70 center console restoration

[theczechone]

So, I recently acquired a 1970 Z. The previous owner decided, for some strange reason, to paint the center console with what looks like bed liner. In short, it looks pretty horrible, I was wondering if anyone knew how I could strip the paint without damaging the fiberglass console. I'd rather not have to buy a new one. Also after stripping the paint, what would be my best bet at restoring the factory finish on the console. Thanks for any info.

Edited March 20, 2012 by theczechone

[Hardway]

If it really is bedliner paint its not coming off. At this point you are better off finding a decent used one to get you by if you don't want to buy a brand new one. Keep your eyes peeled to Ebay and the various early Z classifieds, both on here and other sites. Also, setup a Craigslist RSS feed, might find one there and get it at a good price. On the Ebay completed listings looks like a run of used ones went for $90. A good deal IMO. Good luck!

Edited March 20, 2012 by Hardway

[theczechone]

well I don't know for sure that it is bed liner, just looks like it, I believe the previous owner called it textured paint. and there are spots where it's peeling up

[grantf]

The center console I believe is made from abs not fiberglass. There is an old scale modeler trick that uses easy off oven cleaner to remove paint from styrene plastic, this may destroy your console but if its trash anyhow you could try it. SEM paint to restore it back to black. SEM texture may work also.

[theczechone]

Never thought of using easy off, only the 1970-71 center consoles were made from fiberglass, since 72 they were made from abs plastic. The approach that if it's already broke, don't worry about it will have to work, I will go by aircraft stripper that's safe for composites and see what will happen.

[grantf]

Hmm, I had no idea that early interior parts were fiberglass. good luck. show pics?

[tamo3]

I did not know Easy Off works to remove paint on ABS.

http://katriders.com/vb/showthread.php?t=62835

http://www.tamiyaclub.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=43281

I will try on some of my interior parts.

Thanks for sharing info.

tamo3

[grantf]

Wo there, I am not sure what easy off does to ABS. If you try it start in a small area. I would not what you to destroy anything.

[Mike]

Hi guys, the center console is a plastic. If the previous owner sprayed it with bedliner, you'll probably have to find a new one. Keep looking at Ebay for an original if you can. Otherwise, I believe there are new ones available (not original) from Motorsport.. http://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/CTGY/SIC02A

You don't want to mess with harsh chemicals to try and restore the old one. If it truly is bed-liner, that stuff is nearly impossible to remove....

[theczechone]

The center console is definitely fiberglass. There is a small crack that shows the inidividual fibers sticking out. Tried to take a picture but don't know how to post pics from my phone yet. I can't justify spending 100+ dollars if I can just strip this one. If I fail miserably than I'll just swallow my pride and purchase a new one, but it doesn't hurt to try. It's not the first time I worked with composites. Last year I was a lead on a project that custom designed and build a carbon fiber hood for a Saturn Vue ( I didn't get to choose the car)

[psdenno]

Here's a link to what I did with mine...

http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/showthread.php?34894-Refurbishing-the-Center-Console&highlight=

Dennis

[theczechone]

ahh thats what's it suppose to look like!!! very niece job, if i strip mine, it will most definitely ruin the factory finish, so i'm just hoping for smooth satin black finish. I took a few pics to show you what I'm dealing with. I am going to get the stripper tonight and will update the thread as I go.

Just looking at these pictures makes me sad about my interior, but I got the car 3 weeks ago, and it's going to be years before it's to a point where I'll be happy with it.