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YOUR RESEARCHRefinishing center console
Leading reported evidence
Clean plastic
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When I was satisfied that I was down to the plastic and it had a smooth finish to it, I cleaned the plastic with Eastwood's 'Pre' paint cleaner.
Leading evidence: 'Clean plastic' (no explicit attributable resolution; this is a reported action or suggestion). Across 1 matching discussions, The most frequently discussed action is 'Clean plastic' (1 discussions). For that action, 0 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. No action has an explicit, attributable resolution report under the current rules. These are forum reports and suggestions, not a confirmed diagnosis.
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I used Acetone on the sticky paint) once the console was fully disassembled.
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Use formula first shift ****/shaft....the boot is plenty long enough
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Suggestion
Excellent quality leather for the boot, and importantly if you are using the Formula First shift ****/shaft....the boot is plenty long enough.
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Generation: 20261026T152433Z · outcome-qualification-6. Deterministic extraction; no AI model inference. How we use sources
(By "center console" I'm referring to the large piece of trim that covers the shifter & parking brake lever, and contains the ashtray and the aft compartment with a hinged lid. Perhaps there's a more accurate term for this?)
In my 2004 C2 6-speed, the center console is in need of touch-up. A previous owner generated some scratches around the shift lever boot, and I added a few during a recent project to install Ben's Shifter (very worthwhile).
Removing this is more trouble than it should be, but in the course of the shifter project I figured out how to do that. It's covered in paint that matches the general interior color (gray) but has a slightly tacky / sticky texture. Is there any source for this sort of paint?
Or, just remove the console, strip the sticky paint that will always be sticky, and refinish it with a paint that compliments the interior.
I used Acetone on the sticky paint) once the console was fully disassembled. Once the Acetone had removed the bulk of the offensive finish, I went to #800 wet/dry paper to remove the last of the paint and followed that up with #1000 paper. Again, all done while wet so the paper doesn't clog. When I was satisfied that I was down to the plastic and it had a smooth finish to it, I cleaned the plastic with Eastwood's 'Pre' paint cleaner. I first applied a few coats of an adhesion promoter/primer, again wet sanded with #1000 paper, and then applied color coats, in my case I used Seymour 'Cast Blast' paint providing a very durable finish in a color that echoed the Seal Grey body color and complimented the black interior. You'll also need to do the same to the ashtray and window switch surround.
You'll note in the photo that I installed the Formula First shift ****/stem, and also installed their 'Shift Right' modification....both of which are excellent products.
Bumperplugs will repaint it for you. Quality is excellent, better than factory. Not cheap however. They did mine along with various other bits to get all the soft-touch out of the car.
you can find excellent matches to your cars exterior finish here, paints and clears
http://www.automotivetouchup.com
that's a nice shift boot, who did the leather work ?
It's from a German company that also makes excellent shift *****. Excellent quality leather for the boot, and importantly if you are using the Formula First shift ****/shaft....the boot is plenty long enough. The length is important as a shorter boot will lift the boot off the console when you select reverse or 5th gear. The boot is already fixed to the collar on the bottom and features the brushed alloy finishing ring, too. I'm really pleased with how this turned out. You can find them on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/ict.schaltknauf/
I did give thought to finishing the console in Seal Grey to match the exterior finish, but I was concerned about scratches in a place that is subject to a lot of touching, so I opted for a more durable finish that was matte finish not unlike the soft touch paint that had been on the console. I'm now debating on whether to refinish the door sills that also are soft touch finished and subject to scratches.
I am using the Function First weighted shift, which I really like, this cheap eBay alcantara number is not going to do it
I do have another from Redline that is sitting in my office
That German outfit looks likes quality stuff, thanks for the link
The center console is easy to remove. Refinishing is also fairly easy as long as you take your time and do the proper prep work. You must remove ALL of the original rubberized coating down to bare plastic. I used the products shown in the attached photo. The plastic adhesion promoter is one of the most important steps. Make sure you use several coats of clear (5-6 coats) so that you can finish sand and use rubbing compound to work the finish smooth. I painted mine to match the exterior and by taking my time and following the instructions on the "Automotive Touchup" web site the console turned out great. I also painted the radio bezel.
Bumper Plugs, worth the extra dough IMO,mine was done 10 years ago and stood up very well,im sure its a very satisfying DIY project, but not easy to get it perfect considering the shape of the piece, rattle can paint jobs don't usually come out very well, its just harder to do,there seems to be some guys on here that do a good job, like texcwa sed prep in paint work is key....good luck!
