My center console is suffering from the dreaded peeling that alot of C5's inherit....so, instead of replacing the big center piece, I'd like to paint it (and a few other pieces) torch red to match the car. I've seen a few forum members who have done this, and I was wondering how involved of a process this is? I imagine I could just sand it down real good, prime it and paint it? or is there something I should be careful of. Also, would it be easier to just take it to a paint/body shop and have them do it?

Also, if anyone has any pics of this painted torch red in a torch red car, I would appreciate it.

Thanks in advance,

REDEVIL

 

I just got back from the paint store and am going to give this a try as well. I bought some primer so that I can give the console a smooth finish.

Here are the steps as I understand them.
1. Wash and rinse the part.
2. Get a scotchbrite type pad and go over the piece.
3. Lay down two very light coats of primer (let flash between coats), then lay down a medium coat.
4. Let dry thoroughly. The guy at the paint store said to even wait overnight.
5. Sand the primer to get a smooth look.
6. Repeat 3-5 till you get the smooth look you are going for.
7. Switch to the paint - repeat step 3.
8. Switch to clear - repeat step 3, but you can probably lay down more clear.

Go to the auto paint store to get the paint, and talk to them about the application (including flash times) of the paint they sell you. The guys at my store are incredibly friendly and helpful. I messed up my underhood paint project pretty good adn they had good suggestions on how to fix it.

Hopefully some others will chime in with more specifics or correct any mistakes I might have above. I'm quite a novice at this, but I'm trying to learn.

Also, as I have seen others note - when you lay down the base color coat, it will not be as shiny as the paint on your car. It will look fairly dull. The shine and depth comes when you lay down the clearcoat. You can also polish, wet sand, and buff the clear (when it is dry) to really make it pop.

Good luck!
chris

 

Thanks for the info! I think I'll give it a shot.

 

I say let the body shop do it. Its cleaner (most of the time) I am sure you can get someone that wont charge you an arm and a leg. I love how mine turned out. Heres a pic of mine painted.

Jon

 

that's funny, reading your post the other day and seeing your car and interior pieces painted, got me thinking about doing mine.

 

I am on the phone with my painter now, if you want them to do it they will for around 250-300. Richey Collision is 281-893-6341 ask for Karen and as you can see they do an amazing job.
Jon

 

Thanks, man. This place is in FL right? I might give 'em a call. By the way, you have one bad a$$ ride there.

 

Nope, they are in Houston Texas. I am in Florida yes. That tells you how good they are. Just tell them I sent ya.. You wont be disappointed if you do. But DIY is always fun also and makes you feel better sometimes.
Jon