1970 Console - I think this CAN be restored!

[80WA7113]

I considered getting a replacment console, but the I thought "Hey, if I can fix this one, make it look like new, and save $400 ++, then why not??" We'll see how this one turns out. Who knows, maybe I might have to go the route. Time will tell...

 

[80WA7113]

I was able to get some work done yesterday. I decided to epoxy the new aluminum bracket to side rails before riveting it to the compartment sides. I want this repair to have as much strength as possible, while using minimal material to repair it. Fix it once - fix it right.

Once the epoxy had set up, I riveted the repair piece to the storage bucket using 1/8" rivets. After the repair is completed and I flock the storage bucket, I really doubt the rivets will be very noticeable at all.

Next I fabricated the mold to hold the fiberglass resin I would be using to replace the missing pieces. For this I used aliminum duct tape. That tape is super sticky and peels right off once the resin has cured. Once the molds were in place I poured the resin, and waited.

After the resin was set, I flipped the console over, and added some fiberglass mat to the rear outer corners for extra rigidity. The backs of these console compartments seem to be a weak area and prone to cracking. This should take care of that issue.

Later today I will sand the resin on top to see if any additional material or work will be required. Then I'll continue forward from there.

More to come...

 

[80WA7113]

More progress over Thanksgiving weekend.

I repaired the broken shift bezel tab by fabricating a back-plate out of galvanized steel. I chose the steel over aluminum for added rigidity. The I epoxied the back-plate to the console. Once cured, I filled the open area in the plate with more epoxy. After a total cure, I filed and sanded the repair smooth. To properly locate the hole, I screwed the shift bezel in place, marked the hole, drilled it out, and added the mounting clip.

Next I repaired the hole in the front storage dish. I did this by using aluminum take for a backing and adding fiberglass resin. Once the resin cured, I added some fiberglass mesh on the back side for added strength.

I got the main storage compartment finished and ready for both dye and flocking. I'm going to go pick up the flocking kit this morning. I'm also thinking about adding flocking the front storage compartment. This would keep item put in there from rattling and/or sliding around. I'm on the fence about that idea, so no final decision has been made yet.

And finally, in prepping for dye, I needed to remove that wonderful, thick, shiny paint someone adorned the LH side side panel and console tail with. For this job I used 80 grit sandpaper, a stiff steel wire brush, gloves and lacquer thinner. Lacquer thinner does not harm the plastic pieces at all.

This stuff was a mess to remove, but it came out nicely.

More to come....

 

[Green hornet]

Amazing

 

[80WA7113]

It's time to stick a fork in this project and call it done. Mission accomplished.

Since I last posted, I dyed all the the console components. I also rounded up the materials I needed to replicate the original flocking in the main storage compartment. While I was at it, I added flocking to the front storage compartment as well. The thought there was that it would help to keep things set in there in place, and keep anything loose from rattling around. With the front compartment top cover on, you don't notice that I flocked it.

The console door I picked up from Camaro Central and am very happy with the fit. There was a small issue though, the lid came with a dented release button. I immediately called CC back (Wyatt) and he said they would send me a new lid, but he would have to order it in as I got the last they had in stock. Then a thought occurred to me. I know they sell the individual latches, so I proposed to him that I would be OK if they had a latch in stock to just send that to me and I would replace the bad one here. That would save time, and save them money as they would not have to deal with a return and re-ship. He was good with that idea and shipped one out the same day. Hat's off to Camaro Central!

All in all it's been another fun journey. I'm happy with the results. Take a look and see what you think.

I never liked the fact that being made of hard plastic, tapping on the console resulted in a tinny, hollow sounding "tink-tink-tink" noise. I know, it is what it is, but I thought that adding a little leftover self adhesive flashing in some strategic areas could make the console sound considerably more solid when contact is made with it.

As luck would have it, I just happened to have some left over self adhesive flashing. So I added some to the underbelly of the top section, under the storage compartments, and also on the sides.

My theory was right, the console sounds exponentially more solid now, like a piece of fine quality furniture.

Final thought: Rremember earlier (Post 12) when I riveted the rear compartment support to the sides of the storage compartment and said: "After the repair is completed and I flock the storage bucket, I really doubt the rivets will be very noticeable at all".? I was right. They really don't stand out at all.

 

[hubedobeedo]

It's time to stick a fork in this project and call it done. Mission accomplished.

Since I last posted, I dyed all the the console components. I also rounded up the materials I needed to replicate the original flocking in the main storage compartment. While I was at it, I added flocking to the front storage compartment as well. The thought there was that it would help to keep things set in there in place, and keep anything loose from rattling around. With the front compartment top cover on, you don't notice that I flocked it.

The console door I picked up from Camaro Central and am very happy with the fit. There was a small issue though, the lid came with a dented release button. I immediately called CC back (Wyatt) and he said they would send me a new lid, but he would have to order it in as I got the last they had in stock. Then a thought occurred to me. I know they sell the individual latches, so I proposed to him that I would be OK if they had a latch in stock to just send that to me and I would replace the bad one here. That would save time, and save them money as they would not have to deal with a return and re-ship. He was good with that idea and shipped one out the same day. Hat's off to Camaro Central!

All in all it's been another fun journey. I'm happy with the results. Take a look and see what you think.

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I never liked the fact that being made of hard plastic, tapping on the console resulted in a tinny, hollow sounding "tink-tink-tink" noise. I know, it is what it is, but I thought that adding a little leftover self adhesive flashing in some strategic areas could make the console sound considerably more solid when contact is made with it.

As luck would have it, I just happened to have some left over self adhesive flashing. So I added some to the underbelly of the top section, under the storage compartments, and also on the sides.

My theory was right, the console sounds exponentially more solid now, like a piece of fine quality furniture.


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Final thought: Rremember earlier (Post 12) when I riveted the rear compartment support to the sides of the storage compartment and said: "After the repair is completed and I flock the storage bucket, I really doubt the rivets will be very noticeable at all".? I was right. They really don't stand out at all.

very nice! great job!

 

[80WA7113]

Amazing

Thank you!

 

[80WA7113]

very nice! great job!

Thank you!

 

[80WA7113]

The only thing I'm waiting on now to come in is the burlwood insert for the shifter plate to match my dash and steering wheel.

But hey, that's just window dressing at this point.

 

[badazz81z28]

I considered getting a replacment console, but the I thought "Hey, if I can fix this one, make it look like new, and save $400 ++, then why not??" We'll see how this one turns out. Who knows, maybe I might have to go the route. Time will tell...

How much money in materials and time do you think is in it?