restoring these random little bits and pieces...
#1
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Car: 91 Trans Am 'vert
Engine: LB9
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3.45 9 bolt
restoring these random little bits and pieces...
Hey guys, I was wondering what you do to fix up the little interior parts, like switches, radio faces, etc. Since over time these things either become covered in scratches, faded, or both.
For instance, what can I do about the fading plastic going around the power mirror controls? What about the faded white lettering on the window switches?
And anyway I can fix these scratches on my radio?
It's small stuff but it's all driving me crazy considering how even though it seems minor, it all adds up and makes the interior look kinda shabby and aged. Thanks for the help!
For instance, what can I do about the fading plastic going around the power mirror controls? What about the faded white lettering on the window switches?
And anyway I can fix these scratches on my radio?
It's small stuff but it's all driving me crazy considering how even though it seems minor, it all adds up and makes the interior look kinda shabby and aged. Thanks for the help!
#2
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Re: restoring these random little bits and pieces...
Well some stuff you can hide behind plastic polishes, products like Mothers Back to Black, etc. Other things benefit greatly from new paint. Things like the power window, mirror, switches and the turn signal stalk where the lettering wears off, the easiest fix is to break out the wallet at the dealership. It's a bit expensive and silly replacing switches that work just because the lettering is worn off, but then NOS parts make a big impact.
I'd polish the radio with Zaino or Mother's plastic polish. Pop the frame off the power mirror switch and paint it, and either carefully repaint the window switches, or spring for new ones.
I'd polish the radio with Zaino or Mother's plastic polish. Pop the frame off the power mirror switch and paint it, and either carefully repaint the window switches, or spring for new ones.
#3
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Car: 1991 Z28 vert, 1988 GTA
Engine: 305 TPI, 305 Carb-finally runs!
Transmission: TH-700R4/BW WC T-5
Axle/Gears: 3.73 posi 4th gen 10-bolt/BW 9 bolt
Re: restoring these random little bits and pieces...
Some radio restoration places either have replacement radio faces or can restore yours to new by cleaning it up and installing a new lens. Plus, they may be able to upgrade the CD player to current specs and install a hidden aux input jack in the back so you can hook up your MP3 player. As far as switches...carefully disassemble them and you can repaint the frame and if you get a really really fine paintbrush for model kits, at a hobby store, and use a very steady hand, you can repaint the letters.
For the turn signal stalk, places like Autozone offer replacements that are exact matches of the original part. They can be pricey though, and it's usually the cruise control portion that makes it expensive. Another option is to scour junkyards for a good one, they used that stalk with white lettering in millions of GM cars from the 80s through the 90s, just make sure it has the same connector on it and fits your column. That's what I did to replace the turn signal stalk in my 91 Z28, since it is VERY hard to find new ones w/ yellow print, I got lucky and scored a mint one from a local yard for less than $5 bucks.
For the grid pattern Pontiac used on some interior pieces like radio trim and shifter plates, you are out of luck. You'd either need to find NOS ones or clean used ones.
For the turn signal stalk, places like Autozone offer replacements that are exact matches of the original part. They can be pricey though, and it's usually the cruise control portion that makes it expensive. Another option is to scour junkyards for a good one, they used that stalk with white lettering in millions of GM cars from the 80s through the 90s, just make sure it has the same connector on it and fits your column. That's what I did to replace the turn signal stalk in my 91 Z28, since it is VERY hard to find new ones w/ yellow print, I got lucky and scored a mint one from a local yard for less than $5 bucks.
For the grid pattern Pontiac used on some interior pieces like radio trim and shifter plates, you are out of luck. You'd either need to find NOS ones or clean used ones.
#5
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Car: 1990 Firebird Formula
Engine: LB9 - 5.0 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 2.73, LSD
Re: restoring these random little bits and pieces...
What about the firebird rectangles on the door panels near the door handles with the screw behind it? I managed to scrape mine up pretty bad : (
#7
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Re: restoring these random little bits and pieces...
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Car: 1991 Camaro Z28
Engine: 350 TPI
Transmission: T56 6-Speed
Re: restoring these random little bits and pieces...
You might be able to find them cheaper but Hawks has them as well:
http://www.hawksthirdgenparts.com/switches_1.aspx
http://www.hawksthirdgenparts.com/switches_1.aspx
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