CUTLASS Interior refresh project

RICKDIZZLE said:

Ok so today finally got down to prepping the column.
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Before I started prepping, I degreased the whole area I was going to be scuffing with mineral spirits as to not scuff in anything on the surface. Then got down with a red scotch brite pad and scuffed for like 2 hours lol. Found a small crack in the cover. I cleaned it up real good then used some Marine Epoxy on it.
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Will let that cure until tomorrow then will knock it down and blend that spot. Started masking and will finish that up tomorrow but here is where it sits today.
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If weather cooperates...as it is gonna be far to windy tomorrow...will shoot sandable primer Monday morning before work.
One question I do have...I never noticed this before...but I obviously used my key to "unlock my column" so I could easily turn the wheel and such while prepping...but I was able to with no effort remove my key from the ignition with the column unlocked...pretty sure the key should be locked in no?

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Do you have a Dremel? because that's what I used on my Column, to get the corners that are hard to reach. Great job! Believe it or not you do inspire me to keep moving forward on my project, I just until now finish working on the bottom of the hood and trunk lid. tomorrow before I go to the 5 de Mayo festivities. I will do a bit of work on the top side or the trunk and Hood.

RICKDIZZLE said:

I sure do have a Dremel! Tomorrow when I do final prep I will get into the really tight spots that show any sheen!
That is why I love this forum...we all gain motivation from each other! 💪

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Yes sir, I like that. Let's keep moving forward.

RICKDIZZLE said:

One question I do have...I never noticed this before...but I obviously used my key to "unlock my column" so I could easily turn the wheel and such while prepping...but I was able to with no effort remove my key from the ignition with the column unlocked...pretty sure the key should be locked in no?

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Your key cuts are the type that even when new, probably hang on to the key just a bit. Which is fine, but they wear over time, along with the tumblers (as previously mentioned). The tumbler cut pattern "locks" the key in place and the key cuts won't let the key slide over the tumblers. So in any position besides off, the lock is keeping the key because of the side bar locking the tumblers in place. But yours is worn so much, it won't work, so you can take the key out any time you wish. I'm betting your ignition key looks about worn slap out. If you have a weird key cut code, it can lend itself to a much easier removal when worn.

You have an '85, which calls for an "A" ignition key. However, if you don't care about key slots, you can use nearly any ignition key lock with any key slot code. This is because the ignition lock is the only lock on the car the "A" key goes to. Your doors, trunk, and glovebox use a "B" key slot.

Brand new, Strattec (supplied GM under the Briggs & Stratton/Strattec nameplate) for around $30 shipped with taxes:
It's an "E" key, but again, the only lock that key goes to anyway.


Another one, same thing.

If you just HAVE to have an "A" key slot, but a bit pricier:

Yep. Cylinder and key are just wearing out. Changing it is good idea as soon you will able to start car with screwdriver or no key at all

RICKDIZZLE said:

Got it primered up today. Wednesday will knock down the primer then shoot color as long as wind keeps down. We have three seasons out here...winter, wind and summer lol. I want to clear it to protect it...but don't want a crazy shine...so will be looking into what clear to shoot over next two days.
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Looking good bro keep up the good work.

I dig it. I think you'd go nuts if you worried about getting an exact color match, and nothing was an exact match to begin with. It looks great!