Question on repainting shifter plate on a 70

[Steve D.]

Ok guys, what is the exact shade of black I should use to repaint my plate. I know it is not gloss. So is it a flat black or a satin black? Also any ideas on how to not to paint the chrome accents. Taping would be extremely difficult. Should I just wipe those sections down with lacquer thinner after painting?

[Chuck S.]

Re: Question on repainting shifter plate on a 70

Steve, Krylon #1613, semi-gloss black, should give you a good approximation of the original gloss level. There are other acceptable paint alternatives that others may offer. The best idea I have heard for the chrome-plated lettering and other trim accents is to use a sharp razor blade scraper to gently "shave" the paint off the plating.

The lacquer thinner idea will probably work, but you will have to keep the wipe cloth fairly dry of lacquer thinner, yet damp enough to dissolve the paint off the tops of the letters. This will be no small feat given the fast evaporation rate of lacquer thinner. If you get the wipe rag (Q-tips may be a better idea) too wet with lacquer thinner, you run the risk of the thinner running down the sides of letters, or getting onto the base surface, and ruining your paint.

[Dick W.]

Re: Question on repainting shifter plate on a 70

The Q tips work well as Chuck mentioned. Just barely damp. Another hint. Most consoles have been Armorall-ed to death. Start off by washing it down with a good wash such as Prepsol. Then stick it in Moma's dishwasher and run it through a complete cycle. Wash down again with Prepsol. Should have no problems with "fish eyes"

[Patrick H.]

Re: Question on repainting shifter plate on a 70

Steve,

I prefer using a self etching primer (Sherwin-Williams in my case) under SEM Trim Black paint, original formula (not glossy). It exactly matches the original black color and sheen on my cars.

I tape off the chrome edges, and then use an X-acto knife with a new and sharp #11 blade to trim it along the edge. You don't have to trim the outer edge at all. I then place a piece of tape with the edges "rolled back" over the lettering. Shoot it in light coats with primer, and let it dry. Only takes 15-30min.

Then, remove the tape over the lettering and spray it with black. After a few hours or so you can remove the tape. Use the lacquer thinner (I prefer on a rag wrapped over my finger) to wipe over the chrome. It will help smooth the edge nicely. Also then wipe off the letters.

I've never yet tried it without tape; I'd like to use the lacquer thinner as little as possible. I've done it on a 72 unit (has no letters) and not even had to use the lacquer thinner.

Good luck,

Patrick

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: Question on repainting shifter plate on a 70

Steve:
I have done several of these and I spray the entire thing with Krylon #1613. After it has dried I "drag" a sharp blade over the lettering and it removes just the right amount so the chrome has sharp edges. I found that using lacquer thinner was too messy and did not yield good results for me. Hope this helps.
Jeff Salz

[Kelly Burnside]

Re: Question on repainting shifter plate on a 70

I just did mine a couple weeks ago. I just needed to touch them up a little. I did use Krylon semi-flat black #1613. I believe that that should be the correct color as it did match up real well to the original paint. (I also heard that sometime in the 60's they started painting interior trim with flatter type paint to keep the reflection down)I then took an x-acto knife after about a half hour of drying time and did the edges as well as the letters. I had heard if you did this before the paint cured totally that it would be easier to scrap off. Worked really good and they look great.