I purchased some Black Semi Flat Dash paint and some Windshield Molding/Aluminum Paint Trim from Ecklers.. I have been wanting to repair the chips along the windshield as it looks sloppy when the T-Tops are off. I bought the dash paint as I figured some of the interior console was a faded black and thought it would enhance the look.

The hard part- I've painted models and such but never a car. I was planning on using some paper tape around the windshield and re-spraying.

As for the dash- I'm not really sure what the best way to go about doing that is...

I'd appreciate any suggestions on both regarding preparation materials and strategy before I start the spray.

Thanks!

James, welcome!! As far as the paint goes, are you sure that the paint is the same? I re-dedid my CE interior and used the spray dye.
Preparation is the key here. First, I would fix whatever cracks you have to with epoxy or something of the like. Then clean the surface thoroughly!! Don't use sandpaper because it will remove the grain. If you thing you need to, use #600 very lightly. Then I cleaned all of my pieces with laquer thinner and wiped it off real well. This removes any oily film and stuff like Armor All. You could mask the windshield, I don't think that is a problem.
Are you going to use a compressor and spray gun?
Chris

No cracks, just faded. Just for clarification- I'm talking about the plastic black center console, not the dash itself (which is buckskin). So I'm assuming black is black here...

For the lacquer thinner- is this something I can use internally and externally on the plastic and on the chrome for the windshield trim?

The can itself just comes with a spray so that's all I was planning to use.

Excuse me if I sound ignorant- I'm new at this stuff and still trying to learn.. I just don't want to mess up my 77 in the process!

Thanks!

Internally/externally? I don't understand.
As far as the console, do you mean the shifter area? If you got the aerosol paint from them, that will work. If it is faded, like mine was, I wouldn't use the sandpaper. Just clean it up real well and after you clean it with the thinner, do not touch it!!! You will just put the oils from your fingerprints on it and the dye won't stick.

I replied to this before but it didn't seem to come through..

I'm considering the windshield trim exterior and am using the Black trim paint for that

The interior is the black plastic console which I wasn't planning on sand-papering.. just cleaning.

Is it difficult to remove the console or is it best to leave it in the car when painting?

I am just using the can- no special paint guns or anything..

As far as the exterior goes, I took mine and used #400 sandpaper to roughen up the extsting paint and then sprayed it. 2X light coats, you will like it. I don't know if your 77 is like my 82 but I would recommend taking it out. 2 screws undewr console emergency brake cover and 2 under where it atatches to the guage area. Not too hard, just take your time. If you need any more advice/help, just ask. Like I said I did the whole interior on my CE

James - Just a couple of suggestions for painting your shift plate console. I recommend that you paint during low humidity conditions unless you can paint inside in a temperature and humidity controller environment. Spraying paint during high humidity conditions can create a condition called "blushing" where the paint traps moisture as it dries and creates areas that are very flat in appearance. I would not recommend using lacquer thinner on acrylic plastic such as the shifter plate. The lacquer thinner can actually create "crazing" or "wrinkling" on the plastic surface.

The shifter plate console is exposed to much wear and I suggest that you purchase a reproduction console. Painted surfaces on plastic do not do well on high wear parts.

Good luck!

Lee McGlamery

Painting the shift console Why do you want to paint it?

|UPDATED|7/23/2002 10:53:33 PM|/UPDATED|

|QUOTE|DrivingUSA said: No cracks, just faded. Just for clarification- I'm talking about the plastic black center console, not the dash itself (which is buckskin). So I'm assuming black is black here...

For the lacquer thinner- is this something I can use internally and externally on the plastic and on the chrome for the windshield trim?

The can itself just comes with a spray so that's all I was planning to use.

Excuse me if I sound ignorant- I'm new at this stuff and still trying to learn.. I just don't want to mess up my 77 in the process!

Thanks! |/QUOTE|

James,

If you are considering a new cover for your console, there is a company in Florida that sells new console cover plates. it is R.C.J. Industries, 3905 Lost Tree court in Titusville Fl 32796.

I have no idea what the prices are, but I have a manual which has their address and telephone no. 407-267-2884

Ok I decided not to spray the console-

However- I am still re-spraying the chrome black that is around the window trim.. I used a lacquer thinner to get the initial black paint off but I am having trouble getting the paint to stick to the entire surface- on some parts- it literally just drips away as soon as it is sprayed... I am thinking of using a wax remover but am unsure if this is the problem?

Also- is there a website that offers new center consoles for 77s?