Restoring my center console will this work?

[Zymurgy]

I have enclosed a bad picture taken with my phone, of the console panel. It has a raised 1/16[SUP]th[/SUP] of an inch silver line between a 1/8[SUP]th[/SUP] of an inch black. I thought I would spray the whole surface and then wet sand the black off the raised area. The problem is the surface is very nicked up and it looked like crap.

Here is my thought, I am thinking of a vinyl covering, mimicking the look. The good thing it is reversible. I have already called a guy that has done vinyl graphics for my business and said it is physically possible the make the silver/black proportion. I can’t think of any other way to dress it up. I’m open for any other suggestions.

 

[detmatt]

I've got nothing and the bad pic isn't helping. So is that piece chrome with the black applied in the bottom of the pattern?

 

[Zymurgy]

I've got nothing and the bad pic isn't helping. So is that piece chrome with the black applied in the bottom of the pattern?

Yes that is basically it. I'm still not certain how they did it from the factory, but the raised area has been nicked so those lines are no longer very defined, and can't see being able to restore those lines.

 

[detmatt]

How about getting the piece reflective chrome powder coated and then do the black detail?

 

[commando1]

So, you're going to apply a flat vinyl picture to a 3D ridged surface? Am I getting that right?
I'm with Matt. Recreate the process as best as possible.

 

[Zymurgy]

Alright I won't do it half ***. I was trying to do something in the short run that might look OK. I decided no more major cosmetic expenses this year, beyond what I have had already planed.

I have the exterior chrome, paint and interior carpet and vinyl. There are several interior pieces I want to re-chrome, but not until next year. The center console was the only thing that really looks pretty bad. The rest of the interior is just some slightly pitted pot metal.

Thanks for the advice, I needed somone to tell me it was a stupid idea.ccasion14:

 

[detmatt]

Thanks for the advice, I needed somone to tell me it was a stupid idea.ccasion14:[/QUOTE]
you said it, not me.

 

[Zymurgy]

Thanks for the advice, I needed somone to tell me it was a stupid idea.ccasion14:

you said it, not me.[/QUOTE]


Yes you were just being polite, but I know you were thinking it, along with anyone else who read the post.

 

[Zymurgy]

Well I have restored the center console panel. I went back to plan A, but not after attempting to restore the paint. I tried to paint new silver lines after restoring the black. It was an absolute nightmare and impossible to get the lines a consistent 1/16th of an inch, evenly spaced, and solid color. The problem I never even addressed was nicks in the raised lines, I never came up with a solution. I decided to do a vinyl covering and honestly couldn't be happier. I can even still feel the raised lines through the vinyl.

 

[polara71]

looks good so far..... I need more

 

[Zymurgy]

looks good so far..... I need more

I have only been working on the panel. I still need to lay in silver on the chromed portion of the console. It will then be acceptable for now. Next winter I will dismantle once again and have the pieces re-chromed, but for now I will live with some of the pitting in the pot metal.

 

[Stormer]

More pics.

 

[Zymurgy]

Here is another photo and it also shows some of the trim polished and black vinyl accent.

 

[Stormer]

Looks good.

 

[commando1]

Works extremely well for me. You should be proud how it turned out after all.

< Sent from my tablet >

 

[polara71]

I thoroughly enjoy watching this cars progress....... I love it!

 

[Zymurgy]

Works extremely well for me. You should be proud how it turned out after all.

< Sent from my tablet >

It looks even better in person, for some reason those thin lines are hard to photograph. I am very happy how it came out, it was the one part of the interior that I felt brought down the whole interior. Everything else cleaned up well or is being redone. The PO had affixed various items (compass and thermometer) that ruined the finish on the panels.

 

[detmatt]

It did turn out good, well worth the effort for a temporary fix.

 

[polara71]

It looks even better in person, for some reason those thin lines are hard to photograph. I am very happy how it came out, it was the one part of the interior that I felt brought down the whole interior. Everything else cleaned up well or is being redone. The PO had affixed various items (compass and thermometer) that ruined the finish on the panels.

and how long do we have to wait for it to hit the road to Carlisle or the Nationals?

 

[Zymurgy]

and how long do we have to wait for it to hit the road to Carlisle or the Nationals?

The Nationals should be pretty easy to attain. That will be about a month later than I hope to have it assembled and on the road. I hope to have it on the road for a local 4th of July parade. I had a group ask me last fall if I could drive them in the parade.