Getting Interior Trim Painted - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

TimAustinW · 11-06-2007, 07:52 AM

One other thing I could use a second opinion on....

I took my Boxster to a local auto body and paint shop to get an estimate on painting some of the interior trim. Shopping around for new pieces painted to match my exterior really starts to add up. I had the Seal Grey paint code and was ready to have em do it. This all started with the peeling door pocket lids. I wanted to get the door pocket lids, rear center console, front center console, air vents, door handles, interior mirror panels, etc. painted seal grey to match my exterior.

When I took it to the shop they said that they couldn't do it. They said that the pocket lids weren't strong enough plastic and had a texture to them that would cause problems. I said I could get everything unassembled, deliver it to them in pieces and they pretty much sent me on my way.

Do you think he's right or do you think that it just wasn't worth their time to paint a few interior pieces? Seems like it would be an easy job to me. A lot easier than painting a whole car. Or are they right and if I want interior trim to match my exterior paint do I just need to shell out the cash for new parts?

If anyone can recommend an auto body shop in Austin that would do this for me please do tell.

Thanks

rick3000 · 11-06-2007, 08:01 AM

It doesn't sound like a very good shop, they shouldn't turn you away because you want to do something unique. Find a new shop.
You can buy some of those parts painted on eBay, so you may consider looking there, also if you have an air compressor, and a paint gun you could just spray the parts yourself. It is not like painting a whole car, so you could just do it in your garage.
Also, I am not sure on the armrests, you may have to remove the fabric from them first to be able to paint them. But they won't be very comfortable.
I look forward to seeing pictures when you are done!

Boxtaboy · 11-06-2007, 08:07 AM

Nope, you can definitely paint the door bin covers. Here's a shot of mine. All you have to do is first completely remove the soft touch film from them. Run the covers through the dishwasher, and then you'll be able to rub the film off easily with your fingers.

To take the covers off your car, just flip the lid to the up position. You will then see 2 hinges. Poke the plastic pins out from the hinges with a hole punch and pull them out with needle nosed pliers. The rear hinge has a spring that you need to remove too. That's it.

TimAustinW · 11-06-2007, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boxtaboy

Nope, you can definitely paint the door bin covers. Here's a shot of mine. All you have to do is first completely remove the soft touch film from them. Run the covers through the dishwasher, and then you'll be able to rub the film off easily with your fingers.

That's pretty sweet looking! I want THAT!!! But in Seal Grey. Did you paint them yourself or have them painted? I found an auto spray paint that matches pretty close to the Seal Grey that I used to paint my headrest windscreens. Turned out good with a few coats of clear coat. I was afraid to use it on the armrest lids because I thought the constant contact with my arm would eventually wear them down and look booty.

rick3000 · 11-06-2007, 09:04 AM

^ That looks great!

I am curious what is the sticker on you fuse panel, and what is the Porsche bag in front of the shifter?

Boxtaboy · 11-06-2007, 09:17 AM

Thanks.

@Rick3000: That's not a sticker on the fuse panel. It's a print indicating that it is the fuse panel, and came OEM on the car. The things in front of the shifter are my Porsche driving gloves. I don't normally use them when I drive, but occassionally do because my wife got them for me for as a present.

@TimAustinW: No, I did not paint them myself. Bought all the painted pieces from either Ebay or Bumperplugs.com. They have held up well for more than 2 yrs. now, and are very durable, as they are all clear coated. I'm sure any body shop can paint them for you though. Good luck!

porsche986spyder · 11-06-2007, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rick3000

what is the Porsche bag in front of the shifter?

Those are DJ's PORSCHE driving gloves. He uses them to smack the other drivers across the face when he challenges them to an auto-duel. LOL! Just kidding.

embryoguy@mac.com · 06-19-2014, 12:31 PM

ok guys, so i went ahead and painted my trim pieces also. for the most part it turned out pretty good. the pieces turned out really good after i put on the enamel. but then two of the pieces i thought didn't have the gloss i wanted along the edge so after about an hr i sprayed them again with the enamel and ! the gloss went away. it seemed like the enamel ate into the paint and now its dull.

can you guys give me advice at this point to retain that gloss finish? should i wait a few days to let it dry and enamel it again or do i need to put on the base coat again and then enamel again?

thanks for your help in advance.

Top_Ramen · 06-19-2014, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by embryoguy@mac.com

ok guys, so i went ahead and painted my trim pieces also. for the most part it turned out pretty good. the pieces turned out really good after i put on the enamel. but then two of the pieces i thought didn't have the gloss i wanted along the edge so after about an hr i sprayed them again with the enamel and ! the gloss went away. it seemed like the enamel ate into the paint and now its dull.

can you guys give me advice at this point to retain that gloss finish? should i wait a few days to let it dry and enamel it again or do i need to put on the base coat again and then enamel again?

thanks for your help in advance.

could you post a couple pictures?

embryoguy@mac.com · 06-19-2014, 04:21 PM

never mind, the post, I'm an idiot, i used a non gloss enamel !!! grabbed the wrong bottle when i resprayed. used correct one and have my gloss shine again

embryoguy@mac.com · 06-19-2014, 04:23 PM

I've had my car for many yrs now, i don't know why i didn't try this sooner. its not hard just need patience, but the result is great! for $20 my interior looks quite different. going to attempt the center console soon

BruceH · 06-19-2014, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by embryoguy@mac.com

I've had my car for many yrs now, i don't know why i didn't try this sooner. its not hard just need patience, but the result is great! for $20 my interior looks quite different. going to attempt the center console soon

Post some pics when you are done!

woodsman · 06-21-2014, 12:39 PM

I don't know if I should say it but anything from a spray bomb will dull in a year or less. Bodyshops use a catalyzed clear and this will last years and years depending on it's quality. It can be buffed and waxed as well. Spray bombs are fun and simple to use as no compressor or paint gun is needed but the exterior is clear coated for a reason. Enamel, lacquer and urethane can be clear coated ( not acrylics) so you can get a pro to clear them as a last step before reassembly.

Oh and prep is EVERTHING!---" cleanliness is next to Godliness"