1974 Charger: how to restore the parcel shelf?

[74ChargerSE440]

What is the best route to restore the hardboard parcel shelf? It used to be black . It's also somewhat hardened and the nicely grained surface is easily chipped. What type of paint and how should the hardboard be treated before painting?

 

[Coelacanth]

What is the best route to restore the hardboard parcel shelf? It used to be black . It's also somewhat hardened and the nicely grained surface is easily chipped. What type of paint and how should the hardboard be treated before painting?

Good question, my '70 Charger's parcel shelf looks about the same as yours. The large size makes buying repros rather cost-prohibitive due to exorbitant shipping rates, so restoring originals would be ideal.

 

[74ChargerSE440]

Good question, my '70 Charger's parcel shelf looks about the same as yours. The large size makes buying repros rather cost-prohibitive due to exorbitant shipping rates, so restoring originals would be ideal.

Yes, and removing the shelf is a delicate process too. You have to remove the back seat, all the inner back interior panels and then the inner rear window mouldings which are a bit stuck. And then you have to bend the shelf a little to avoid damaging the headliner on the inner sail panels. The left and right edges of the shelf broaden a little from front to back so you can't just pull the shelf out. You have to bend it and then lift it to remove it. Pfffffffff.

 

[RemCharger]

Good question, my '70 Charger's parcel shelf looks about the same as yours. The large size makes buying repros rather cost-prohibitive due to exorbitant shipping rates, so restoring originals would be ideal.

My buddy has a new 70 parcel with out the speaker knockouts..

 

[74ChargerSE440]

My buddy has a new 70 parcel with out the speaker knockouts..

Not sure what you mean with this post... The question is how to restore.... a 74 shelf...?

 

[Coelacanth]

I think RemCharger was meaning to help me as I'm one province over. Sorry about that. However, I'd prefer to restore my existing one than throw more coin at yet another part.

 

[T2R9]

I painted mine with SEM landau black. Took a few coats as it soaked right in.

 

[RemCharger]

.. The question is how to restore.... a 74 shelf...?

See post #7

 

[74ChargerSE440]

I painted mine with SEM landau black. Took a few coats as it soaked right in.

View attachment 1709902View attachment 1709903

That is helpfull. So you used textile/vinyl paint on hardboard? What about sanding and cleaning?

 

[T2R9]

I just lightly scuffed it with a grey scotch bright.

 

[69bfan]

@74ChargerSE440, on original cars in which the package tray is still good, just faded, I have used black shoe polish in the paste form. Just use a soft bristle brush or piece of soft cloth to apply the black shoe polish. Depending upon how faded, will determine how many coats it will take. Between coats, use a soft rag to buff the coating. Using this manner, you can leave the package tray in place and not risk breaking it or the interior window trim. Does not get chalky or slick like some paint does.

 

[74ChargerSE440]

@74ChargerSE440, on original cars in which the package tray is still good, just faded, I have used black shoe polish in the paste form. Just use a soft bristle brush or piece of soft cloth to apply the black shoe polish. Depending upon how faded, will determine how many coats it will take. Between coats, use a soft rag to buff the coating. Using this manner, you can leave the package tray in place and not risk breaking it or the interior window trim. Does not get chalky or slick like some paint does.

Wow... never thought about that option.... Would have saved me a lot of fuss I mentioned in an earlier post. The headliner is easilty damaged when taken out an putting back in... My headliner was already torn so any additional damage did not care.