C2: Center Console refurbishing

[Gary Cederman]

I need to refurbish the center console on my ’63. I want to buff it out but, it appears to be chrome plated. Can someone tell me what type it is and what is the method of refurbishing it?

Thanks,

Gary

[Duke W.]

Re: C2: Center Console refurbishing

It's clear annodized aluminum.

Restoring annodized aluminum parts is difficult, especially if they have corrosion or abrasion pitting as is typical on the rocker panel moldings.

Annodized aluminum parts can be chemically stripped then worked to remove dents by a good metal working guy, but pits or deep scratches are problematic.

Once the surface is worked as much as possible the part can be reannodized.

Duke

[Gary Cederman]

Re: C2: Center Console refurbishing

Duke,

Thanks for the response.

I would never had guessed that it would be clear annodized aluminum. So, rbe-annodizing it will give it that 'chrome' look?

OK, I will try that?

Has anyone had this done on a center console lately to give me a ballpark estimate on cost? Mine is pitted a little bit but otherwise it is in good shape.

Thanks,

Gary

[Chuck G.]

Re: C2: Center Console refurbishing

I had a company called "Buff It" in Hobart, Indiana do my 63 console YEARS ago. Still looks good. Honestly don't remember the cost. I believe that David Crane of Crane's Corvettes in California also re-anodizes them. I know he makes the reproduction 63 consoles. I couldn't find a SOUL that did re-anodizing and "bright dipping" anywhere near me when I wanted my console done. Chuck

[Duke W.]

Re: C2: Center Console refurbishing

Clear anodized aluminum trim began showing up in interiors in the sixties and by the seventies it had replaced stainless steel for windshield and backlight reveal moldings and door frame moldings on sedans. Also the early GM 5 MPH bumper bars beginning in '74 were often annodized aluminium.

Nowadays everything is plastic.

I don't think restoration of these parts is well understood. The surface is quite durable if it doesn't get dinged of scratched, but that's no often the case with the center console molding. Mine didn't need to be restored, so I've not thoroughly investigated restoring aluminum annodized parts, but you can start with the references Chuck gave and go from there.

There are many variations of aluminum anodizing, so be sure you sign up with someone who's process will give as close to the OEM patina as possible.

Duke

[ian#32567]

Re: C2: Center Console refurbishing

gary,i sent my console to pro buffing in indiana also,they replated it to the same quality as orig.i first sent the console to the local plating shop,they de-plated the hard finish(10$)then i made a curved piece of 2x2x6" wood to match curve of console,glue on 1/4"foam then glue on 180G emory cloth, i carefully sanded the console to restore the original brushed look.you need to have someone who can replate it to the "bright" finish as clear anodize is quite dull!.......IAN