Nespo2330

to all the gurus on the site, are minor chips in the center console wood veneer easily repairable? They are bothering me and I want to fix them without buying a new console..

Pics below:



if so, can someone point me in the directions of the tools/resin needed, thanks

zmcgovern4

iTrader: (2)

It looks like the edge is painted a dark brown or black, rather than actual exposed wood grain? Is that right?

If so, just fill in the scratches with a filler (body filler or sandable epoxy would be fine), and then repaint the edge to match. It may not look perfect, but it would look better than chips.

On the other hand, you can find center consoles like that on eBay for <$150, so it would be an inexpensive replacement if you wanted it to look like new.

Nespo2330

It does appear to be part of the clear epoxy that is overlying the very edge of black trim. but I'd like to try to return it to as close to new condition as possible, as impossible of a feat as that may be.

The question then becomes what type of epoxy? and also, if I fill it in with the epoxy will it hold up to sanding given its location on the console?

zmcgovern4

iTrader: (2)

You will have to fill it with an epoxy like JB Weld, or just some body filler since they are pretty small, and sand/shape it to match the size and shape. Then prime it and paint the repaired areas with the dark brown or black color that is on the edge there. Then I would probably scuff the entire center piece and spray several new layers of clear over the entire thing. Then wetsand as needed. Then compound and polish. Very much like exterior body work. (You will have to remove the piece to do this)

LeX2K

The black edging is under the urethane coating is it not? I don't know if epoxy will wet sand and polish like the original finish.

zmcgovern4

iTrader: (2)

I'm either not explaining what I am trying to say properly, or you guys aren't reading what I am typing properly, so I will try again....

Before beginning, remove the panel from the car...

1) Fill the chips with epoxy (such as JB weld), body filler, or some substance that will allow you to fill and then shape the areas to match the shape of the panel.

2) paint the repaired area the same color as the dark brown or black edge

3) scuff the entire piece with a fine grit sand paper or prep pad

4) apply several coats of clear coat to the entire piece following the directions for application on the can. Make sure your final coat is heavy enough to produce a high gloss finish.

5) Once the clear has cured enough, wet sand, compound, and polish the finish as needed to produce your desired level of clarity and gloss.


Again - in my head this is very similar to repairing a chip or scratch on an exterior finish.

Hope that helps clear up my previous instructions.

-Zach

Nespo2330

Well I think I understand what you're saying, but I want to stay away from painting any part of the console. It appears to be black covered with relatively thick clear epoxy. I want to maintain the clear epoxy for its depth. I began the project to fix it so we will see how it pans out..

I used JB clear-weld. It's drying now and once cured is crystal clear/sandable or so it says. I'll update with further results

Nespo2330

zmcgovern4

iTrader: (2)

If it is clear, you're still going to see the chip beneath the new epoxy you have applied, therefore not fixing your issue.

LeX2K

That wood is not epoxy finished it is polyurethane.