While I'm waiting to get one of the new panels T3skidoo is having fabbed up,I thought I'd try to restore my dual power seat control panel.
Having said that,here's where I am now with the little project.....I removed the aluminum plate from the panel. Mine was pretty scuffed up,as most are after all these years. I sanded it smooth (the black comes off easier than the letters and markings.....crazy). Anyway,got the panel smooth and tended to a few tiny little dents in it (thin aluminum tends to be delicate I found out). I covered the panel with some filler,sanded it smooth again.
After that,I applied a couple of light coats of primer/sealer,and let it dry thoroughly. Once that was dry,I tried a couple of different paints,and found Krylon gloss black fit the bill just right. I needed a mostly gloss finish to apply the decals I had made. He was able to run off the letters and arrows,but not the little white lines that are on the seat markings (He wasn't able to make the one piece panel coverings like I had hoped.).
I just applied all of the necessary markings,but with no white lines yet (I've got a plan for that in the morning).Once the panel is done to my satisfaction,I'll give it a coat of satin clear to seal it all. As of right now,I'm pretty happy.
Give me a few minutes for a pic or two.
I am interested in seeing how this turned out.
If I am not mistaken some of the newer cars replaced the aluminum overlay with thin sheet plastic. I know for sure this is the case with the consolette cars. Because of this I brainstormed a possible solution that I was going to use when I was planning to use my factory switch panel. It would not have markings though, but I was going to get a thin black plastic report binder from Office Max and cut it to fit in the switch panel using the original removed plate as a template and secure it with contact adhesive. I was going to open up just the switch openings I needed with an xacto knife.
Batteries charging.Just a few more minutes............
O.K.,this is it so far.The more I look at it,the more i like it without the little white lines.You can see the little decals,and the very edges....barely (up close and personal),but once the clear is applied,it'll blend it all together just fine.
(http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc205/Vinnietbird/DSCF8274.jpg)
It looks great and you really don't need the white lines...
I'll let it set up over night,spray the satin clear on tomorrow,then tend to the actual panel it adheres to.Pics as progress happens.It should be done fairly early tomorrow.
Well,here's the end result...a lot better than where it started,that's for sure.I think it looks better without the little white stripes,but either way would work.I'm waiting on the panel from t3skidoo,but until then,this will work.......now I have to install the dual power seat panel,and power passenger seat equipment.
(http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc205/Vinnietbird/DSCF8275.jpg)
That really looks good man :D
Thanks a lot.I think I'm going to do the two extra single power seat panels I have as well.Someone may need them.I can restore them a little quicker now that I have a clue what I'm doing.LOL. I also need to take a clearer pic.
Nice!
Might have to send you my blank one (that you first sent me, lol) and have you make me a nice one. Not that my interior is in ANY fit shape for such a nice part like that yet.....................
I may fab up some totally blank panels as well if the need is out there.It wouldn't be too hard,and I think I have what I need for it.I'm not cutting any holes.LOL.
That's nice work Vin. :bowdown:
Thanks.I took a little love,but I got it done.LOL.
Any chance you want to make another one like you just made? If so how much $ would you need
I think I could do it for about $30.00,which,would be the black panel,and the aluminum insert.If you send only the aluminum insert panel,then $25.00 which would include the return shipping.Probably a 2 to 4 day turn around depending on what's going on around here.
Would you be willing to sell the decals/stickers you used?
Shiny Side Up!
Bill
Sure.I'll get a price tomorrow.I'll also go ahead and have them printed up.
What color did you paint the plastic of the panel (ie not where the decals go)? I'm trying to reproduce the factory gray on the little door for the ash tray. Mine has a few chips and I'd like to repaint it.
I painted the whole panel and the door as one assembly.Mine was closer to black.I sanded the ashtray,used rubbing alcohol to clean the plastic REALLY good,and shot it with Duplicolor flat black wheel paint.It didn't end up "flat black",more of a mild satin finish,and it's very resistant to chipping,chemicals,and anything else.It looks great,and that's what I'll be using to restore the two panels in the garage.I also used a quality primer/sealer on everything.Prep is the important part...and proper decal placement...and the paint/clear application....and the whole process.LOL.I'm really pleased.Rarely do I impress myself,but this was one of those times.
Nice job Vin...I kinda like it without the stripes too
Jerry,that would go with our "Long Distance Free Trade Agreement" if you need it done.
Cool.... let me know and I'll send ya the money!
Shiny Side Up!
Bill
I'll let you know. That would be the last thing that I would need to worry about. I may need some other stuff for under my car though.
I'm still trying to get to the yard.It rained yesterday on my day off,and today and the rest of the week.....Hellaciously hot !!!
thats darn good work man!
I like it
That looks awesome... I'll take a single seat one if you make them mine looks like trash the letters all came off and I just painted it black but paint is all bubbled up now due to the heat,
I'll be starting a single seat version in a day or so.I'll send you a pic and let you decide if it's good enough for you.I think You'll like it.
Oh im sure I will I will send you a picture of mine and let you see how much better just about anything would be.. :D
I just took a "before" pic.I'll take an "after" pic when it's done and post them together.
hell i could use one for the single seat. but im going to wait to do it when i do the 351 build.
That looks killer! Mine isnt in that bad of shape but I like it w/o those stripes too. Where did you say you got the lettering Vinnie?
I had a guy make them for me.He does all my vinyl lettering for a lot of different projects I do.
Have you come up with a price for the lettering decals yet?
Shiny Side Up!
Bill
I* should know on Wednesday.I haven't had a chance to get over there.He's making them for me as we speak (or already made them).
You are a gentleman and a scholar... but don't worry, I won't let it get out! :)
Shiny Side Up!
Bill
I appreciate that. I don't want people to start thinking I'm a nice guy.
Ahem. ;):rollin::bowdown:
Since it was just a control panel that had nowhere to go at the moment,I haven't applied anymore time to it.I've been focusing on the Sport's A/C needs. I'm off the next two days,so,I may finish it up.
this is for you
Good for me.