plastic emblem/centerpiece restoration tips
Finally got warm enough today to work on a steering wheel centerpiece i'm restoring so decided to take some pic's of my process & hope it can help someone out. These pieces always seem to have cracks and a lot of them you just can't find in good condition or they are not reproduced.
Oldschoolcuda
Start by lightly scuffing with modeling bench grinder or dremel to get deep cracks out. You have plenty of plastic to work with just take close to same amount off of the entire piece.
Next start with 120 grit sand paper,move to 320, then 400 and finally wet sand with 800+ grit.
Finish with a good plastic cleaner & polish like 3m
If item has a retaining clip most pot metal pieces are shot once emblem is taken off so drill out mounting area's with 3/32" bit. Use 1/4" screws & re-attach mounting plate.
This will not be factory correct & you will lose some curvature of factory piece but it sure beats a bunch of cracks on your plastic piece.
Finally got warm enough today to work on a steering wheel centerpiece i'm restoring so decided to take some pic's of my process & hope it can help someone out. These pieces always seem to have cracks and a lot of them you just can't find in good condition or they are not reproduced.
Oldschoolcuda
Start by lightly scuffing with modeling bench grinder or dremel to get deep cracks out. You have plenty of plastic to work with just take close to same amount off of the entire piece.
Next start with 120 grit sand paper,move to 320, then 400 and finally wet sand with 800+ grit.
Finish with a good plastic cleaner & polish like 3m
If item has a retaining clip most pot metal pieces are shot once emblem is taken off so drill out mounting area's with 3/32" bit. Use 1/4" screws & re-attach mounting plate.
This will not be factory correct & you will lose some curvature of factory piece but it sure beats a bunch of cracks on your plastic piece.