I would like to restore a 69 console that I bought and need some tips from others who have done this. The console is blue but has been painted black at one time. What is the best way to remove the old black paint? I will be repainting it black and would like to know what shade of black to use and how to prep before paint.

Thanks for any help,

Clint

I would like to restore a 69 console that I bought and need some tips from others who have done this. The console is blue but has been painted black at one time. What is the best way to remove the old black paint? I will be repainting it black and would like to know what shade of black to use and how to prep before paint.

Thanks for any help,

Clint


I just got done painting mine black also...all I did was sand it down really goood cleaned it realy good primed it with a metal primer than sprayed it with some black than clear coat. But its all ways good to go to the paint store to get the right one...

If you're lucky, it wasn't prepped well prior to paint. I've only had to tackle one that was painted, and was able to scotch-brite it off with a wet grey pad IIRC. Took a while, but eventually it all peeled off. Don't want to sand on it, as it's grained plastic (except for the lid).

I know some have used oven cleaner to remove paint off of plastic, but I haven't so I don't know which type or if it can damage it. Lacquer thinner will likely be too "hot" and could melt it.

For prep, once you have all the old paint off, just degrease it making sure you've gotten down into the grain. Dish soap and wax/grease/silicone remover should get it clean. A lot of interior parts have seen years of armor-all, so once you think you have it clean.... clean it again :)

SEM makes a pretty good vinyl/plastic/fabric dye in a rattle. Landau Black, should be able to find it at a local parts store but don't know the pn. Don't need to lay it on thick, less is more on that kind of stuff. Just enough to cover :thumbsup:

I used SEM black using the same metods RamAir mentioned for cleaning they didn't have it at the hardware store but I got some at the local Camaro supplier.worked great on my instrument cluster and armrests too!

Easy Off oven cleaner will remove hobby type paint from styrene plastic without harm, but I don't think it will touch automotive type paint. Might be good to test in a hidden area and see how it does.

Jeff

I have restored most of my interior, consol kick panels seat backs dash etc etc

Do not use thinners on plastic, it messes up the surface texture...I Have not had to remove old paint/dyes...but if u are going to use anything test on a part that cant be seen.

For a good finish u have to get all the old paint out of the groves in the texture, I have seen many consols that the texture is not as prominent, and it looks crap.

My ist attempt was a kick panel, I did not degrease and scratched /flaked easy.
To remove I used tried a lot of stuff, and oven cleaner was the best, then used the water blaster not too close to the surface so not to damge...took several applications to clean out all the grooves in the texture.

To degrease I used a strong soln of automatic machine dish was power and hot water, then to make sure a strong soln of automatic washing machine powder, and again used the water blaster to rinse

Paint: I used an automotive laquar paint...this I got colour matched to the orginal colour...The dark green with the gold fleck...took quite a few attempts to get it right.
I started with getting it made up in an aerosol, but this applied the paint a bit uneven and thick in places , loosing some of the low parts of the texture a slight attack of the plastic...again tried in a "cant see place"
What worked best...perfect...an air brush, and diluted down about 50/60%
A couple very thin layers 1st, so as not to attack the plastic, let dry, to seal the plastic, then a couple of thin coats to give coverage.
Perfect, and very hard wearing...on center consol seat backs , steering wheel/column etc.
http://www.kakariki.net/camaro/me%20061.jpg

PLASTIC COAT. they have a cleaner that leaves the grain of the plastic in place. they have a primer/prep that makes the plastic paint stick good. only see gloss black in local stores but on line you can find simi gloss that will prob be the orginal color. you can put armorall etc. on it after its done just like the rest of the plastic inside. look up a web site on speed chanel, i think it was stacy david's show. he does a console and it did good and won't scratch off. i haven't pulled it up but told it was available. it aired about 2 weeks ago as a christmas marathon on speed

hey steps........i think your info is pretty good.....i'm just at that stage myself and lacquer is what i was going to use. the prep work is very important for sure and thin coats to.... thanks
btw.......i have the same color interior :)