Project 4
Shift console prep & paint
Applicable Years: C2
Skill Level: 1 Wrench
Tools Required: Masking tape, spray paint, screwdrivers
Time Required: 4 hours over 2 days
Parts Source: Zip Products
Here's the original console on the left, and the new, unpainted unit from Zip Products on the right. The shifter diagram, ashtray door, and door sliders have already been removed from the old console.>
The lower shifter console in my '67 coupe had seen better days. The paint is peeling off in several places, and it has acquired numerous scratches over the last 41 years, so when I redid my interior, the console was on the "makeover" list as well. Zip Products offers a console either completely finished or unpainted-the only difference is the price, about $160 between the two. So if you're industrious and want to save some significant change, here's how to finish the bare console yourself.
You'll also need a roll of...
You'll also need a roll of 1/2-inch-wide masking tape. I found that McDonald's coffee stirrers are ideal for burnishing down the edges of the tape for a clean paint line.
If you're going with an unpainted...
If you're going with an unpainted console, then you'll need to purchase the console repair kit, which has everything you'll need to finish off your console once it's painted; the pre-painted consoles come with all this stuff already installed.
I used Eastwood's black Self-Etching...
I used Eastwood's black Self-Etching Primer and Black Wrinkle Finish paints on my console. The trigger spray can handles, also from Eastwood, make directing the spray easier and a lot less fatiguing on the wrist and thumb.
Carefully mask off the chrome...
Carefully mask off the chrome areas of the console that are not to be painted, then burnish the edges of the tape down thoroughly. A little more time spent with the masking will save a lot of time and grief later when you have to do a lot of touching up and/or cleaning up the chrome.
Here the console is totally...
Here the console is totally masked and ready for paint. Again, double-check to ensure your masking lines are straight and the edges are burnished down thoroughly for the best results.
Spray on two to three light...
Spray on two to three light coats of primer, letting each coat dry thoroughly (about an hour) before applying the next one. I prefer Eastwood Self Etching Primer because it "bites" into the metal for an extremely good bond, which is what you want on the chrome surface.
I used the disassembled box...
I used the disassembled box the console was shipped to me in as a makeshift spray booth, and it worked well. Here the console is drying between coats of primer.
I let the Wrinkle Black dry...
I let the Wrinkle Black dry for several hours in between each of the three light coats. After the last coat, the console was left to dry for 24 full hours in a warm environment to give the paint a chance to dry, cure, and harden thoroughly. After that, the masking tape can be removed. When taking the tape off, pull up and away from the painted area. If you did a good job of masking, you'll have straight, clean edges separating the painted and chrome areas.
Here's a detail shot of the...
Here's a detail shot of the finished console, ready to go back in the car. Looks good, doesn't it? And I saved about $140 to boot by doing it myself.