Painted center console - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

fab · 04-26-2007, 07:23 AM

Has anyone painted their center console? Looking for DIY instructions on the paint process?
TIA

jwilson95 · 04-26-2007, 07:32 AM

There's a guy on ebay that does it for a few hundred bucks. Everyone that used him seems to be happy. I'm looking at the painted bumperettes from him now.

I think it is exotic-toys or exotic-toy is his username. search under bumperettes and you should find it.

Probably worth the peace of mind just to have it done right rather than screw it up?

Jeff

djomlas · 04-26-2007, 07:57 AM

give it a shot, people have had great success. if you mess up to the point of no return, then turn to the pros.

ill be doing mine probably over the weekend, should be nice and sunny (unless i do the autocross)

John V · 04-26-2007, 08:05 AM

Here is a link to the thread with some pictures of painted bits.

http://www.986forum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8137&highlight=paint

I would strongly suggest not trying to tackle this in one weekend. You can certainly do it, but if you want the best results you really need to take your time, and it may involve colorsanding the finish between coats. That means letting the part dry for at least a few hours, but preferably 24 hours.

I could have gotten all the orange peel out of my clearcoat if I had taken a bit more time, but I had the console out of the car for about two weeks (working evenings on the painting / sanding / buffing) and I was sick of it. It turned out great.

If this is your first time attempting to paint plastic I would recommend just buying the painted console from Eric the plug guy.

JV

CJ_Boxster · 04-26-2007, 08:13 AM

I did it, it was easy, i just took my time and sanded it smooth and waited a good amount of time before painting over primer and painted surface to allow the paint to dry... The picture below is when i painted my interior Silver... I didnt do the side vents and center vents cause i didnt have all the know-how to remove them, but painted everything else.... As of right now, the interior has been turned Ocean Blue Metalic, ill take pictures today, just got the car back yesterday nite from the paint shop with new painted exterior and interior.

fab · 05-06-2007, 04:32 PM

just finished my center console.

Grizzly · 05-06-2007, 04:34 PM

Nicely done!

ddb · 05-06-2007, 04:43 PM

Nice job fab and CJ.

Did you guys remove the hinged storage bin cover and lock? If so, how difficult was it to do so?

I have a new center console on order and am curious how difficult it will be to switch out these parts.

Thanks,

ddb

fab · 05-06-2007, 04:55 PM

I cheated I didn't remove the lock (painter tape came in handy) and my storage bin hinge broke. I ordered a retro kit that Porsche make for the Oddment tray

Chills · 05-07-2007, 03:09 AM

I removed the door, hinge, and lock. It was pretty easy. The way Porsche designed this thing made it very easy to put back together, too.

spark00 · 05-07-2007, 06:27 AM

looks great!!! better job than what i've done from seeing the detail. i'm happy with how mine turned out over the weekend but may redue it when i have some time just to satisfy my needs. it took me a little bit of figuring out on how to put the center console back but it went easy once i figured out the seat position (seat pulled forward all the way then recline it all the way down seem to be the trick to putting it back in).

Perfectlap · 05-07-2007, 07:30 AM

Been wanting to do this for some time but I can't make up my mind on silver, black or some sort of metal finish (not painted but actual metal).

I'm weary of paint because this is a high traffic area and its bound to get scuffed up. Silver with black scratches peeking through would drive me nuts and I would hate to have to break out the paint each time there was incident.
But on the other hand glossy black console with the silver horseshoe shifter trim would look great.

John V · 05-07-2007, 08:42 AM

Anal-retentive though I may be, I really am glad I covered the high-traffic areas with clearsheild film. It's barely noticable (I wrapped the edges) but it made a huge difference in durability. I did the areas where the seatbelt latches are, the top (near the button for the center console lid) and the ashtray / power window switch panel.

Several coats of clear provide a lot of protection as well for those that don't want the hassle of doing the clear film. I did both.

I cannot imagine painting it and not putting a clearcoat over the top. IMO it would look terrible.