Re-finished console

[jay1028]

The old console has been taking a slight beating over the past 20 years. There were scrapes and scratches and some places, down to the base material. I have been reading about Plasti-Dip and it seemed like it was worth a try since it couldn't be any worse than it already was. Found it at my local Ace Hardware. Removed the two pieces of the console and masked off the compartments that I didn't want to get sprayed. I used wet/dry 600 grit to smooth out the gouges and rough up some bad spots. Then cleaned with alcohol.

After three coats, 30 minutes apart, it looks like new. Just wanted to pass this on for others with that rubberized paint in bad condition.

 

[delexploder]

Very nice

 

[koda2000]

Looks great, as does the rest of the interior that can be seen in your photos. Hard to believe that's a 20 year old interior. You obviously take great care of your truck. I try to do the same with my '01 Eddie Bauer 5.0L. Now you've got me thinking I should restore my console pieces to get rid of the wear and tear on the black rubbery coating, as otherwise my tan leather interior is like new.

 

[jay1028]

Thanks Guys, it was so easy. The two pieces of the console just pop out. Even in this old truck, nothing broke. This has always been my favorite until last week when we took delivery of the Escape. That 2.0L pins you back in the seat like the explorer. No, this is still my favorite.

 

[Tedybear]

Nicely done! I'm always amazed at the wonders of that product.

S-

 

[jimmyznutz]

Looks very good. I did the same initially with my console pieces and the stereo surround....but..over the course of about 6 months the plastidip started to peel and give way. It works good for a temporary solution. What I finally did that is much more durable is re clean, strip and prep the pieces again them painted them with 4 coats of flat black and 3 coats of matte clearcoat. Looks better than it did from the factory and I have no doubt this finish will last.

 

[jay1028]

That looks good too. If mine fails in time, I will go that route. How did you strip off the rubber?

 

[jimmyznutz]

That looks good too. If mine fails in time, I will go that route. How did you strip off the rubber?

An unconventional route for sure... Brake fluid.

Lightly coated with a fluid soaked rag. Let it stand for about 20 minutes and it literally just wiped off.

 

[Flash]

Looks very good. I did the same initially with my console pieces and the stereo surround....but..over the course of about 6 months the plastidip started to peel and give way. It works good for a temporary solution. What I finally did that is much more durable is re clean, strip and prep the pieces again them painted them with 4 coats of flat black and 3 coats of matte clearcoat. Looks better than it did from the factory and I have no doubt this finish will last.

Good one Jimmy.

How long has it been now?

I have a BMW with deep cracks in the dash that I have to do something about, I had thought of Plasti Dip but was concerned about the durability.
Another thought I had was using casting polyurethane in Shore A hardness 20 or 30. Solid RTV is about 20.
Then I have to figure out what to do about the surface texture.

You can get dash caps but only in left hand drive and most people say the finish isn't very good anyway.

 

[jimmyznutz]

Good one Jimmy.

How long has it been now?

I have a BMW with deep cracks in the dash that I have to do something about, I had thought of Plasti Dip but was concerned about the durability.
Another thought I had was using casting polyurethane in Shore A hardness 20 or 30. Solid RTV is about 20.
Then I have to figure out what to do about the surface texture.

You can get dash caps but only in left hand drive and most people say the finish isn't very good anyway.

Those pieces were done almost two years ago and still look new.

 

[Flash]

Those pieces were done almost two years ago and still look new.

Sounds like a plan then.

What sort of paint did you use?

 

[jimmyznutz]

Sounds like a plan then.

What sort of paint did you use?

Rustoleum. Flat black for base and matte clearcoat for finish.

 

[Flash]

Rustoleum. Flat black for base and matte clearcoat for finish.

Rust oleum makes al lot of different paints for different purposes, which is this?
Spray can?

 

[jimmyznutz]

Rust oleum makes al lot of different paints for different purposes, which is this?
Spray can?

Flat black:
(dead link)

 

[Flash]

Flat black:

Thanks.
I don't think I've seen them around here.

 

[jimmyznutz]

Thanks.
I don't think I've seen them around here.

In your case ( due to being in kangaroo land ) it might be worth a shot to try and use a sealer over the plastidip. This product looks promising.

 

[manimal]

Great info. My "coin tray" rubberized paint recently started peeling off. I can see what's in store for it now.

Also we have had this truck in the family for almost 13 years and I just this year realized that the slot behind the cup holders is supposed to hold a pack of Kleenex. I've never seen anyone actually use it for that purpose.

 

[Flash]

In your case ( due to being in kangaroo land ) it might be worth a shot to try and use a sealer over the plastidip. This product looks promising

That stuff looks good.
I'll try looking for polyurethane black even if I have to get glossy and scuff it a bit.

 

[jimmyznutz]

We have had this truck in the family for almost 13 years and I just this year realized that the slot behind the cup holders is supposed to hold a pack of Kleenex. I've never seen anyone actually use it for that purpose.

I use it to hold my mini mag light and have my bass control knob mounted at the top of the hole.

 

[koda2000]

I use it to hold my mini mag light and have my bass control knob mounted at the top of the hole.

Yeah, I've never put tissues in it, but I find that a stack of fast food napkins (like Burger King or Wendy's) fit in there perfectly. They come in handy. If you don't realize it, the holder pulls out with the change dispenser.