Fiber Board Storage Tray

[Jamie F.]

My '69 still has its original fiber board storage tray above the jack. It is not too bad for a 40 year old piece, but is starting to separate at some of the edges. It seems like all the replacements are plastic and I would like to keep the original. Does anyone have a recommendation on how to "restore" or preserve the original?

[Kevin G.]

Re: Fiber Board Storage Tray

Jamie,

Check your driveline there is someone that reflocks them.

Kevin

[Jamie F.]

Re: Fiber Board Storage Tray

Thanks Kevin!!!

[Pat M.]

Re: Fiber Board Storage Tray

Jamie - I've restored several of these trays with what I think are great results. It's not that hard.
You can wet and reshape warped trays using heavy objects, good ole Elmer's glue does WONDERS for delaminated lips and tears, and DonJer (www.donjer.com) makes a great yet cheap "mini-flocker" kit for the inside.
Check out the attached pics to see what can be accomplished.
Good luck

[Jamie F.]

Re: Fiber Board Storage Tray

Wow Pat, great work! You've inspired me! Mine is not as bad as those so I'll give it a shot this weekend!
Thanks!

[Jamie F.]

Re: Fiber Board Storage Tray

Pat, Did you use the Rayon or Nylon mini-flocker kit?

[Pat M.]

Re: Fiber Board Storage Tray

Pat, Did you use the Rayon or Nylon mini-flocker kit?

I've always used the Rayon kit, although a DonJer rep recently claimed that the Nylon fibers may "lay down" a bit better, and be less subject to slight indentations when touched. I've always simply patted mine down after they're dry to eliminate this problem.
Feel free to email me if I can be of any help.

[Martin N.]

Re: Fiber Board Storage Tray

PAT-

Great info. One of my winter projects was to look into refurbishing all 3 of my storage / battery compartments. At least now (thanks to you) I have an alenative method of doing some resto work here at my home shop.

Marty

[Jamie F.]

Re: Fiber Board Storage Tray

Thanks Pat, just ordered the kit!

[Pat M.]

Re: Fiber Board Storage Tray

No problem guys, glad to help. It's a very satisfying project.
A couple more tips I should add for the best results:
After removing all of the old flocking (I scrape it off or use sandpaper), try to sand the surface reasonably smooth - larger imperfections will show through the flocking.
I also like to apply a LIGHT spray of flat or semi-flat paint inside first (of course mask the outside) to darken any light areas which sometimes can show through the flocking, despite the fact that the adhesive is black.
Also, use a larger adhesive brush than the one that comes with the kit. The kit's brush is so small it takes forever to apply the glue, while a larger brush applies the glue much faster, leaving the glue wetter, and giving better adhesion of the fibers.
Also be forewarned that re-flocking can be messy, and those tiny fibers can get EVERYWHERE, including on you and your clothes! And use a mask!

[Reba W.]

Re: Fiber Board Storage Tray

There is a manufacturer's date on the bottom. Don't obliterate it.

[Reba W.]

Re: Fiber Board Storage Tray

As someone has reminded me, the date on the box is sometimes missing. I meant to emphasize that if it is there, don't do anything that might remove it. We see more with a date than without.