Repairing Scratches in a 90-92 Camaro Shift Indicator

The purpose of this article is to guide you through repairing the scratches that commonly form in the shift indicator on 90-92 Camaro’s.

This is a very simple project but can become a problem very easily. Before we begin I’d like to point out that I’m not responsible if you screw up part of your car. This information is provided only as a guide. As always there are probably better ways to do this but this is how I did it. If you’re not comfortable with painting in detail, then I don’t recommend you try this.

First you will need to obtain the supplies needed to complete this project. Most important is the brush. I used a fine tip Testors paint brush. They can be purchased at Walmart for a few dollars. Find the smallest sharpest brush they have. While you’re in the plastic model section find a bottle of Testors flat black. You’ll also need a flat blade screw driver and a T15 torx driver or bit.

Here’s where the fun begins. You can either follow these steps to remove the shifter plate from your car, or you can skip the removal instructions if you’re using a shifter plate from a salvage yard.

1. Pull the ebrake till its fully locked. Turn the key to the run position and put the car into 1st gear.
2. With a small flatblade screwdriver remove the clip from the front of the shift knob. Its shaped like a large staple. With it removed slide the shift knob off of the shifter.
3. Using the T15 remove the (8) torx screws that border the shifter plate. Keep in mind the shifter plate and the ashtray trim are molded as one piece.
4. Carefully lift the shifter plate assembly off the shifter.
5. Slip the shift knob back over the shifter and put the car back into park.

With the shifter plate assembly removed you should be able to see how the gear indicator and trim functions. You’ll also notice that to get to the scratches we’ll need to remove the light socket and indicator assembly.

1. Look around the edges of the shift indicator assembly for an area where its not glued securely to the shifter plate.
2. Using the flat blade screwdriver, carefully pry under the loose edge. Working slowly it should break away from the shifter plate.
3. Continue prying around the edges till the shift indicator assembly is removed from the shifter plate.

We should know have the shifter plate clearly accessible with the scratched shift pattern exposed.

1. Clean and dry the shift pattern front and back. I used water and a soft bristled tooth brush.
2. Shake the Testors flat black thoroughly to mix it.
3. If your scratches are near the lettering or touch the lettering you may want to mask the lettering to prevent painting the area that should remain clear.
4. Using the brush apply just enough paint to the brush as necessary to cover the scratches. It may take several coats as the brushed paint may not flow evenly. The paint dries fast so this shouldn’t be a problem.
5. While you’re painting the scratches, its best to lay the shift plate on a sheet of white paper or another bright background so you can see the lettering clearly.
6. With the scratches repainted set the plate aside and allow it to dry thoroughly.

When the parts have dried hold them up to a light and check for any transparant areas, if any appear in areas they shouldn’t then apply more paint. If the paint has covered as desired next is to reassemble the plate and indicator assembly.

1. There are two options for reattaching the indicator assembly to the shifter plate. First is to use the T15 torx screws that thread through the front two corners of the indicator assembly. Second is to use a glue. I chose to use the screws in case the assembly ever wears through the paint again.
2. With the shifter plate back together line up the shift indicator hole and the shifter trim hole and slip them over the shifter and slide the panel down to its normal resting location.
3. Install the remaining (4) T15 torx screws through the shifter into the console.
4. Slip the shift knob back on to the shifter and reinsert the clip.
5. Place the car back into park and disengage the parking brake.
6. Wait till dark and go for a ride. Check for any light coming through where it shouldn’t. If it does you can disassemble it again and add more paint.

The process took me roughly 20 minutes and was well worth the time invested.