Toggle switches and cigar lighter- shades of grey

[my427cobra]

My OEM/NOS Lucas toggle switches and cigar lighter are showing their age and the black plastic toggles and cigar lighter knob are dulling and greying after some 50 years.

Can the plastic be restored to black again?

I'm thinking a polyurethane paint?

Don't want them to get sticky like the old Italian car switches.

Replace with new. Yes , if I can still find the right shapes/sizes. The modern replacements are quite different.

Any advice?

Cheers
Greg

[my427cobra]

By the way, does anyone know if the cigar/cigarette lighter knob was unique to the 427 Cobra or was it used on some other British car and which one?

My reference lists of Lucas parts does not list the cigar lighter or its part number.

Appreciate the help.

Cheers
Greg

[LMH]

One way to look at it is the patina adds to the overall vintage look.
That said, on small block cars with Ford supplied switches, some were originally the bone/almond color and painted black. Now fifty years later, the paint is worn off, exposing the almond color. Could be repainted with something like Plasti-kote Black.
Larry

[my427cobra]

Hi Larry. Thought about Plasti-kote or Plasti Dip. I just coated 4 clips in Plasti Dip Red for my luggage rack instal.

But I don't think I'd like that "feel" on the switches.

I know. Picky picky.

I'm going to try a black automotive paint with a clear coat to give it it's shine back.

I'm going to try it on some old switches which I did not use on the car and post some before and after pics.

By the way, did you see my for sale posting for the luggage rack?

Cheers
Greg

[my427cobra]

O yeah. The patina look would be fine, but some of my switches were newer and still look nice and shiney. Would like them all nice and shiney.

Cheers
Greg

[LMH]

Yes, I saw your posting about the AMCO luggage rack. I’ll send it on to anyone I hear of looking for one. They’re not really my thing though.

Yeah, with some switches newer and some older, I’d want them all to match too. You may have to use an air brush which can lay on a thin coat, to get the right look. Little experimenting is probably in order.
Larry