I got the idea to custom paint my console(msg center, and cupholders) so i was off...i went to autozone and picked up some metal flake blue paint to match the outside of the ex, also picked up some clear acryllic clear coat. First i removed the radio bezel with the 2. 7mm screws above HVAC knobs, and the i pulled up the rear of the cupholders and it popped out. then i went for the msg center, this was stubborn like anything else but you have to pull hard to ge the tabs free. then uphooked everything electronically and maked off the msg canter screen, radio, a nd i remove the 4x4 knob, lights, etc.
Before: this is before my new radio, only pic i could find before i had started already)
Then you just start making LIGHT coats, i made the mistake and in 1 or 2 places you can tell it. Then after 3 or 4 coats of paint let dry for 1 hour atleast. Then start making many light coats of clear coat, if you take your time here it will show. After many small coats it turns to a glassy finish. Looks great.
Below is pics of process and finish
my first test piece was couple things in engine bay
msg center
radio bezel
close up of radio bezel
in the car
The whole inside
cup holder and msg center closer
The whole thing from the back seat
I think it turned out very well, i didnt want it to look to much like a rice burner, but i think it looks pretty cool. THe only problem with this type of paint is that it is VERY 'heavy" and will run if sprayed to heavily so if you try this just be careful. Also i didnt include simple self-knowledge steps like cleaning the pieces before painting and other little steps that everyone should know.
Before: this is before my new radio, only pic i could find before i had started already)
Then you just start making LIGHT coats, i made the mistake and in 1 or 2 places you can tell it. Then after 3 or 4 coats of paint let dry for 1 hour atleast. Then start making many light coats of clear coat, if you take your time here it will show. After many small coats it turns to a glassy finish. Looks great.
Below is pics of process and finish
my first test piece was couple things in engine bay
msg center
radio bezel
close up of radio bezel
in the car
The whole inside
cup holder and msg center closer
The whole thing from the back seat
I think it turned out very well, i didnt want it to look to much like a rice burner, but i think it looks pretty cool. THe only problem with this type of paint is that it is VERY 'heavy" and will run if sprayed to heavily so if you try this just be careful. Also i didnt include simple self-knowledge steps like cleaning the pieces before painting and other little steps that everyone should know.