Hi all,
Does anyone have experience with the shift pattern plate that attaches to top of center console? Does it have an applied finish or can the scratches be buffed out? Is it a single material, maybe brass? How would you restore or refinish? I'd like to soften some of the patina.
Thanks
Cory
Quote from: 6s1640 on December 24, 2025, 05:48:30 PMHi all,
Does anyone have experience with the shift pattern plate that attaches to top of center console? Does it have an applied finish or can the scratches be buffed out? Is it a single material, maybe brass? How would you restore or refinish? I'd like to soften some of the patina.
Thanks
Cory
I am sure it can be restored however what it will take to do so makes it impractical to do so . A NOS one would be less expensive most likely. Also Branda sells a very nice repro when you compare the two for under 10.00!
Hi Bob,
Thanks for input. I like the challenge. I did see the Branda plate, Anthony even sent me a reduced price offer. I might buy Branda's just to do a comparison between an original and repop.
Anybody else tried to sand with progressive less and less sandpaper grit? If there is a finish on the plate, sanding will just take off, but if it is a solid material with no finish, I should be able to polish out some of the patina.
Thanks
Cory
Quote from: 6s1640 on December 25, 2025, 01:28:06 AMHi Bob,
Thanks for input. I like the challenge. I did see the Branda plate, Anthony even sent me a reduced price offer. I might buy Branda's just to do a comparison between an original and repop.
Anybody else tried to sand with progressive less and less sandpaper grit? If there is a finish on the plate, sanding will just take off, but if it is a solid material with no finish, I should be able to polish out some of the patina.
Thanks
Cory
I know you do and knew how you would answer ;) . I suppose I was posting more for others reading that might not have the time and effort to devote to such a project given alternatives. Regardless I hope you find the answer you seek.
Hi Bob, I always appreciate your input. I decided the non-shiny areas on the plate might've just been oxidized brass. So I got out the 400 grit sandpaper, sanded it on one of the dull edges. It started shining up instantly. So I decided there was no special finish and just started sanding in one direction. And then I shifted to 600 grit and then 2000 grit. So there is no finish on the plate and it's just a solid material, likely brass. I think it looks pretty good. What do you think? So anyone else with this shift pattern plate, if you go easy on it, you can shine up and eliminate some of that patina.
Cory
Quote from: 6s1640 on December 26, 2025, 04:11:26 AMHi Bob, I always appreciate your input. I decided the non-shiny areas on the plate might've just been oxidized brass. So I got out the 400 grit sandpaper, sanded it on one of the dull edges. It started shining up instantly. So I decided there was no special finish and just started sanding in one direction. And then I shifted to 600 grit and then 2000 grit. So there is no finish on the plate and it's just a solid material, likely brass. I think it looks pretty good. What do you think? So anyone else with this shift pattern plate, if you go easy on it, you can shine up and eliminate some of that patina.
Cory
It came out better than I thought. Maybe not proper enough looking for a high point concours car but certainly dramatically better then before.
how many cars received the shift pattern plate? Were they late production ? G.T.500 or K.R.? I cant remember seeing one on a 500. Just asking as they have the shift pattern on the shift knob. #459, has the early knob and no indication of ever having the shift pattern plate.
Quote from: highland green on December 28, 2025, 10:14:54 AMhow many cars received the shift pattern plate? Were they late production ? G.T.500 or K.R.? I cant remember seeing one on a 500. Just asking as they have the shift pattern on the shift knob. #459, has the early knob and no indication of ever having the shift pattern plate.
Pete Dishers website has a wealth of information which is where I conveniently borrowed this picture of the proposed 68 KR shift knob. .http://www.thecoralsnake.com/interior.html I don't know how many actually got used on cars but given it does not have a shift pattern on it that the shift pattern plate was to be added to complement the knob. I have seen more of the plates then I have seen the KR knobs .I have had a few NOS knobs over the years but I have never seen one on a survivor KR car so they must be few and far between.