Does anyone know of a way to restore the interior lettering and markings on buttons? thinks like lettering automatic overdrive and the window picture on the power window buttons.

 

Try this. Worked well for my father inlaw on his 68 cougar.
http://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/dash...how-to.267328/

 

That method works fine for engraved letters that can be filled with color. Unfortunately, many parts on the interiors of third gens have silk screened lettering that is next to impossible to duplicate once it wears off.

 

The easiest way is to just to do what I did and replace the switches. Door lock switches are less then $10, signal/wiper is around $50, and window switches are $60 a set. As for fog light, headlight, and rear defrost you're on your own.

The way I see it, is that by the time I painted everything I would have spent more then the $120 it cost to get new stuff. Oh and I ordered mine off of Rockauto and Thirdgenranch.

 

Hit the salvage yards...I got window switches and door lock switches that had good letters on them. Check corvettes too I got my locks from and 84 I think was...and all free too
I had to look around a little and I got what I needed in 2 trips once they got more cars in the yard

 

The power hatch release switch is very hard to find. Hope you don't need that one.

 

Thanks for the suggestion. Is it very hard to replace those switches? I have some mechanical ability --- replaced my own water pump and heater core, have done brakes, did my own vinyl striping... And, of course, I have my Chilton and other manuals. :-)

 

Switches are easy to replace. They just pop out. If you've done all that you just said then you have the ability to replace your switches.

 

OK, switches go on the hunting and replacing list. Thanks for the quick answer!

 

I have replaced all my switches, everything looks brand new.
Except that 'automatic overdrive' label. Anyone have a fix for that one?

Would love to have that looking new again too.

 

lol thats a tough one...get a new shifter plate? Unless you have a super steady hand to paint them I am not sure how you would do it.

And on replacing the switches, they are pretty easy, just be careful, the plastic in our cars is old and brittle. The window switches are the hardest ones to change out. Getting them out is a pain, and when you go to plug the replacements in, be careful, I cracked the plastic trim that goes around the switch from trying to push the switch down into it's receptacle. No big deal, but at least I didn't pay for them, they will do until I can find better ones.

 

I'm looking into this stencil kit. I think this could do it. there are videos on you tube that shows how to use it. I've already created some of the art work. it will be a little while before I get a chance to try but I will everyone know how it goes.


http://www.store.cbridge.com/c/KIT-A...rter+Kits.html

 

Post your results, curious about this.

 

cdoyle.....I too was looking on better automatic overdrive label for my Hawks aftermarket shift plate..took my old plate to a sign guy,so he could measure up a decal for that...said he could,took too long,and I took my parts back..So, a decent sign guy could make a label/decal..I ended up buying a GM plate..so I will have the aftermarket for sale...

 

If you were making printed t-shirts that kit would work. I doubt you't have success using it to try to print the lettering on a switch. I am no expert by any means, but at a prior job I did purchase and set up some equipment to put thermal pads onto heat sinks. The machine we used is called a pad printer. Do a search and you'll see these machines are much better suited to do this task.

Lon

 

A light coat of clear over them will help preserve them a while longer...

 

I replaced all my switches with new ones, but of coarse they don't make the tonnue switch. So I found a picture of one that was complete, then I shrunk it on a printer and traced it onto White electrical tape. I cut it out with an exact o knife the best I could. Its not perfect but it does look good. Looking from outside the car everyone ask where did I find a new switch, then I tell them I made it, and they don't believe until they look real close up.