I would like some info on 71 BUCK GS Console restoration, Here is what I have. 2 black consoles their very much the same except, one is shorter in height and is cut across the bollom so that if you sit it on a table it sits level across. Would this be for 68-69 GS or Riveria ? The other looks the same top, length, door, chrome, except on this bottom edge one side {drivers} is taller than the other, basically on a table it leans to one side. Is this correct for 70-72 ? Next I have 3 chrome console tops. I had the best of the 3 rechromed. I also bought a repo console / dash woodgrain kit. Whats the best way to install the felt in the shifter slots? and where to get and what type of felt to use The next thing I need to know is how the plastic consoled were originaly colored? the reason I ask is they are both in excellent condition, hardly a scratch on the plastic. But under close inspection several small spots look like the black has started to wear off and a redish color can be seen. I can't rub or scratch off any of the surrounding black, so I dont think it's dyed black by someone else. should I just touch it up and wipe the hole thing dowh with Armor all or furniture polish or dye it all ? Next I have 2 shifters for the consoles, both chrome handles are the same, but one hole unit is taller than the other slightly includingthe base mount. The 2 floor mount part of the shifters work the same but one has the shifter lock notches built on as one unit and the cable mounts on the passanger side. The other the shifter lock notched plate unbolts and the cable mounts on the drivers side, also has a spot that looks like its for a neutral safty switch, also has an extra floor mounting tab on the front pass side. I LIKE THAT ONE. Inside the console storage compartment it feels like its covered with dryed out felt, it needs cleaned, should I remove it? Cant be seen with the door closed. Do they make a repo door top plastic chrome or do I have to get the old one plastic chromed ? So hope some one can set me straight on what to do. Thanks.
On repainting/dying you might look at the underside of the console to see if there's any evidence of another color overspray on it. That said I would repaint it! All of these things look great...'til you get them out in the sun and installed in the car. The sun really makes all the minor scratches/scuffs, etc show up...especially on a black interior part. I would completely dissassemble it, clean it over and over with a good stiff short bristled brush and HOT WATER and repaint it with SEM LANDAU BLACK VINYL PAINT. Paint it on a warm dry day if possible. If it's real humid or less than 75 or 70 degrees then wait for a warmer day. You could even hit it with a coat of SEM SAND FREE prep...read the instructions on how to use this stuff.. you need to follow up with a light first coat of the vinyl paint BEFORE THE SAND FREE dries. The Parts Place is reproing the chrome console door piece now I think. You can get that black flocking spray at a hobby shop possibly (inside the console glovebox) Hopefully you haven't been Armoralling this thing. If so then you better wipe if first with a good wax and grease remover and go through the soap scrubbing process AT LEAST two times. You can't get the parts "too clean" and paints don't like ArmorAll, etc.:spank: :laugh:
The console thats taller on one side is a 73and up console and cam be trimmed to fit the 70/72 . I suspect that the shifter base might be taller also . The cable on 70/72 is on the driver side . The one that sits level is probably correct but would have to see it . The console should be th3e same color on the bottom . I agree with Patton use plastic prep and good SEM products and dye the whole thing or you'll see spots on it . JK
Re: Console restoration. Some progress Here's where im at now. Shifter resto complete, Shift cable cleaned and greased. Shift linkage for column/ shift lock/ Inst. cluster indicator. Console top rechromed. New repo woodgrain decales. Also included is the pic are the 2 different shifters I spoke of, I think the chrome polished out real good using the sears craftmans polishing 8" wheel and roug sticks, no pitting. Guess i got luckey. Now its time to get the console dye.
Who did you have rechrome the console plate ? Do you have an extra chrome piece that goes on the compartment door ?
Thanks for the info . Tried to look on their site but could not ge into it so I will call them tomorrow .
I saw a post, think it was in the vendors section or repo parts ? The Parts Place is working on a repo and show a pic. I had called before I saw thet post and the sales rep. said they did not have them yet. I will be getting one as mine is in need or rechromeing, Guess it depende on the price difference. As for the rechromed pot metal shifter cover top plate, It was rechromed by a company called AMPS out of Mobile AL.. They are now out of buisness.
