1967 Cougar Base Console Restoration

jrbcougar · Mar 20, 2011

Hey guys and gals, I am wanting some advise on how to restore a console out of 1967 Cougar base model. I am wanting to restore and paint black to install in my 1968 Cougar. First and foremost, I need to repair the cracked section, see the attached pictures. Other than this, the rest of the console is in great condition. It just needs a good cleaning. Any great advise on how to repair crack in plastic, what to use and how to clean plastic, vinyl and chrome and what and how to use interior paint. Thanks in advance.
James

DeMaxx1 · Mar 20, 2011

I'd try using fiberglass on the back side if the crack. Fortunately where yours is cracked will be hidden well by the seats. If you get it lined up well. and paint it with SEMS vinyl paint. it should be barely noticeable.

Good Luck
Dwight

Jan Ove · Mar 20, 2011

I would use a two part special glue for plastic, 3M has a great one that i use at my work, i´ll get back to you with the # on the glue, it comes with a mixing nozzle, but i normally don´t use that, i just take of the cap, lay out two beads of the components, and mix them manually, then put it on the edges, and spread it out on the backside, you can also use some fiberglass strips to add strength if you like.
I´ve used this method and product a great deal, but the parts needs to be sanded and cleaned thoroughly to work as intended

jrbcougar · Mar 21, 2011

DeMaxx1 and Jan,
Thanks for the advise. I like the idea about the fiberglass. Jan, do let me know what the p/n is on the 3M. Has anyone had any success with plastic welding? Any ideas on some good products to use on cleaning the plastic, vinyl and chrome?
Thanks,
James

doctordesoto · Mar 21, 2011

simple green and a brush for the vinyl and plastic---0000 steel wool and wenol for the chrome/stainless
doctordesoto

AZCAT · Mar 21, 2011

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oNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w

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ontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--> I have had good luck with Loctite plastic bonder epoxy from Lowe's. Smells terrible, but work great! I used it in conjunction with drywall mesh tape when repairing my console.

http://www.loctiteproducts.com/p/epxy_plstc_s/overview/Loctite-Epoxy-Plastic-Bonder.htm

67rynorod · Mar 21, 2011

+1 on the SEM Vinyl Paint. Use in conjunction with their vinyl prep (cleaner) and I have had as close as you can get to flawless with black. The stuff Joe mentioned looks like it would work as well. You could always take some plaster and use it to get the original grain pattern of the console, then apply the Loctite, and use the plaster to "impress" the original pattern to it once it got close to drying on any of it that would be visible. After you painted it with the SEM I doubt you could even tell a repair was made.

G Dub · Mar 22, 2011

I was asking a similar question about '67 console crack repair a year ago. Bill Basore and Hawkrod recommended that I use ABS glue. I used the ABS / PVC oatley brand glue that you use to glue PVC plumbing together. I had a junk console and did some tests on it, and I can verify the ABS glue works. I glued end to end joints with no backing, and tested the joints by breaking the console again. The glue held and it broke in other locations.
I recommend applying the glue sparingly in the crack and clamp it in place until the glue is set. Then use a razor blade to cut off any glue on the outside before it gets too hard.
I also used the pvc cleaner for a quick wipe down of the console.
Thanks Bill and Hawkrod for the tip. I'll post pics of my "glued together" console one day when I have time to finish it up.

jrbcougar · Mar 22, 2011

Hey Guys,
Thanks for all the great ideas. A co-worker had mentioned trying drywall mesh. I was thinking about using the fiberglass or drywall mesh on the underside of the complete console to strengthen it. Do you think this would be overkill?
James

jrbcougar · Mar 22, 2011

Doctordesoto,
Where do you find Wenol?
James

jrbcougar · Apr 11, 2011

I finally got around to cleaning everything up with simple green. The plastic and vinyl cleaned up really well. I also repaired the crack with PVC/ABS glue and it turned out really good too. I reinforced it with drywall tape and PVC/ABS glue on the back side of the crack as well. I am going to have to add a section of plastic to part of the tab that holds the ashtray in place too as you can see from one of the pictures. It turns out that the chrome pieces didn't fair as well. I used Semichrome because it was available locally, however the chrome pieces have some minor pitting, even along the edges where it will show. I sent some pictures to a local plater and he thinks the pieces are pot metal, which he doesn't do. I am going to a least purchase the rear light from WCCC, however not sure what to do about the other chrome pieces. Anybody have some suggestions? I was also wondering if anyone knows if I can redo the flocking inside the compartment? And again, thanks to everyone that offered their great suggestions.
James

jrbcougar · Apr 13, 2011

I am thinking about ordering the Reproduction Five Piece Center Console Brushed Finish Overlay Kit from WCCC. I really like the look of the console with this package. Has anyone used this kit? Any pros or cons?

mathmagician · Apr 13, 2011

I'm not exactly sure what the flocking looks like in a cougar console since I don't have one but flocking is usually pretty easy, use a spray adhesive and a old flour sifter(thriftstores should have em lying around). if you have plastic pieces missing that don't have alot of tension on them the por15 epoxy putty works great.

doctordesoto · Apr 14, 2011

when you reattach the main bodt to the floor , do not use c,sunk (oval head ) screws as orog---when you tighten down with oval head there is too much side pressure and the base will crack---i used plane old pan head screws and painterd them semi-gloss black prior to installation
doctordesoto

67catman · Apr 14, 2011

doctordesoto said:
when you reattach the main bodt to the floor , do not use c,sunk (oval head ) screws as orog---when you tighten down with oval head there is too much side pressure and the base will crack---i used plane old pan head screws and painterd them semi-gloss black prior to installation
doctordesoto

What length screws did you use? I'm re-installing the console in my '67 and think the screw I got from MU are a little on the long side.

DeMaxx1 · Apr 16, 2011

I have a very nice, 68 XR7 console for sale. no cracks perfect pads. I have already cleans and redyed with SEMS plastic paint. I have also replaced the console lens in the rear. and put a new shifter slider in it. It is for an automatic., has the clock with it. the lens is cracked on the clock. I want 350.00 dollars for it plus actual shipping. if your interested. that is. pretty much ready to go plug and play.

Dwight

jrbcougar · Apr 18, 2011

Dwight,
Thanks for the offer. It is pretty tempting, however I think I will try to finish my console since I am so far into it. If I change my mind and you still have it, I'll let you know. BTW, why are you selling it? It looks great and it looks like you put a lot of work in it.
James

jrbcougar · Apr 18, 2011

I am in the process of repairing the tab that holds the rear ash tray in place. I did find a section of the tab in the car that I took the console out of, however it appears that it is not all of it. Can anyone tell me how wide the tab should be?

67catman · Apr 18, 2011

jrbcougar said:
I am in the process of repairing the tab that holds the rear ash tray in place. I did find a section of the tab in the car that I took the console out of, however it appears that it is not all of it. Can anyone tell me how wide the tab should be?

I come up with 1-5/8".

jrbcougar · Apr 19, 2011

Thanks Dan!

1967 Cougar Base Console Restoration

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