Mid Year Conso;e Restoration

[Jerry Clark]

I am preparing to restore a blue mid year shifter console. In the past I have used a product called "Black Satin" that is formulated to be sprayed over chrome , it matches the flatness of the interiors black and bonds to the chrome very well.
My question involves the blue on chrome. How do you solve the bonding of interior paints to the chrome plating in the case of other colors?
Obviously I could use the Black Satin as a primer but would prefer not to do this hoping top avoid a paint build up situation.
As always suggestions will be greatly appreciated
jer

[Ed Jennings]

Re: Mid Year Conso;e Restoration

Jerry, just a thought. A couple of years ago I was revamping the dash on a 61 with blue interior. Due to a color match situation I ended up painting the cluster with the same vinyl dye I used on the dash pad. It seemed to adhere real well. I didn't have any of the recommended primer, so I just wiped it with laquer thinner real well and shot it. I assume you are concerned with the grain on the console and don't want to fill it up. You might give that type product a try. I doubt anything is going to last forever on that chrome. I used ordinary paint on my 67 console about 5 years ago and it is starting to wear thin in spots now, especially just behind the shift pattern area.

[Robert C.]

Re: Mid Year Conso;e Restoration

Jer, I recently did my 65 blue shift plate. I taped off the edges roughly with a good masking tape overlaping the areas that I didn't want color on. Then cut in the grove surrounding the color area with Xacto knife. Pealed off the excess. Then I took a fine fingernail file and sanded the edge around the shift pattern area(this is where the paint chips off 1st)and a little sanding around the whole outside. Lightly wipe off fingerprints etc. with thinner, let dry completely. Start with a light coat, wait no more that 5 minutes and spray a 2nd coat. Before it drys carefully remove the masking tape. If you let the paint totally dry, you will pull up the painted edges when you pull off the tape..