Center console

[oldgold]

I purchased a used 2002 Boxster and I am considering replacing or resurfacing the center console because of rough patches and wear on the center console driver side.

How difficult is it to remove the console?

Has anyone purchased a stock console to replace a console?

Has anyone painted a console? How did you prepare the console for painting? Did you have issues with rough areas?

I'm considering purchasing the artic silver paint and applying that and a sealer to the console. I'd appreciate any advice or war stories on this.

[FrayAdjacent986]

Quite a few people have painted (or had painted) their center consoles. I know Bumperplugs will do a core exchange, or just paint your console and send it back to you. You could also have a paint shop do it, and probably end up with good results.

It's annoying that the coating stuff that Porsche puts on some of the plastic surfaces starts peeling after just a few years... A lot of my interior peices look bad... I plan on having the center console, the side trim of the dash panels and the door pocket covers painted... someday when I have the extra money for it!

[fab]

I followed these instructions.

Okay, for starters, this isn't something you can rush. And if you have no experience using spray paint, don't even attempt this. Last thing I want is a load of hate mail sent to me because someone screwed up there door cover lids. Read the paint instructions like you normally would when using any spary paint from a can. So here it goes.

1) Remove your lid covers(of course) you will need some needle nose plyers. There are 2 sets of steel rods on both sides that you will need to remove. Make sure not to loose them and the metal sleeves that they slide into. There are 4 sets of sleeves per door lid. Put them aside for later.

2) You will want to clean the lid covers as best as you can from any type of armor-all or cleaner/polishes you may have used on it in the past.

3) I used a wet sand paper 220/400. You will want to remove any access rubber-like paint that is still remaining. Keep sanding until it is all gone and then use a fine sand paper to make sure it is nice and smooth to the touch. Make sure to get all of the edges and smooth out the curved ones too.

4) Paint I used. (1) Can of Grey Primer – Kilz Crat-Cote (Brand Name) or any automotive sandable primer will work. 1) Can of SilverPaint - Dupli-Color(Brand Name) Vinyl & Fabric. 1) Can of Rust-Oleum(Brand Name) Crystal Clear Enamel Paint. All purchased at your local Walmart, except for Dupli-Color Silver Paint. I found it at Auto-Zone.

5) Spray 1 light coat of Grey primer down. I let mine dry for 1 hour before looking for any surface imperfections. If you see any, use your fine grade sand paper, I used 1000 sand paper to smooth it out. Repeat this step until you no longer see any surface imperfections thought the grey primer paint. I used 2-3 light coats of primer per lid.

6) You are now ready for your first shot of silver paint. I used several light thin coats of paint, instead of 1 or 2 heavy coats(again, use common sense) allowed for 1 hour drying time between coats. I used 3 coats of paint and make sure you get those curved edges.

7) Last, after letting it dry for 24hrs. you can apply the final clear glossy coat. Again, used several thin coats instead of 1 or 2 heavy coats of paint. This will keep the paint fron chipping/peeling off and it makes it look like that factory glossy finish. I used 3 thin coats. Let dry for another 24 hrs. before handling and installing.

8) Re-install the round metal sleeves into the holders of the lid and re-install them onto your door using one steel rod at a time. Then your done. Paint should cure in the next few days and should not be leaned on or used as an arm-rest. Hope this helps everyone!

Edited April 29, 2007 by Loren
Made instructions quoted text