What color should the plastic trim on this piece be? It appears the outer rectangle was silver/ grey at some point.... Worn off now. The inner housing for shifter and PRNDLS lens? Can't really tell if had the same silver accents or not. Also pros cons on the wood grain insert for this. Metal backing or plain material? Thanks

 

If you are talking about the plastic insert that the woodgrain applique fits into, the exposed parts were originally chrome plated plastic. This isn't real chrome, it's actually vacuum deposited aluminum. There are vendors who will replate plastic parts. It isn't cheap.

The original woodgrain applique was metal-backed. Repros are available.

 

I've read about folks painting the plastic with a silver Testors model paint pen.

 

If you do paint it, maybe an aluminum wheel paint to duplicate the look of original? I would also clear coat it so there's better resistance to wear and tear.

 

Testors.... I was trying to remember what I used on the other accents years ago that worked pretty well, I think that was it. I'll give it a try... Thanks
Mike

 

fwiw - I used Krylon on the center consol and gauge bezel and was happy with it. Mine looked similiar to yours and now it's much better. Not show quality but much cheaper for my driver.

 

Guys:
Try the hobby shops for the chrome paint designed for RC and Slot Car bodies, just use it in reverse of what it says, black base coat then the chrome finish. It looks much better than any of the Krylon or other spray bomb based paints. It is somewhat expensive, but compared to what many of us have already spent, the cost is nothing. You will be amazed at the finish it gives, it ranks up there w/ the vacum based chrome finish people use.
Thanks Ron

 

Ron, any pics you have of finished products to entice us onwards?

 

Brand name of paint? Please, please, please, oh please! other wise I am probably looking at a lot of polished billet aluminum.....

 

There is a way to paint like chrome (you can not see that it is not real chrome). I did not understand how this works, but it looks really great and is not more expensive then usual painting:


Unfortunately I don't know where to get this in the US. The german vendor is advertising with "Unique technique from the USA" - so somewhere it should be done over there.

Greetings

 

Cool video, they had one like that on Jay Leno's garage one time.
The company is German and has a website (listed in the video)

 

Guys:
Not sure of the brand, I don't have a set handy, but you can try Tom Thumb Hobbies @ 614 274 5150, ask for Mike. They have been around since the 60's and carry a couple of brands.
Thanks Ron