grain Vinyl" link which will take you to 10 choices of different styles of wood grain vinyl ranging from Burl Wood, to Cheyenne Teak, to Rosewood, etc. These materials are all identified as being 3M products. You can select sheets from a wide variety of sizes. This site's description of its products sounds promising. I know that we are talking about vinyl here, not real wood. No doubt others will chime in on this topic. Maybe other CP members have had some experience with these products. I am just trying to help. Good luck with your console refurbishing.
I have the stainless bits..not in perfect shape, but if you are interested..I'll send/post some pics..would sell for a "God I can't believe that's all you want for them" kind of price...
'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 do! I used a nice woodgrain version of it on the dash of a 69 GMC pickup back in 79. I did such a nice and careful job of it, that the thing looked like the deluxe 69 truck...inside.
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65 Laurentian post, 67 Grande Parisienne 4 door HT.
Went out today to try to better match the blue. Went to Carquest (PPG) paint supply on Parkdale in Hamilton. Super friendly and helpful.
They had a colour matching camera...but try as they might, they couldn't get a flat enough spot on my dash collar to get a good shot.
So back to the chip books I went. Carquest is PPG, the last shop was Sherwin Williams.
Found a chip from a 97 Toyota. Pacific Blue/Grayish blue code 8R3. A little more blue than would be perfect, but close enough. I also went just a little lighter as the paint usually seems to apply and dry darker than the chip.
Sprayed some adhesion promoter, then did the blue, followed by a satin clear. Turned out pretty good I think....
The factory mismatches between all the interior parts is a lot worse than that Mark. That will be fine.
I have at least a quad-tone interior from the factory in my 66!
That makes me feel better Carl! Thanks!
And not smart Carl, just obsessive/anal...Scottish.
Now I feel confident enough with the colour to start the console body.
And, oh...I bought a 3 LED sidemarker from Princess today, to use in place of the original courtesy light bulb. Will cut it open to get at the guts. Should work. But will the colour of the light be too white?
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65 Laurentian post, 67 Grande Parisienne 4 door HT.
I used real wood veneer on my 64 console, glue was contact cement. Varnished it after, I will do the dash panel this summer. I know the original finish was aluminum but the wood looks so much better to me. Brian
It was easy Mark just go to Home Depot and get a roll of veneer. They carry Oak, Teak, and Pine. I have done 4 of my cars you can stain it darker if you like. I first make a light cardboard template. cut out the veneer using the template shape make sure it fits perfectly and glue it down with contact cement. I stain and varnish after. Generally 4 to 5 coats of marine varnish with light sanding in between.I even did the console incert, it is not the way it came but I am guilty of changing alot of things on my cars. The dash panel will be done when it gets warmer.
Brian
Built up the damaged console corner with some PC-7 epoxy.
It's great stuff! New to me. Lays in as a very sticky paste, then as it sets, you can shape and mold it up to a few hours later.
Files and sands very easy. Seems to adhere to the base plastic very well.
Now, it might seem and look like the repaired area might be small, and it is, but it would be totally noticeable in the end. We'll see how it looks painted. Cheers.
Built up the damaged console corner with some PC-7 epoxy.
It's great stuff! New to me. Lays in as a very sticky paste, then as it sets, you can shape and mold it up to a few hours later.
Files and sands very easy. Seems to adhere to the base plastic very well.
Is this the same stuff that would work well on a steering wheel repair?
What store did you buy it at Mark?
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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.
Just to give you a heads up on the LED, some of them dont like invertors or battery chargers, must be the pulse of the curent? Foud out the hard way and blew up a few of mine and what a stink. Make sure if you going to hook up a charger to disconect the bat, just in case you open the door and all the interior lights come on. Some led's are 12v DC only and some are 12v AC/DC. Console is looking great by the way!!
Just to give you a heads up on the LED, some of them dont like invertors or battery chargers, must be the pulse of the curent? Foud out the hard way and blew up a few of mine and what a stink. Make sure if you going to hook up a charger to disconect the bat, just in case you open the door and all the interior lights come on. Some led's are 12v DC only and some are 12v AC/DC. Console is looking great by the way!!
Thanks for the heads up, I'll remember that.
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65 Laurentian post, 67 Grande Parisienne 4 door HT.