Emergency Break Console Restoration '68

[Bob S.]

I'm in the process of restoring the interior of my '68 Coupe. The Emergency Break Console is in very good shape, but dull from time. I've removed and cleaned it, but still dull. Would it be worth it to repaint? If so, what would you recommend as far as prepping and painting. Also, has anyone had any experience as to who makes the best replacement?

While I'm here.....Also looking to remove scratches from the chrome on the exterior of the T-Top. Any suggestions would also be appreciated


Thanks in advance,

Bob
(9944)

[Alan S.]

Re: Emergency Break Console Restoration '68

Hi Bob,
For the interior I'd suggest you check out SEM Interior Paint, (google). It designed for use on vinyl and rigid/semi-rigid interior parts.
The roof panel trim... (I'm thinking you're referring to the top panel itself and not the birdcage/windshield header trim); the trim on the roof panels is actually stainless steel. 3 pieces each. The side piece and the short 'connector' are easy to remove, (pop riveted in place), and buff IF the weatherstrip and weatherstrip retainer happen to be off. The front piece is 'crimped' into place and is a more involved (chancy) to remove. I'd carefully tape the paint on the panel and buff it in place.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan

[Joe L.]

Re: Emergency Break Console Restoration '68

I'm in the process of restoring the interior of my '68 Coupe. The Emergency Break Console is in very good shape, but dull from time. I've removed and cleaned it, but still dull. Would it be worth it to repaint? If so, what would you recommend as far as prepping and painting. Also, has anyone had any experience as to who makes the best replacement?

While I'm here.....Also looking to remove scratches from the chrome on the exterior of the T-Top. Any suggestions would also be appreciated


Thanks in advance,

Bob
(9944)

Bob------


Using the SEM interior paint that Alan mentioned, the console, if in good structural condition, can be made to appear as-new. Plus, it will be very durable. In fact, the originals were painted.

[Henry J.]

Re: Emergency Break Console Restoration '68

I refurbished my 68's emergency brake console recently using SEM Trim Black #39143, as my interior is black. It turned out superbly.

If your original console is in good condition, I urge you to re-use it.

[Bob S.]

Re: Emergency Break Console Restoration '68

[QUOTE=Alan Struck (15579);632105]Hi Bob,
For the interior I'd suggest you check out SEM Interior Paint, (google). It designed for use on vinyl and rigid/semi-rigid interior parts.
The roof panel trim... (I'm thinking you're referring to the top panel itself and not the birdcage/windshield header trim); the trim on the roof panels is actually stainless steel. 3 pieces each. The side piece and the short 'connector' are easy to remove, (pop riveted in place), and buff IF the weatherstrip and weatherstrip retainer happen to be off. The front piece is 'crimped' into place and is a more involved (chancy) to remove. I'd carefully tape the paint on the panel and buff it in place.

Thanks Alan,

I am talking fo the Birdcage Trim...

On the SEM, I'll check that out.

[Bob S.]

Re: Emergency Break Console Restoration '68

I refurbished my 68's emergency brake console recently using SEM Trim Black #39143, as my interior is black. It turned out superbly.

If your original console is in good condition, I urge you to re-use it.

I'm told it's original. I don't have anything to compare it to. Is there something I should look for on it? My interior is black as well. Thanks for the info.

Bob
(9944)

[Bob S.]

Re: Emergency Break Console Restoration '68

At the risk of sounding completely out...Did you sand the old paint before spraying? And, I'm told the console is original, but have nothing to compare it to. Is there anything I should look for?

Thanks,

Bob(9944)

Bob------


Using the SEM interior paint that Alan mentioned, the console, if in good structural condition, can be made to appear as-new. Plus, it will be very durable. In fact, the originals were painted.

[Joe L.]

Re: Emergency Break Console Restoration '68

At the risk of sounding completely out...Did you sand the old paint before spraying? And, I'm told the console is original, but have nothing to compare it to. Is there anything I should look for?

Thanks,

Bob(9944)

Bob-----

No, you don't want to sand it. That would remove or reduce the embossed grain. Just clean it thoroughly and remove any loose paint.

You might check for GM part numbers on the underside as an indicator of originality (or a GM SERVICE piece, identical to the original).

[Bob S.]

Re: Emergency Break Console Restoration '68

Bob-----

No, you don't want to sand it. That would remove or reduce the embossed grain. Just clean it thoroughly and remove any loose paint.

You might check for GM part numbers on the underside as an indicator of originality (or a GM SERVICE piece, identical to the original).

Got it...

Thanks, Joe

Bob
(9944)

[Henry J.]

Re: Emergency Break Console Restoration '68

Bob:

My original emergency brake console is a more robust piece, having heavier (stiffer) plastic, than my reproduction console. The various hardware pieces that attach to my original do so effortlessly on my original but not so effortlessly on my reproduction. There is a distinct textural grain to the original and not so much so on my reproduction. These comments are almost meaningless unless the two consoles are in side-by-side comparison.

However, on your console, I suggest this: (1) Look for evidence of glue slop on the underside securing into place the two seatbelt buckle storage pockets. My reproduction is a single piece; the pockets are molded in, not glued. (2) On the forward-most edge, look for the slots on either side of the slider cut-out to secure the so-called "insert" or "extension". If these slots exist, I would say that your console is original but I will say also that I have seen original 68 consoles with these slots ground off. Please refer to UPC 1, Sheet E6 of the 68 AIM to make my comments clearer.

[Bob S.]

Re: Emergency Break Console Restoration '68

Bob:

My original emergency brake console is a more robust piece, having heavier (stiffer) plastic, than my reproduction console. The various hardware pieces that attach to my original do so effortlessly on my original but not so effortlessly on my reproduction. There is a distinct textural grain to the original and not so much so on my reproduction. These comments are almost meaningless unless the two consoles are in side-by-side comparison.


However, on your console, I suggest this: (1) Look for evidence of glue slop on the underside securing into place the two seatbelt buckle storage pockets. My reproduction is a single piece; the pockets are molded in, not glued. (2) On the forward-most edge, look for the slots on either side of the slider cut-out to secure the so-called "insert" or "extension". If these slots exist, I would say that your console is original but I will say also that I have seen original 68 consoles with these slots ground off. Please refer to UPC 1, Sheet E6 of the 68 AIM to make my comments clearer.

Henry,

I had the console out the other day, and I'll take it out again tonight to be sure, but if memory serves me, the slots for the seat belts are molded into the piece. If that's the case, I may buy another replacement. That said, I'm going to take an even CLOSER look at the door panels....I'm guessing the backing is different from the originals, yes? Also, I'll check the production run against my VIN and see what panels should be in the car....It never ends!!!

Appreciate the help. I'll be back with what I find!

Bob
(9944)

[Alan S.]

Re: Emergency Break Console Restoration '68

Hi Bob,
Back to the exterior trim.
I believe you'll find that the trim is a combination of stainless steel and chrome plated pieces. I BELIEVE on your 68 there were 3 pieces of ss trim, the large 'I' shaped center piece, and the 2 pieces on the halo. The windshield header corner pieces are chrome plated castings.
I also believe that the ss pieces were flash chromed so they'd match in color the chrome plated corner castings.
The ss can be buffed to improve their but you need to be careful that you don't buff through the plating.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan

[Terry M.]

Re: Emergency Break Console Restoration '68

Henry,

I had the console out the other day, and I'll take it out again tonight to be sure, but if memory serves me, the slots for the seat belts are molded into the piece. If that's the case, I may buy another replacement. That said, I'm going to take an even CLOSER look at the door panels....I'm guessing the backing is different from the originals, yes? Also, I'll check the production run against my VIN and see what panels should be in the car....It never ends!!!

Appreciate the help. I'll be back with what I find!

Bob
(9944)

Bob,

I am not sure about 1968s (one can never be sure of 1968s) but the other early C3s have an ink stamped date on the back side of the door panels. If the date you find ia a couple of weeks before the build of your Corvette you can bank on their originality. Of course, being a 1968, it you don't fine a date, don't be concerned. You may also find "pilot job" ink stamped on the back of the interior panels. Don't get too excited about that. Lots of 1968 interior pieces have that stamp, but it would be an indicator of an original panel..

[Bob S.]

Re: Emergency Break Console Restoration '68

Bob,

I am not sure about 1968s (one can never be sure of 1968s) but the other early C3s have an ink stamped date on the back side of the door panels. If the date you find ia a couple of weeks before the build of your Corvette you can bank on their originality. Of course, being a 1968, it you don't fine a date, don't be concerned. You may also find "pilot job" ink stamped on the back of the interior panels. Don't get too excited about that. Lots of 1968 interior pieces have that stamp, but it would be an indicator of an original panel..

Well now, that's interesting! What would "Pilot Job" mean?

Bob

[Terry M.]

Re: Emergency Break Console Restoration '68

I could only guess, and yours might be as good as mine. My BIL has a 1968 in the 3000 serial number range with that on the back of a lot of the interior pieces. I have talked with owners of 1968s with far higher sns with the same "feature" so my first guess would be "not too much."

PS: Please tell us what you find when you get your door panels off.