The Dodge Challenger Message Board

I recently acquired a year one auto console for my 1970 Challenger and will need to prep it and re-paint it, as I need black (and this one is burnt orange).
It's in near perfect condition, hence my decision to purchase it regardless of color.
I understand I can dye (paint) it, but need to know the correct way to prep it and paint it.
Should I utilize a primer before the black, as I'll have to get a solid coat over the orange?

The paints for painting plastic and vinyl surfaces usually cover well without any form of primer. In fact I don't think they make a primer you can use.
Careful preparation is the essential thing. All traces of dirt, silicone, protectorants and greases must be removed. So some deep cleaning is needed. Just be careful you don't use a solvent cleaner that might damage the plastic. Test a hidden spot first.

They make special solvents just for 'plastics' as Dave stated. I suggest you get this,(I use 3M Urethane cleaners available at any parts jobber or paint supply store for automotive paints). If there are ANY traces of silicone on it the paint will fail to adhere. I cleaned a plastic part 5 times with solvent&soap and water to remove the silicone that most people use to clean these 'plastic' parts such as Armor-All,,WD-40,,Son of a Gun all contain silicone,,this is the 'enemy' of 'plastic' parts and is very difficult to remove entirely. We also used a primer sealer but you will cover any details if you use it such as the grainy texture that some surfaces have. It may require multiple light coats to get the desired results you wish. Body work is a bitch Eddie NOT Betty

3M Plastic&Urethane Cleaner Stripper is the name of the product

I sprayed my green console black. But as it was only in average condition i just sprayed it in gloss acrylic, with a spray gun. I used a strong soap based degreaser (not a solvent based) and scrubbed it well, hosing down well and dried in the sun. Then before painting, wiped well with plenty of Wax and grease remover, which would be similar to what Eddie described but more of a general cleaner. It came up much better than i thought. However it would not be as good as a plastic and vinyl spray which is what they have been developed for. What i used will wear off in places over the years. I would recommend SEMS. It is a US made vinyl paint, far superior to VHT, although twice the price. I am using that to spray my Tan vinyl roof into black. sorry, forgot to take pictures before i installed it. But its BLACK.