Console bezel restoration (Page 1/2)
Corsair231 DEC 02, 02:37 AM
Anybody making overlays/appliques for the bezels. Particularly for the 88-shifter surround, dot matrix pattern? If not, any techniques to recreate the patterns?

Thanks

[This message has been edited by Corsair231 (edited 12-02-2022).]

Raydar DEC 02, 11:14 AM
There used to be vendors for those, but I'm not sure if they're still around. Some people have used vinyl "contact paper" with good success.
I've never seen anything that looks exactly like the 88 pattern, but there is some carbon fiber stuff that looks... similar.
Corsair231 DEC 02, 12:14 PM
I had thought about contact paper but finding the right shade/pattern will be a nightmare. No matter what, it would still look just a little off and would probably be very easily damaged. Carbon fiber is an option, but knowing me, I will probably want to wrap all of the other bezels to make them all match. I am planning an auto to manual swap. My auto surround is in very nice shape. I wonder if there is any way to convert mine to work with the manual shifter. I know the ash trays and switch panels are the same size. It would be nice if I could just pop the center out and put a shifter boot on it.
IMSA GT DEC 02, 09:06 PM
You can try to message this person on Facebook and see if he ever completed his project:

[This message has been edited by IMSA GT (edited 12-02-2022).]

cam-a-lot DEC 03, 08:05 AM
I was thinking about this too. Is the "Dot Matrix" pattern just a sticker applied to a molded plastic part? If so, it should be pretty easy to print and cut

I have customers with large format printers and CNC knife cutting machines that can print and cut such a pattern. Can anyone confirm if this is just a sticker? It would be pretty easy to match the color and pattern. Hopefully there is a CAD file somewhere of all the pieces showing the dimensions of the cutouts, profiles, etc. that would make the job even easier
Raydar DEC 03, 05:00 PM
I've always thought it was molded into the pieces. And I own 88s.
Does not look like a separate "sheet".
Raydar DEC 03, 05:05 PM

quote
Originally posted by Corsair231:
... I am planning an auto to manual swap. My auto surround is in very nice shape. I wonder if there is any way to convert mine to work with the manual shifter.



I had thought about doing the same. The automatic shift gate/display is longer/larger than the manual boot, if I remember correctly.
You'll likely need a custom boot, and also the plate that goes inside it to hold it down.
cam-a-lot DEC 03, 06:58 PM

quote
Originally posted by Raydar:

I've always thought it was molded into the pieces. And I own 88s.
Does not look like a separate "sheet".



perhaps- but even then, a good quality sticker should witht the same color/pattern would look just like the real thing

the challenge is - how do you align the sticker during install to make sure not to be crooked when placing over opening? Not sure...
IMSA GT DEC 03, 07:29 PM

quote
Originally posted by cam-a-lot:

the challenge is - how do you align the sticker during install to make sure not to be crooked when placing over opening? Not sure...



The decal would be applied wet. In other words a slightly soapy water would be sprayed on the surface of the bezel to allow the decal to slide around on the bezel. Once lined up, you use a squeegee to remove the water from under the decal. Then set the piece in a warm room so all the water will evaporate and the adhesive will stick.
cam-a-lot DEC 03, 10:21 PM
Does anyone happen to have CAD drawings of the various face plates? If I can get my hands on this, I can get some sample decals printed to match dot matrix color and pattern. Could also do wood inlay look, etc.