63 Console Restore (again)

[Joe S.]

Received my console and extensions back yesterday from Paragon. Can't say that I am thrilled with them. Although the shine is there, the ribs look like they were sanded with 180grit sandpaper in forward/backward motions. Unless this is the way they came from the factory (? but I doubt it) then this is gonna bother me.

You can't really see it in the pictures. But, for what this cost, my expectations were higher. The question is, did 63 consoles originally have a smooth bright aluminum finish or were there sort of brush strokes or sanding marks in them.

Thanks




Joe and Joanne's 63 FI Convertible

[Bob R.]

Re: 63 Console Restore (again)

I just received my 63 console back from a local plater in my area. I was also dissapointed in the result. The side edges on my peice had pits on them from age. The refinisher did not tell me they would not come completely out. Now there are small dots along the side. It's hard to see when the console is installed but it's not at all what I expected. It was expensive to have anodized. I'm wondering if I just should have bought a reproduction peice.

[John C.]

Re: 63 Console Restore (again)

Pits can not come "out". Missing metal will not be filled in by plating over it, the pit will just be nice and shiny.

You must find a plater that will fill in with new metal prior to re-plating. this is labor intensive and is not cheap. I had parts for a '62 Triumph Bonneville filled and re-plated. Just because a part is small does not mean the cost will be small!! The plater I used no longer does motorcycle bits and pieces because of the high labor costs and low profit. I used Arkansas Plating Co. in Fort Smith, Arkansas. I don't have the number.

[Gordon Peterson #4961]

Re: 63 Console Restore (again)

Hi Joe -

I was lucky enough to obtain a near-NOS console back when you could still find them. And it looks like it was sanded with 180 grit paper. Seriously, it is NOT glossy, it has more of a sheen than a shine on the main surfaces. The raised areas and sides do shine however.

Pete

[Tom H.]

Re: 63 Console Restore (again)

I've been working on my 63 console also and the ribs have abrushed look but the lines are all in the lengthwise dirrection. The rest of the raised parts are shiney after many hours on my buffing machine I'm ready to send them off also. Let me know if you find a good source. Tom

[Joe S.]

Re: 63 Console Restore (again)

Thanks guys. I called Paragon today and they swear (of course) that that is how it is suppose to look.

Gordon, your comments make me feel a little better. It's not that bad, but I was expecting more of a smoot mirror like finish. Perhaps my expectations were incorrect.

Joe..




Joe's 63 FI Convertible

[Tracy C.]

Re: 63 Console Restore (again)

Joe,

The center portion of the 63 Console and side rails do have a "brushed" grain pattern with the grain going from front to back.

Your parts look good to me..
tc