centre console experiment

[gf]

Thoght i might tell yous of my attempt to bring life and original colour back into my discoloured centre console which had turned a ugly blue-green colour from the original blue. I tested on a small inconspicous spot cutting back the plastic by using white kitchen cleaner ( jiff in australia) and a steel wool pad. I used the spiky end grain of the steel wool and lightly in a very small circular motion cut back the colour. It was very messy with lots of pale green residue having to be frequently mopped before it got to the carpet. once it was wiped clean and dried to my suprise the original blue was underneath! so i used some good quality masking tape and carfully masked all switches, carpet surrounds, and chrome and wood and continued to the whole console. I wiped it dry and clean and repeated as needed. In one small area I got impatient and rubbed hard and in the one direction thus actually grinding down the texture of the plastic. This method i found worked well with out the need of removing the centre console or use of paint but be warned if you run the steel wool too hard and especially in one direction you remove the texture. frequently check the condition of the masking tape to make sure its not getting cut through  and replace if needed or you risk scratched chrome and wood. Its a very slow messy job that takes a few hours but my centre console looks a whole lot better! Wish i took some before and after pictures!

[koan]

Sounds like you've got the console back to a decent looking state.

Don't know much about this sort of work but I suspect the new surface will be "hungry" to absorb anything it contacts like sweaty oily/sticky fingers.

To keep it looking good it will probably need some sort of protection like polish or a coat of something, no idea what, maybe someone can suggest a suitable product.

koan

[Luke1]

Aerospace 303 Protectant, can be purchased online through Amazon or purchased at a boating marine store.  I can't seem to find it anywhere else.  It has excellent UV protection and a little goes a long way, no silicone involved.  I use it on all of my vehicles interior components and tires as well.  Also, if you really want to add back the luster and sheen, try good old fashion mink oil, works wonders on leather and vinyl.  I would massage the mink oil in first, later I would add the 303 for UV protectant.  The mink oil is very cheap, and can be purchased at any shoe repair shop, or you local Wal-Mart or K-Mart stores, not sure if these stores are available in the UK.

Luke

'77 280SE
'97 S420

North Carolina

[gf]

cool ill search for some of this stuff and put it on for good measure thanks!

[KenM]

gf you can buy 303 spray in Oz at various auto parts retailers, I think I bought it at Auto Barn, in Qld anyway. Do a few searches and you will find their local distributors for you.

[carl888]

Great, I spend 100 hours removing my interior to get to the centre console and now I have to read this!

[gf]

hey carl! with the awsome interior of your car your approach was worth it! Its really hard to get round to the stereo area and where the seats are. If youre hardcore probably go the respray. The cutting back method definately improved the looks of things but its not pure concourse.