Parking Brake Console Painting - 1970

[Clark E.]

I'm repainting the console it's original color (Interior Trim Code 400/Black Vinyl) before reinstalling it and want to get as close to the original finish as possible.
Will appreciate recommendations of paint manufacturers (rattle can) and finishes used by members as well as any "tricks" to doing a good judgable job. I'm thinking a low or semi-gloss satin black but not sure. Thanks...Clark Erlandson 18941

[Edward J.]

Re: Parking Brake Console Painting - 1970

Clark, some of the venders sell rattle cans , corvette america is one. I would black is a easy color to match.

[Michael G.]

Re: Parking Brake Console Painting - 1970

Clark, I have used the Corvette America product with good results. Make sure you clean the unit well. Individual interior items were not exactly a perfect match from factory and as Ed mentioned, Black should be easy. The finish (I won' try to describe) is a very good match to my seasoned original console.

[Floyd B.]

Re: Parking Brake Console Painting - 1970

When painting plastics, preparation of the surface is critical. Your biggest enemy to the restoration of interior parts is silicon based cleaning products (i.e. armor all, son-of-gun, etc.). If you use an abrasive before you get every bit of the silicon off all you are doing is embedding the silicon into the plastic - at that point you're hosed. I usually start by scrubbing them with good old soap and water and a soft scrub brush, then run them through the dishwasher "potscrubber" cycle (remember to turn off the heated drying), then wash them again with TSP, then run them through the dishwasher again. After that, use the finish products according to the manufactures instructions. I think both SEM and Corvette America use a multi-product/multi-step process that includes a surface prep, adhesion promoter and dye.

[Clark E.]

Re: Parking Brake Console Painting - 1970

Thanks guys for stressing the importance of surface cleaning the console. I would have missed this. Noticed Eastwood has a 3 step process but might have been tempted to ignore it. Owned the car since 1972 and into the third (and final) year of a frame-off. Want to get it right the first time. Thanks again...Clark