68 Chrome Console Top Resto Tips needed

[tallhair]

Is anyone making the applicaes (sp?) for the 68 chrome ribbed style console lids and shifter plate, and rear piece?

I know 68 B bodies used this style, or at least some did. Don’t know what other year’s they were used. I had a 67 Sport Fury and it’s top was smooth metal finish.

Anyway I have a full set with auto top plate, not in fantastic shape. Will be on the lookout for a 4 speed top plate. If you have one PM me.

Has anyone restored one like this that can share info on what can be done to make the ribbed surface nicer, and at least somewhat original? And some before and after pics if possible.

I couldn’t find a previous thread but if there is on please share. I saw @themechanic ‘s excellent thread on the wood grain style.

https://www.forbbodiesonly.com/moparforum/threads/console-restoration.125944/

I just haven’t seen anything on the ribbed style.

 

[1 Wild R/T]

When I was looking I called to a number of chrome shops, (All gone now) they all said basically the same thing, if your pieces survive stripping the original chrome off restoring the base pot metal would take a lot of time & since time is money....

I bought the reproduction plate pretty soon after they were released... At that time they were around $500 for the full set... Now the full set is close to $700...

https://pgclassic.com/131-6-mopar-1966-68-b-body-diecast-4-speed-chrome-console-top-plate/

https://pgclassic.com/console-plates/

https://pgclassic.com/131-6t-mopar-1966-68-b-body-diecast-console-top-trim/

 

[tallhair]

Yeah that’s what I see also.

Was wondering if maybe someone had tried a home remedy like sanding the ribs down and using silver paint with decent results.

Don’t have the cash for new at present.

@themechanic thread, linked above, shows excellent detail on everything thing to do but different top trim.

Has anyone had any luck with painting or anything else to make them look better while retaining the ribbing?

 

[AR67GTX]

There's not much you can do with them. You can run them over a buffer a little to shine them up a little and repaint the outside recess with aluminum but buying better used ones or reproduction ones is about the only real option for a significant improvement.

 

[tallhair]

Maybe ceracoat(sp?) ?

Or vinyl?

 

[Pistol Pete]

You could always level it with filler and put a woodgrain overlay on it. Yes, people will be telling you it's a '69 console, but it'll look good enough until you save up the clams for a repop.