I just finished painting the center stack and console gloss black to match my exterior:
(I painted the silver door switch plates awhile ago)









Next up for the interior: nav unit to ditch the shaker (just not sure which one yet)

 

that looks really good, but how long will it last?

its gonna get scratched up pretty easily wont it?

 

I am usually pretty careful, and it has lots of clear, so it should be easy to fix if it does scratch. Heck, it didn't take that long originally, so it won't take long to fix if something does happen.

 

can you post the steps you took to paint it

 

^^^^^^YEP YEP Plz

 

im alsoe debating on what deck to replace the shaker. im thinking the new pioneer nav or nav and go with the big 7in jvc. Much better screen and cleaner look.

 

Umm, sure, but painting is just painting.

Remove console (two screws in the back, pry up, lift out. Just be careful around the parking brake as you have to "tilt" the console to get around the bend in the handle).

Remove uprights (pull out towards rear of car)
Remove center stack (6 screws)
Take out HVAC controls (4 screws) and other "button pods" (press tabs and push forward, out the front)
Sand lightly (320 grit)
Clean
Primer -- 1 heavy or 2 coats
Sand until smooth (320 grit)
Clean
Black Paint (I used Duplicolor Brilliant Black) -- I did 3 coats
Clearcoat -- I did 4 coats
Sand until smooth (850 grit)
Sand until very smooth (2000 grit)
Polishing Compound to bring shine back (and, yes, it was all done by hand -- no DAs or anything)
Wax
Reassemble
Admire

I think it kind of "upscales" the interior.

 

I like it..... I saw a car on here a few months ago with it painted and thought it looked really good. Congrats.

 

Looks great. I've done my center stack since I took this pic. Really adds to the appearance of the interior I think!



-danny

 

the painted stacks look soooo good! but the look best in black

 

How hard was it to paint the inside of the cup holders, and not get it to drip?

 

Looks great.

 

I actually didn't worry too much about the cup holders as leaving them more matte was what I had in mind anyway. But, I started painted them first with light coats. Then, I focused on the upper surfaces.

I didn't even sand the cup holders smooth -- just left them they way they got painted.
(I know, not perfect, but I barely have any time with a 3 year old running around).

 

Did you go thru the same process with your switch covers?

 

Yes, though I didn't wax those as the IUP silver isn't quite as glossy.
I used Dupli-Color Import Silver and it matches quite well.

 

Looks awesome! I'm planning on doing the same with my car, and paint the door switch panels black as well.

 

Update: even though I have a black car, I wasn't quite prepared for the quick dust levels inside the car. It isn't a problem since I keep a dust cloth under the armrest in that clip, but it does require more upkeep than I anticipated (to keep it looking nice and pretty ).

I would't let that stop anyone from doing it if they really wanted to though -- just like I like having a black exterior even though it requires more upkeep.

 

Looks awesome! Very nice mod!

 

So no more complaints? If not i'm definitely pulling out my interior Friday

 

Nope. No complaints. Go for it.