Topic: Console Panel Plating -

[jwc66k]

Has anybody had the long panel on a 64-66 console replated - successfully? And the short shifter panel as well? The short one is a bit trickey due to the retainer plate, which brings another question - how do you repair the retainer plate?
Off to dinner at 'Yan Can Cook', Martin Yan's restaurant.
Jim

[CharlesTurner]

I've only seen a couple attempts and honestly, lots of detail was erased, edges smooth, etc...  The current reproductions are actually pretty nice.

[jwc66k]

I was trying to keep original Ford parts on the car so the repro's were not considered. I have a set of original wood trim inserts so the detail of the blacked out sections were not going to be a problem. If it's the edges, me and the plater get along so I can point out areas that have not been done well by others and see if he can do it 'right'.
Now, about the shift panels - ?
Jim
Oh, dinner was great. If you are in the Santa Clara area, try 'Yan Can Cook'.

[CharlesTurner]

Let us know how the re-chrome job comes out.  I'll be very surprised if it can be done right.  As you may know, the lower part of the finned center is usually a little less shiny than the raised ribs.

On the shift plate, I've used epoxy to repair the retainer piece.

[jwc66k]

The ribbed section will be covered by the wood trim so that won't be a problem. I intend on using paint remover as a preparation aid and then get a quote from the plater.
I've tried epoxy on the retaining plate without much success even after roughing up both surfaces. The best results I've got is with double stickey tape.
Jim

[CharlesTurner]

The ribbed section will be covered by the wood trim so that won't be a problem. I intend on using paint remover as a preparation aid and then get a quote from the plater.
I've tried epoxy on the retaining plate without much success even after roughing up both surfaces. The best results I've got is with double stickey tape.
Jim

The wood grain goes over the pebble section of the plate.  My comment was regarding the middle section with raised ribs.

[jwc66k]

You are correct as to where the wood grain panels go. A sharp whack in the back of the head brings me the answer to the question - 'what to ask the plater about', eg, what are the areas of concern, and now - 'can he (the plater) mask off the critical areas'.
The disgusting thing is that I have a used long panel with the wood grain along with a complete set of new metal backed panels sitting on my bar for the last week to remind me to: ask questions about plating; figure out what I want to do; determine a storage location that won't bend the new stuff; put it all away.
Jim

[FXguy]

I just had my 4 speed shifter insert plated.  Chrome is beautiful, but on close inspection the sharp edges of the larger chrome strips are not as sharp.  Once the plate was reinstalled in the larger piece, this slight loss of sharpness was a not a factor even though the larger plate, retained its original chrome (I lightly polished the chrome on the larger piece with a moto tool w/ buffer wheel and metal polish). 

The dull section between the ribs was redone with "bumper chrome" paint. (Mask off everything but the ribbed area and paint right over the ribs as well.  Paint application is best on a warm day, holding the can about 12 inches away, spray 3 to 5 light dusting coats gives an appearance that is very close to the original. Before the paint cures use a very thin piece of fabric applied stretch tightly over a small sanding block, apply a little lacquer thinner to the fabric and lightly wipe along the surface of the ribs. ) The ribs end up nice and shiny and the channels remain with the paint.

The thing isn't perfect, but it does look like a reasonably well preserved original piece.


The real problem with plating these things are the pits, and the more there are, the more likely that they will get bigger when the piece is prepped for plating.  It's very difficult to fill in the pits with chrome/substrate without filling in the grain and losing the sharpness.  I did mine because it was in pretty good shape to begin with and I wanted that C4ZB on the back...which of course you can't see - but I know its there   

[jwc66k]

I just had my 4 speed shifter insert plated. 

The thing isn't perfect, but it does look like a reasonably well preserved original piece.

The real problem with plating these things are the pits, and the more there are, the more likely that they will get bigger when the piece is prepped for plating. 

You addressed my concerns and the plater I use is capable (for a price naturally) of doing quality work you want providing you point out what you want done. I've seen him do 30's and 40's era parts (hood ornaments) and was amazed at the procedure. That being said, I've sent back parts (65-66 grill ponies for example) that were not 100pct and they were re-chromed. What you and others have indicated as problem areas is exactly what I needed to know. The edges were my initial concern as they take the brunt of abuse over time. They can be filled but I'll select a good candidate that with minimal damage (I have 9 floating around). The 'ribbed' section seems to be the area that needs to be evaluated by me and the plater.
I've used similar procedures on touching up the ribbed section first using Sanford Silver Coat touch up pens (we used them to touch up chassis prior to shipment, and you can't get them anymore) and more recently, air-brushed on aluminum model paint.
When you had the transmission plate done, what did you do about the retaining plate?
Jim

[FXguy]

When you had the transmission plate done, what did you do about the retaining plate?

I assume that you are talking about the clip that is "riveted" to the back of the transmission shifter plate - when I removed it the first time I very careful not to pop those spread rivets off. The plater did the job with the clip still on the piece.

[C5ZZKGT]

I've only seen a couple attempts and honestly, lots of detail was erased, edges smooth, etc...  The current reproductions are actually pretty nice.

Charles, What brand of repro are you speaking of here? is there more than one on the market at current?

[CharlesTurner]

Not sure.  I would have bought one from NPD or Va Mustang.  I remember buying one like 10 years or longer ago and the chrome had a gold tint to it and looked horrible.

[C5ZZKGT]

I'm thinking Scott Drake then......I know that Brant at VA and Rick at NPD carry some nice repros.

[sparky65]

I've only seen a couple attempts and honestly, lots of detail was erased, edges smooth, etc...  The current reproductions are actually pretty nice.

Is this true for the 67 console as well?  I was looking to get mine plated because of some pitting but now I dont know.

[CharlesTurner]

Is this true for the 67 console as well?  I was looking to get mine plated because of some pitting but now I dont know.

The '67 console plates are pretty simple in design and would do well to be re-plated.  The trick is getting the satin finish on the main portion.