OK, This is my first attempt to post on C3. I have been a trial member up until this week. Have viewed various posts for the past three months and I am impressed with the family style approach everyone takes with various questions and issues. I'm looking forward to joining conversations in the coming year. I will warn you now, I have a cynical wit, no offense to anyone when it pops up.

 I have an 81' Bowling Green model, Autumn Red over Claret Red. I am no mechanic so my ignorance is vast.  Mechanically, I've had the car checked from bumper to bumper and it has only needed a few things like new plugs, repair of a minor gas leak and a hose replacement.  Runs like a new car.  I've done a few cosmetic things and I would like to restore the "chrome" liner that borders the console without having to purchase a new console.  The existing one is fine except for the fade on the outer border.  Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Paul

 

 

Welcome to the "Family", Paul!! Sounds like you'll fit right in!

If the chrome on the piece is peeling off, or chipped in some areas, there's really not much you can do with it. There are places that can rechrome it, whether it's plastic or metal. That might be an option, but then again, the cost for that will probably be as much(or more) than a new piece. You can usually find good used ones at swap-meets, or you might try a search on E-bay. Adams' Apple38614.8753009259

I did restore this liner in my 79 last winter.  I was told that some kind of pen (that you just move over the liner) existed but I wasn't able to find one.  I put tape along the base of the liner, inside and outside, then I used paint (aluminum color).  I first shaked the can thoroughly, then remove the cover and I used some kind of sponge brush that I just saturated with paint using the paint in the cover of the can.  Then, I just made contact with the liner and the sponge brush very gently (tapping very gently), just enough to leave paint on the surface of the liner.

Please look at the following links

liner just after painting, with tape still on
http://www.C3VR.com/member_uploads/4001_4100/4004/liner_pain ted.jpg

liner after, please note that I used the same technique to recreate the liner around  inside door  handles
http://www.C3VR.com/member_uploads/4001_4100/4004/liner_afte r.jpg 

Roger

Joel:

The whole piece is plastic and I can get a replacement for $50 bucks at CA. Interestingly, I did order, not one, but two replacements from CA earlier this summer. One of them looked almost as bad as the one I have;  I returned the other one to consider other options that might be less expensive.  Thought there might be some "chrome" transfer thing you could apply like letter correction tape out there somewhere.  Guess I'll go back and give CA my dough.  Some E-bay sellers get a bit p**sy if you don't like their product and request a return, at least CA will work with you on an exchange or refund.

At any rate, thanks for the suggestion.

Paul

 

Roger:

Bullseye dude!  But it looks like your tape is covering the chrome liner portion as well. What am I missing?  Did the paint dry to a chrome shine? Any recommendations on paint or will any old aluminum spray paint work?

Paul

 

Paul, there is a mylar type tape available. It is used for model-making, and it might be an option for you. You can normally find it in a good hobby shop. It's used to apply onto models to simulate chrome, like around windshields and such. Just a thought!

the pen I used is a Sharpie.  color is "metallic".  the pen is silver.  I bought it at Walmart.  came in a double pack.  very inexpensive and it looks ery good.  you might want to try it before you spend more $'s.

Great suggestions - Thanks guys

Paul

 

There are paint pens that work very well.  Art supply stores have them.  Those are the same things used to mark initials at junk yards.

 With that wit, I think you'll fit right in.

kstyer38615.7697106482

Paul,

tape is on both sides of the liner but the line is very thin (mine is a 79, may be different in your 81).  When I got the car, the line was completed erased (and black).  I used a glossy paint in a standard can, not a spray paint.  The result is not exactly a chrome look but it's near and definitely better than no line at all !!!

Hank51 and Kstyer : thanks for the info about the pen.  If I had had those details before, that's probably what I would have used.

Roger