Jimmy2Times

Hi all, I just installed the center console out of a '93 Taurus into my '00 CVPI as shown on Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor P71. Overall I'm very happy with it... the fit is great and it practically looks factory. My problem is that the console I got was tan and I used some interior plastic/vinyl "spray paint" from Advance to color it flat black and the finish now looks like crap. I'm going to pull it out and re-color it... can anybody recommend a good quality product that works on plastic, vinyl, and carpet?

Lambykin

Please keep in mind this is my opinion only, but any of those after-market interior paints look horrible. There are lots of young guys where I live, and they enjoy altering the colour of their interior to be unique. But, as you have discovered, the results are not very good. Maybe to some it looks good, but you will probably be far better ahead to re-vinyl that console to match the colour of your interior. It'll cost some $$$, and if you're not comfortable doing it yourself, there are specialty shops that exist that are capable of doing what I mention...

If it's the plastic itself that you need to re-colour, I don't know how you're going to do it so it looks better...

Jimmy2Times

That's the problem... this console is a combination of plastic, carpet, and vinyl, so I need to find a way to make the color look good and consistent across all of the materials. I only paid $30 for the whole console, so I'm not going to go shelling out a lot of cash to re-cover it or anything.

Besides, with the rather non-glamorous industrial-looking interior of the CVPI (lots of dull hard plastic and rubber floor mat) I don't need to make this console show-quality. I really just want an even finish on it.

Lambykin

Well, here's a suggestion - find a shop that specializes in vinyls & such for cars local to you. It might not be a bad idea to talk to a couple of local car restoration places as well. Talk to someone about what you're attempting to do, and ask them if there are other materials you can try/use. They probably have access to better quality materials than what is available off the shelf. This approach won't cost a dime...

Jimmy2Times

Thanks for the idea, I might try that.

ryoder

You need to get a semi-gloss and paint it. Also , make sure that you clean the part with some degreaser and then lightly scuff the plastic. Put light coats on it ,allowing it to dry about 20 min between coats.It will take 5 or 6 coats to cover completely.Then it will look and work good.