Refinishing console surface on '96

[Paul B.]

My console is looking a little tired with several areas scratched, and some peeling of the surface. Where can i get some of the factory-like paint to refinish? Thanks in advance for the help..

[Chuck S.]

Re: Refinishing console surface on '96

I assume this is a driven car and you are wanting to make the console better. I am unfamiliar with the original finish, and can't comment on how appropriate it will be to paint the console, but color matched spray cans of interior "dye" or paint is available from the large general Corvette vendors such as Eckler's or Mid-America Designs. Depending on use, refinishing the console will help it look new for a while, but it won't look as nice as long as it did when new.

[Chuck S.]

Re: Refinishing console surface on '96

I assume this is a driven car and you are wanting to make the console better. I am unfamiliar with the original finish, and can't comment on how appropriate it will be to paint the console, but color matched spray cans of interior "dye" or paint is available from the large general Corvette vendors such as Eckler's or Mid-America Designs. Depending on use, refinishing the console will help it look new for a while, but it won't look as nice as long as it did when new.

[Bill W.]

Re: Refinishing console surface on '96

I dont think it can be refinished. you could peel or blow the rest off & respray it but it would not have the same rubbery texture . we replace all the interior parts that peel. Bill

[Bill W.]

Re: Refinishing console surface on '96

I dont think it can be refinished. you could peel or blow the rest off & respray it but it would not have the same rubbery texture . we replace all the interior parts that peel. Bill

[Joe L.]

Re: Refinishing console surface on '96

Bill and Paul-----

Yes, most dash surfaces on C4 Corvettes are "Dulso" coated. This is what gives them the slightly "rubbery" texture and feel. It's also the coating that peels off, stains or abrades over time. I know of no way to refinish with Dulso.

The plastic console parts can be refinished, but it won't result in an as-original appearance. It's also a somewhat time-consuming process. What needs to be done is to first remove any HINT of silicone contamination left by silicone interior maintenance products like Armor All. Next, sand the abraded areas with fine wet-and-dry paper, finishing with 600 grit or higher (the higher, the better). After that, apply SEM plastic trim primer. Finally, apply SEM plastic trim paint.

Your best bet is as Bill says---replace the panels involved ASSUMING that the ones you need are still available. Many C4 interior parts are no longer available from GM, INCLUDING those for the final C4 model year, 1996.

[Joe L.]

Re: Refinishing console surface on '96

Bill and Paul-----

Yes, most dash surfaces on C4 Corvettes are "Dulso" coated. This is what gives them the slightly "rubbery" texture and feel. It's also the coating that peels off, stains or abrades over time. I know of no way to refinish with Dulso.

The plastic console parts can be refinished, but it won't result in an as-original appearance. It's also a somewhat time-consuming process. What needs to be done is to first remove any HINT of silicone contamination left by silicone interior maintenance products like Armor All. Next, sand the abraded areas with fine wet-and-dry paper, finishing with 600 grit or higher (the higher, the better). After that, apply SEM plastic trim primer. Finally, apply SEM plastic trim paint.

Your best bet is as Bill says---replace the panels involved ASSUMING that the ones you need are still available. Many C4 interior parts are no longer available from GM, INCLUDING those for the final C4 model year, 1996.

[Joe L.]

Re: Refinishing console surface on '96

Paul-----

You're in luck. The center cluster console trim (i.e. the vertical panel) remains available from GM. The part number is GM #10262830 and the current GM list is $48.43.

The console trim plate is also available but it's a lot more expensive. The trim plate for automatic-equipped cars is GM #10265546 and it currently GM lists for $377.63. For manual trans cars, it's GM #10267745 and GM lists for $461.82.

Expensive? Yes. But, they're still available and for how much longer who knows? Most of the earlier C4 corresponding pieces are discontinued already. Also, you can purchase these for a lot less through a discount GM parts source. Check Mid-America's catalog, too; they have some of the C4 dash pieces in reproduction at good prices.

[Joe L.]

Re: Refinishing console surface on '96

Paul-----

You're in luck. The center cluster console trim (i.e. the vertical panel) remains available from GM. The part number is GM #10262830 and the current GM list is $48.43.

The console trim plate is also available but it's a lot more expensive. The trim plate for automatic-equipped cars is GM #10265546 and it currently GM lists for $377.63. For manual trans cars, it's GM #10267745 and GM lists for $461.82.

Expensive? Yes. But, they're still available and for how much longer who knows? Most of the earlier C4 corresponding pieces are discontinued already. Also, you can purchase these for a lot less through a discount GM parts source. Check Mid-America's catalog, too; they have some of the C4 dash pieces in reproduction at good prices.

[Paul B.]

Re: Refinishing console surface on '96

Many thanks Joe, i'll see if i can get the trim plate at a discount.

[Paul B.]

Re: Refinishing console surface on '96

Many thanks Joe, i'll see if i can get the trim plate at a discount.