34 captured repliesDiscussion pagination complete · Source accounts, not a confirmed diagnosis
THIS DISCUSSION / SOURCE-DERIVED OVERVIEW
Discussion summary
YOUR RESEARCHDIY Painted Console
Leading reported evidence
Use him many times and his work is second
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
No successful repair reported for this finding.
0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
I have used him many times and his work is second to none.
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suggestion · Original poster
I'd highly recommend anybody thinking about this as a DIY that if you have a choice of paying someone to do it professionally you could be ahead of the game.
Leading evidence: 'Use him many times and his work is second' (no explicit attributable resolution; this is a reported action or suggestion). Across 1 matching discussions, the most frequently mentioned possible cause is 'more work than if i had chosen' (1 discussions; 0 report identifying it and 1 suggest it). The most frequently discussed action is 'Recommend anybody thinking about this as a diy' (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.
Source reports, not a diagnosis or a success probability. Counts refer to discussions and can overlap.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that suspect a cause
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suspected cause · Original poster
One thing I did differently was I did use the 3M Safest Stripper, which probably turned out to be more work than if I had chosen to simply sand all the soft-touch paint off instead of stripping it.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that contain suggestions
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suggestion · Original poster
I'd highly recommend anybody thinking about this as a DIY that if you have a choice of paying someone to do it professionally you could be ahead of the game.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that contain suggestions
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suggestion · Original poster
Next on the list is replacing the cracked carbon fiber shifter.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that contain suggestions
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suggestion
But it doesn't change the fact that the two vendors in question are dependable and well liked.
These are separate views of the same evidence. Frequency alone does not establish a fix, and these counts must not be added together.
Recommend anybody thinking about this as a diy
No successful repair reported for this finding.
0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that contain suggestions
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suggestion · Original poster
I'd highly recommend anybody thinking about this as a DIY that if you have a choice of paying someone to do it professionally you could be ahead of the game.
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suggestion · Original poster
One thing I did differently was I did use the 3M Safest Stripper, which probably turned out to be more work than if I had chosen to simply sand all the soft-touch paint off instead of stripping it.
These are separate views of the same evidence. Frequency alone does not establish a fix, and these counts must not be added together.
more work than if i had chosen
No successful repair reported for this finding.
0
Identified cause
1
Suspected cause
0
Reported fixes
Read evidence and context
Discussions that suspect a cause
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suspected cause · Original poster
One thing I did differently was I did use the 3M Safest Stripper, which probably turned out to be more work than if I had chosen to simply sand all the soft-touch paint off instead of stripping it.
Counts describe captured discussions, not unique people or a diagnosis. Author identities are not reliably stored. Exact duplicate evidence is counted once across matching discussions; one discussion counts at most once per action/state. Multiple repairs reported together remain a combination. Suggestions and failed attempts do not establish a fix. Matches cover whole discussions and can include related faults, model variants and incomplete threads.
34 eligible posts · 0 unverified posts · 1 discussions match the subject in their title or opening post.
Rennlist: 1 discussions
0 evidence records excluded for query context · 0 excluded by outcome qualification · 0 adjusted by outcome qualification.
1 acknowledgements have no verified action link; they do not establish a repair result.
Outcome without a verified action link
It worked just fine other than the grip backing coming off the foam pads
I got tired of looking at my worn Graphite Grey console so I decided to do something about it. After researching prices for a pre-done version and also having it done locally I decided to give the DIY route a try. A little searching turned up posts by Raphael and even though the pictures are no longer visible there was a
detailed write up documenting the process
he followed. One thing I did differently was I did use the 3M Safest Stripper, which probably turned out to be more work than if I had chosen to simply sand all the soft-touch paint off instead of stripping it. I would definitely sand if I ever chose to do this again.
I ordered paint from
Automotive Touchup
and also ordered the plastic adhesion promoter and clear coat in addition to the base coat color.
All I can say is that this ain't for the faint of heart as it took longer than anticipated and a lot more work, but it did turn out pretty well. Although the color coat is correct it did turn out a bit too dark so I may suck it up and strip it down and shoot it again with a lighter touch as it appears that I applied the color coat a bit too heavy. It doesn't really matter too much on the console but I also did the bumperettes and since they are next to the existing color they do stand out just a bit. The good news it that I've pretty much got the process down now so stripping and re-shooting should only take 3-5 days.
All I can say is that I saved quite a bit of cash but it took a lot of work. I'd highly recommend anybody thinking about this as a DIY that if you have a choice of paying someone to do it professionally you could be ahead of the game. However if you really like tackling moderately difficult DIY projects then this could be right up your alley!
Here's the before...
and after.
I've got a bit of touch-up to take care of but the clear coat is still curing so I'll wait a bit on that. Even though I don't plan on using the ashtray I also painted that at the same time I was doing the non-smokers tray.
Oh yeah, here's the bumperettes before going on the car.
Finally, one thing I also did was buy a
3" Pneumatic Polisher Kit from Harbor Freight
to make things a bit easier after doing all the color sanding of the clear coat. It worked just fine other than the grip backing coming off the foam pads
. However a bit of spray adhesive solved that in a jiffy.
Next on the list is replacing the cracked carbon fiber shifter.
The stripper is messy to say the least and it will also soften the plastic a bit. I may have been better off using something know to attack the soft-touch but not harm the plastic. Acetone, maybe? I guess I could have always used sunscreen since that was one of the original causes which made the soft-touch peel
My car is black on black but I really want to get this done... reading DIYs and thinking about tackling this myself. I think the hardest part will be stripping the soft touch paint. I plan on using krylon spray paint for plastic from home depot in black - should be a close enough match.
Great work.
I know I wouldn't have the time or patience to do that. The $400 that Eric at Bumperplugs charges is well worth it to me. I have used him many times and his work is second to none.
Although a weak solvent, Acetone will generally eat up plastic. Use with lots of caution on plastics until you know it is safe!
Not knocking his work at all but there are plenty of people who do this same work at a very high, quality level. I'm just jealous Eric and Fister come out like heroes here on this board. Don't listen to me though, I'm just ranting when I hear these statements. These are some, in general, easy task to do but you'd think these guys are God because they were first out of the shoot to approach the board.
Cory, point me to somebody that does the same quality work that Eric's company does for less than $400 on a center console. I'm the first to shop around and find the best deal but having worked with Eric several times I am impressed not only with his product, but his SERVICE. Have you actually done work with him? Just curious what you are comparing his work to.
I think Eric and Darin have put plenty of "trials" into doing their specialty for the Pcar and know alot of the small details which make their work stand out; not to mention their customer service for members here or anyone we refer to them would be first rate. If their work were to suffer; i.e. welds not holding up or poor paint quality, believe me, there would be ALOT less customers going to them.
For example, my indi referred me to a very good interior parts painter here in South Florida if I was interested in getting parts done similar to Eric's; except the painter is either too busy with customers that he wasn't returning calls or he was out of business. long story short..unreliable...
Now, I'm sure there are quality restoration shops around the US and Europe that are just as good, but why aren't they Supporting Vendors (SV's) here? If they can do the quality work for less, by all means, bring them to RL to show their wares....
I don't think the fact that they were here first makes any difference. It's their service and products that make them a cut above. And if there is someone of equal value, super! But it doesn't change the fact that the two vendors in question are dependable and well liked. I've bought from Eric and got a better deal than anywhere else. I'd buy again if I needed to.
Seems more like sour apples here than anything else.
Not trying to start a war, so I'm bowing out. I knew I couldn't word this without pissing off some peeps.
I did my own MK-I hack which I assure you was perfect looking and painted my 996 interior parts without the best equipment and environment making a decent, quality job. Having a great spray gun and dust free paint booth with heat would have yielded perfection but I did not do it at my dads restoration shop --hint, hint--.
This is the reason my friend who I bought my car from bowed out of Rennlist forever; a reputable turbo rebuilder could not come to grips that there are better turbos (higher hp generating) on the market besides the factory workhorse KKK turbos.
Sorry, been in the car world all my life and see this time and time again. People get locked into a certain company, brand, or person not realizing there are many out there doing the same exact job but for other makes and models of vehicles - or even non-auto related things.
There is a world outside of Porsche.
No offense to Fister and Eric, they produce great products and I wish them the best of luck in their future businesses. These guys bring tremendous value to their customers as I have read.
Sorry to hijack Tom, you did a great job on the console (!) and gave meaning to the point of my original post.
Back on point as far as pricing goes...
For what I did (bumperettes and center console) the paint cost about $60 and provided enough paint and clear coat to allow for at least one do over
This is why you pay somebody to do it for you as they have the experience to get it right the first time. But then they really should get it right if they are doing it for a living.
So my paint cost about $60 and to have it done professionally would have cost me over $600 by Bumperplugs and over $450 by a highly regarded local shop. Is the hassle of a DIY worth it? If you ask me, maybe. If you ask my wife, definitely not.
Let's face it, painting is not rocket science. It is definitely an art however and like many things out there what you are paying for when going retail is the experience and the skill of the shop doing the work.
Tom, where did you get over $600? Eric charges $429 for the rear center console. Sounds like a great price for somebody who gets it right the first and the work is flawless. I can't imagine the home DIY guy is on the same level.
No, just feel I have a decently broad knowledge of what's available in the car world....
Dangit Dell, I tried to not get sucked into this.
Read the post above.
Anyways, I started it and have to back up what I say, right?
I won't though, I made my point. Eric and Fister provide exceptional value and that is all that matters to a customer.
You must have missed that I did both the console
and my bumperettes
.
I have no problem with Eric or his work as he's been a past sponsor and strong supporter of the Boxster specific forum I run. Being on the frugal side I simply didn't want to drop that kind of money of a task I was pretty sure I could pull off to an acceptable level.
D-oh! My bad.
And yes, I agree, if frugality rules and you really can do a job that most wouldn't know was not done by a pro, then do it. I just cringe when I hear people DIY something that is better left to a pro or at least somebody with the experience so it's doesn't take away from an otherwise sweet ride.
This thread took an... interesting turn.
Dell, price might not always be a deciding factor. I, for one, would like to do this because I want to TRY my hand at it, paying someone to do it would take all the fun out of the project. I plan on buying a 2nd console and experimenting on it once I have a clear "plan of attack". I know my limits and I know I am not mechanically inclined for exampled so I would never DIY anything there...
just my 2c
That's awesome! And of course totally different than the argument here. It was about cost. Why pay Eric when you can DIY for under $100.
For you, it's the satisfaction of being able to come close to Eric's (and other pros) work when you didn't have the skill set going in. That I can appreciate it.
