jeff8932612

I have decided it is time to do something about the center console area (around the shifter) of my FD. It is all scratched up and just making my interior look crappy. What can I do to make things better? Can I paint it black? Or should i replace it with a new console? If I should replace it, where can i find another console? Thanks.



-Jeff

Mahjik

iTrader: (1)

I would (and did mine) paint it. Unless you can find a car being parted out, it would probably be pretty expensive to get a new panel from the dealer.

I'm in the process of redoing my interior panels right now:

http://mahjik.homestead.com/files/FD...r/MVC-002F.JPG

Just redoing the center (shifter) panel is no big deal. It's kind of a PITA to do the others, but fun if you enjoy messing with the car.

jeff8932612

Can you explain how you painted it? I dont wanna mess it up by taking a stab at it. Did you just spray paint it or what? Did it match the rest of the interior? Thanks.

Mahjik

iTrader: (1)

Here are the steps I used:

1. Remove the panels.
2. Use ELO (Easy Lift Off) to remove the clear coat on the plastic panels. This step can take a day or two depending on the panel.
3. Sand any scratches on the panel.
4. Clean panel and let dry overnight.
5. Spray 2 coats of sandable primer, let dry overnight.
6. Sand any rough spots.
7. Apply 3-4 coats of paint.
8. Apply 2-3 coats of acrylic clear coat.
9. Re-install!

For the paint, I used Tamiya Color paints for models. It works well on plastics. The clear coat was Krylon Acrylic Crystal Clear. It has a non-yellowing formula that gives a nice finish and doesn't wear like standard clear coats.

The paint coats can and should take a day or two. I only do 2 coats per day, let it sit and then do one or two the second day (depending on how the finish looks).

With the clear coat, the more coats, the shinier the finish. I would at least go with 2 coats. That gives a good coating so it won't get worn but isn't too shiny. If you want it more shiny, just do more coats. Make sure to allow it to drive between coats so it doesn't run.

As for matching the rest of the interior, if you do all the panels, there isn't anything else to match. If you are just doing one panel, then you are limited as to what color you can paint it (i.e. black).

Good luck!

jeff8932612

You used the spray paint right?



-Jeff

jeff8932612

one more thing....suppose i just do the main console panel...and maybe the door panels, will they be noticeably darker or different then the other panels. I would do all of them but i dont know how to take the dash cluster out and/or the panel that surrounds the cd player.the panel surrounding the gauges isnt bad. Its mainly the door panels, center console, and the stereo panel(slightly) that need touching up. Lemme know what you think. Thanks again.


-Jeff

Mahjik

iTrader: (1)

Yep, it's a spray paint, not a brush on.

If you are only going to do the door panels and the shifter panel.... as long as you don't pick a color that is too off from black, it will look ok. That is what I originally did.

However, if you also want to paint the A/C panel, you need to remove the gauge cluster to get to some of the screws. So, you may as well do the gauge cluster as well at that point.

There is a good right up about it here:

http://www.iluvmyrx7.com/3rdgen/how-...erior_mods.htm

The most important part is the clear coat. If you don't have the right clear coat type, it will begin to show wear in just a few months (or less). You could also pull all the pieces and have them painted professionally by a body shop. That has been done by many people on the forum. It's a good way to assure yourself you'll never have to pull them out again.