The center console on my 1998 NSX was modified by the previous owner to accept a double DIN Alpine unit. They did an admirable job on the mod itself, but the paint they used was a few degrees cooler in tone, compared to the OEM console, door trim and AC bezel. And the quality of the prep and paint left much to be desired. As my interior is otherwise immaculate, this one area really bugged me.
Sorry for the blurry photo. You can see the matte cool gray color the center console was; the ashtray lid and AC vent bezel are the OEM warm gray finish:
Here, you can see the color tone and glossiness mismatch, more clearly:
I first tried to touch up a few small imperfections. Screwed it up, which prompted me to send it out now, versus later in the summer, which was the original plan:
Some bubbling up of the OEM finish on the top edge of the AC vent bezel. Good time to have all three pieces painted together (console, bezel, ashtray lid).
I don't know how many of you have heard of Eric and his company Bumperplugs. In the Porsche world, he has many, many loyal fans and repeat customers. He is the absolute best, in terms of painting interior (and some exterior) trim. He employs a very detailed and elaborate nineteen step process; the results are of the very highest quality. I had the center console of my 997.2 Carrera GTS painted by him, and I can attest to the quality and beauty of his work.
This is the center console he painted for me:
Anyway, Eric and I are now working on having my center console (and AC vent bezel) stripped, prepped properly, and painted. I was considering going with a piano black finish, or even a metallic black, both of which he can do easily; in the end, I decided to have Eric match the OEM warm gray of the original finish. We are going for a 60-70% gloss finish, which should brighten up the area very subtly, while essentially maintaining the factory aesthetic.
The main thing here is that I know the finish will be extremely durable, and very even and smooth. For me, this is definitely one of those things I want to have done right once, only. Though not cheap, I know his pricing will be reasonable, considering the quality of the results. We have yet to finalize the price, but I believe it will be in the $400-600 range; the cost may possibly be a bit less, going forward, now that he is familiar with these pieces.
Btw, I am in no way affiliated with Eric or his company. I'm just an avid fan and very satisfied repeat customer. I'd not trust my cars to anyone else. Not only does he do amazing work, he is truly a gentleman, and is very thorough with his communication. Just thought I'd share this info here, as I'm sure many fellow owners need to have this done as well, either on OEM pieces, or modified ones. My NSX will be the first one he's worked on; my point is, he will now be able to work on these consoles and trim pieces, going forward.
Please look up Eric and Bumperplugs, should you need the same for your car. (http://www.bumperplugs.com) Well, maybe wait for me to post up photos of the finished results first.
Sorry for the blurry photo. You can see the matte cool gray color the center console was; the ashtray lid and AC vent bezel are the OEM warm gray finish:
Here, you can see the color tone and glossiness mismatch, more clearly:
I first tried to touch up a few small imperfections. Screwed it up, which prompted me to send it out now, versus later in the summer, which was the original plan:
Some bubbling up of the OEM finish on the top edge of the AC vent bezel. Good time to have all three pieces painted together (console, bezel, ashtray lid).
I don't know how many of you have heard of Eric and his company Bumperplugs. In the Porsche world, he has many, many loyal fans and repeat customers. He is the absolute best, in terms of painting interior (and some exterior) trim. He employs a very detailed and elaborate nineteen step process; the results are of the very highest quality. I had the center console of my 997.2 Carrera GTS painted by him, and I can attest to the quality and beauty of his work.
This is the center console he painted for me:
Anyway, Eric and I are now working on having my center console (and AC vent bezel) stripped, prepped properly, and painted. I was considering going with a piano black finish, or even a metallic black, both of which he can do easily; in the end, I decided to have Eric match the OEM warm gray of the original finish. We are going for a 60-70% gloss finish, which should brighten up the area very subtly, while essentially maintaining the factory aesthetic.
The main thing here is that I know the finish will be extremely durable, and very even and smooth. For me, this is definitely one of those things I want to have done right once, only. Though not cheap, I know his pricing will be reasonable, considering the quality of the results. We have yet to finalize the price, but I believe it will be in the $400-600 range; the cost may possibly be a bit less, going forward, now that he is familiar with these pieces.
Btw, I am in no way affiliated with Eric or his company. I'm just an avid fan and very satisfied repeat customer. I'd not trust my cars to anyone else. Not only does he do amazing work, he is truly a gentleman, and is very thorough with his communication. Just thought I'd share this info here, as I'm sure many fellow owners need to have this done as well, either on OEM pieces, or modified ones. My NSX will be the first one he's worked on; my point is, he will now be able to work on these consoles and trim pieces, going forward.
Please look up Eric and Bumperplugs, should you need the same for your car. (http://www.bumperplugs.com) Well, maybe wait for me to post up photos of the finished results first.
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