C4 Center Console Coating

[Floyd B.]

I have a later model C4 with black interior (Interior color code 193). The coating/paint on the plastic center console is peeling off. It has a "rubbery" appearance - i.e. it looks like peeling latex paint. Does anyone know what this coating is and where I can get it? Is it a paint/dye with a standard GM part number?

Thanx,

-Floyd-

NCRS #38878

[Joe L.]

Re: C4 Center Console Coating

Floyd------

The coating to describe is called "Dulso". This is a coating that GM patented, although it may have also been used by other carmakers.

I know of no way to restore a "Dulso"-coated interior piece. Removing all the old coating in a manner that leaves a "clean" finish is virtually impossible. On top of that, I know of no source for the coating material. It was never available from GM.

Your best bet is to try to acquire a NEW panel from GM. Some of these may still be available. Let me know the specific part you're talking about, year model, and which transmission your car has and I may be able to tell you if it's still available.

[Floyd B.]

Re: C4 Center Console Coating

Joe,

Thanks for the information. It's called the "Center Console Trim Plate - Manual Trans." (I have a '96 LT4) GM Part Number 10267745, MSRP $461.82. gmpartscatalog.com lists a price of $342.21 (Ouch!). Since the plate is in otherwise good shape, I was hoping to to refinish it and avoid the $350 hole in my wallet. This car has a lot of other needs. Oh well... If you can suggest any potentially less expensive sources for this part, it would be appreciated.

Since the "Dulso" has the appearance of latex paint, I might perform some experimental attempts to refinish it - After I have a new one in hand of course. :-) I was thinking of taking it to a local paint dealer and having them color match a custom mix of latex paint, spray it on and see what I get. Any other suggestions?

Thanx,

-Floyd-

[Joe L.]

Re: C4 Center Console Coating

Floyd-----

GMPartsDirect.com may have it at a somewhat lower price. But, after you add the S&H, I think you'll be right about the $342 price you got.

Yes, it is an expensive piece. However, be thankful it's still available. Many of the earlier C4 console plates and other interior parts are gone already. I don't think that this one will be very far behind. So, if it were me, I wouldn't waste any time getting it.

You've nothing to lose by trying to restore the one you have (after, as you say, you have the new one IN HAND). However, I really don't think you'll be satisfied with the results. Let us all know how it turns out, though. Developing restoration methodologies for C4 components is in its infancy and it's going to be an "ever-expanding field of interest". As I've mentioned many times before, restoring C4's is going to make earlier restorations seem like child's play.

One other thing you might do is to check with Mid America on the console plate. They do have some C4 components and often at good prices. I think they may have found the original GM supplier for some of these parts and are able to purchase some GM-discontinued pieces. It's worth a try. However, since the piece is still available from GM, that might limit their ability to otherwise acquire it from the manufacturing source.

[Floyd B.]

Re: C4 Center Console Coating

>> As I've mentioned many times before, restoring C4's is going to make earlier restorations seem like child's play.

The downside of new technology. :-(

Oh well... on the bright side - by the time '96's are included in NCRS judging I'll have a 5 - 6 year head start. :-)