I sent out my console to be rechromed. The Chromer told me that the console is Iodized aluminum and connot be chromed. I don't know if this piece is original or not. Was this done in 1963? Or is this an aftermarket piece? Is there any way to remove scatches from this? Thanks for any feedback
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Re: 1963 console
Joe the Chromer is correct. Without a picture I would just assume you have an original. Also, the console and extensions can be reconditioned to just about new condition, but sit down and hang onto your wallet when you get the price. It is expensive. Check the archives, driveline, Restorer, etc to locate folks that do the work.
Harry
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Re: 1963 console
The aluminum can be anodized by a metal plater. I was not pleased with the results when I had my console done. The shine was good however the scratches and pits cannot be removed. I complained to the plater and was told that they could not remove all the scratches and pits without damaging the pattern and possibly sanding through the metal. It certainly looks better than it did before the restoration but I was not happy with the results.Comment
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Re: 1963 console
Joe: I just redid my 63 console by trying to even out most of the scratches and the I painted it with Rustoleum Metalic Finish. I got the idea from an old restorer article. I have to tell you the result was amazingly good. Of course not what it originally was but a very cheep alternative. I have seen a lot of posts of unhappy results with reanodized ones. Might be worth a try all you have to lose it the cost of a can of paint. TomComment
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Re: 1963 console
Joe-----
I agree with the other responders and your plater; the 63 console was clear anodized aluminum. Finding a plater to re-anodize a piece is not too difficult. Finding one that can remove the scratches, dings, nicks, etc. prior to re-anodizing the piece is VERY, VERY difficult. Just re-anodizing a piece ABSOLUTELY WILL NOT repair ANY surface imperfections. They will appear just as bad, if not worse, after re-anodizing as before. Actually, the same thing would be true for a chromed part. You cannot "cover" surface imperfections with chrome, even though chrome has a much greater thickness than anodization (which is, for all practical purposes, a surface finish without "thickness").
To repair surface imperfections prior to re-anodizing requires a specialist with a lot of patience, time, and experience. ALL of these qualities add up to BIG BUCKS. Personally, I don't think that a piece could be made absolutely perfect, as-new no matter who does it.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: 1963 console
Hi Joe,
First your console pieces need to be chemically stripped of the factory finish. Dent, ding, and scratch removal comes next and the final result truley is dependant on how bad it is to start with. Pitts cannot be removed...period.
The center areas usually require some sanding to remove scratches and it's critical to sand in a straight line front to back. Following the sheetmetal work, the perimeter edges get buffed, then the whole shebang goes out for what's called "Bright Dip Anodize"
This whole process is VERY time consuming to do correctly, but the final result can look like this. I did this one myself but for me it's only a hobby that I use to support my real habit.
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Re: 1963 console *NM*
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Re: 1963 console
Joe, try to get in touch with Andy Cannizzo. He's a big 1963 corvette fan.He restores and sells a lot of 1963 stuff. I saw a 1963 console restored he had at Carlisle.I don't know if he restored it himself or sends it out, but it was nice.He is located in Matawan, New Jersey.Also, goes under the name "63's Are Me".If i come across his business card, i'll email you the information.Comment
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