C2 Center Console Restore

[Robert G.]

Question on C2 center console. The console itself appearsto be chrome plated and then the surface "painted" to match theinterior. The question I have is what is the correct surface treatment? Is itin fact painted or is it a glued on laminate?

I thought I would get my answer from a console restorer but I haven't run acrossone.

Thanks

[Russ S.]

Re: C2 Center Console Restore

It is painted over the chrome. I would prime first.

[Hank D.]

industrial Krylon 1613. Links to sources for each one follow:

http://www.tooltopia.com/sem-paints-39143.aspx

http://www.globalindustrial.com/p/janitorial-maintenance/paint/aerosol/krylon-5-ball-interior-exterior-paint-semi-flat-blacknot be painted.

Good luck.

Hank

[Michael F.]

Re: C2 Center Console Restore

not sure but don't believe GM primed....John will know when he chime in.

[Wayne W.]

Re: C2 Center Console Restore

I believe they used a little light coat of zinc-chromate primer. At least some of the replacement parts had zinc, but most came already painted a neutral color, like tan to be painted to match. Some paints have added zinc. It is a possibility that this could have been used.

[John H.]

Re: C2 Center Console Restore

The production-line parts were painted by the supplier, not painted at St. Louis; I never saw the supplier's process, but I believe they used an adhesion promoter of some sort before spraying interior color.

[Ara G.]

Re: C2 Center Console Restore

RobertI redid mine a few months ago. Make sure you strip ALL the old paint off the console as numerous layers of paint will fill in the "grain" of the console. Mask off all chrome surrounds and prime with zinc chromate primer (that's what I did and it really promoted adhesion). Then shoot with SEM black or whichever manufacturer you choose. Not too glossy, not too flat. Mine came great I think....and no deducts at NCRS Kissimmee Regionals, Bloomington or at Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals. Be careful and use an exacto knife to cut the masking tape off around the shift pattern. I would expect to see a perfect paint coverage to the sides and under the shift pattern. Good luck, take your time and it will turn out great...Regards. ARA

[Robert G.]

Re: C2 Center Console Restore

Guys - thanks for all the great comments. For a rookie the insight and experience you all provide is motivating.

[Walter R.]

Re: C2 Center Console Restore

Isn't the SEM 39143 a low gloss paint which would be applied to the dash and radio speaker with the instrument cluster and center console requiring a semi gloss paint which is not the same? I am getting ready to paint my 66 and this is what my understanding was. I am using the 39143 for the dash and speaker grill and am using a Long Island Corvette semi gloss #45-13 for cluster, glove box and console.

[Walter R.]

Re: C2 Center Console Restore

Does anyone have a reply to this question?

[Ara G.]

Re: C2 Center Console Restore

Walter,
I haven't used Long Island's semi gloss, but i can tell you when we judge consoles the ones done with true semi gloss are a little too shiny to fall under the category of TFP. Sheen retention needs to be present, but some of the semi gloss paints have such a sheen to them you could shave in their reflection. Spray some test pieces with a piece of scrap metal and see what you like. Note though wheh you do this to prime the scrap piece of metal with the same primer as you will use on your console as the color of the primer will affect the coloring of the top coat...Good luck...and have fun with it...

[Paul J.]

Re: C2 Center Console Restore

Question on C2 center console. The console itself appearsto be chrome plated and then the surface "painted" to match theinterior. The question I have is what is the correct surface treatment? Is itin fact painted or is it a glued on laminate?

I thought I would get my answer from a console restorer but I haven't run acrossone.

Thanks

Robert, what color is your interior? Everyone has assumed that it is black. If not, then disregard the advice on paint brands.

Paul

[Robert G.]

Re: C2 Center Console Restore

Paul - I noticed that in the responses. My car is Nassau blue exterior 900FF and white/bright blue interior 450BA. Any pointers on that paint match would be helpful. Thanks.

[Ryan V.]

Re: C2 Center Console Restore

Robert, I have the same color options. Just wondering what blue paint you went with for your shifter console.

[Mike G.]

Re: C2 Center Console Restore

I took my original blue console to a large model shop and what matched best is Humbrol #48 enamel. Unfortunately, it's a gloss finish so you have to deal with that. Either dust on a final coat with an aribrush to cut the gloss, or do what I did: hit it with Krylon Satin Clear Acrylic.