C2 66 Reproduction Center Console

[Joe R.]

I have searched the forums but can not find anything regarding regarding the 66 reproduction center consoles. Does anyone have any judging experience with these? My current console chrome is very dull and scratched but not pitted real bad. Trying to choose between rechroming or just buying a reproduction. Car will ultimately be flight judged. Any experience with either option is greatly appreciated. Thanks - Joe

[Ronald L.]

Re: C2 66 Reproduction Center Console

Joe,
I would say you can get a good original and repaint as required.

Re chrome is always an option, get a good plater that has a good polisher and don't shortchange the cost of polishing before plate.

[Michael J.]

Re: C2 66 Reproduction Center Console

I opted to get a LIC repop that was unpainted and I painted it, since they didn't have a green one. My old one had a broken screw hole and some light pitting, so thought I would be better off. However, the repop didn't fit right (I could only get 1/2 the screws in properly), and the paint chipped and flaked off too easily. I just repainted my old one, used some metal polish to spiff it up, and put it back in and only lost 1 point for condition. I would avoid the repops, they are very expensive and don't fit, IMO.

[David S.]

Re: C2 66 Reproduction Center Console

In seeing many repro consoles on various midyears, I would advise against putting one on a car. Not only do the screw holes usually not fit, but typically I have found that once the console is in and you insert the ash tray, you cannot remove the ash tray unless you remove the console again. It's almost like the ash tray hole in the console is off center and the ash tray is too big to be taken out.

If you can fix the original or find one I would try that.

Best,
Dave

[Joe R.]

Re: C2 66 Reproduction Center Console

Thanks all, This is very helpfull. I think I will go with a rechrome and repaint option. I could go with a good used item but I feel like the console is such a focal point in the interior that I want it to look perfect. From other posts, looks like Paul's Chrome is a well tested vendor that can help. Does anyone have any experience with pricing on a rechrome lately?
Thanks again - Joe

[Jeff A.]

Re: C2 66 Reproduction Center Console

Thanks all, This is very helpfull. I think I will go with a rechrome and repaint option. I could go with a good used item but I feel like the console is such a focal point in the interior that I want it to look perfect. From other posts, looks like Paul's Chrome is a well tested vendor that can help. Does anyone have any experience with pricing on a rechrome lately?
Thanks again - Joe

$225 a few years ago in the Philadelphia area. Be prepared for lots of tedious masking to make the paint look like it was applied with the template at the factory.
Good luck!

[Michael J.]

Re: C2 66 Reproduction Center Console

Be prepared for lots of tedious masking to make the paint look like it was applied with the template at the factory.
Good luck!

Right, I would recommend the blue 3M painter's tape. It is fairly pliable and flexible and comes off easy while sticking well during painting. Use your fingernail to run along the edge of the painted-non-painted seam for a good seal. Good luck.