Fixed my center console w/ spray on rubberized paint.

[my_01_S4]

I bought my S4 used and it came with what I believe is a fairly common problem... the center console shifter surround which is normally covered with rubberized paint was chipping pretty badly. I read how you can remove it, remove the paint and repaint it pretty easily.

Removal was easy enough.
1) Unscrew the shifter knob.
2) Remove the shifter surround/panel: Simply pull up from the back of the panel through the shifter hole. Once the rear of the panel comes up, pull it towards you to free up the front of the panel and that's it.

Mine had a pretty ratty finish. I used my thumbnail to remove most of the old rubberized paint from the panel. I then used 600 grit sand paper (available at most auto parts stores) to sand off the residual rubberized paint and ensure the panel was smooth.

I then used soap and water to remove any dirt from the panel. I was careful after rinsing it to ensure I didn't touch the "upper" exposed side so that I didnt get any body oils on it which could stop the paint from sticking properly.

I then donned latex gloves and used basic 3M blue painters tape around the shifter hole. I also taped a "handle' to make it easier to hold it when wet.


I then proceeded to apply 4 light coats of Performix Plasti Dip black rubberized spray paint ($8 at a local hardware store or check out www.plastidip.com).

I then let it dry overnight starting with an hour under a pair of 500W halogen work lights.
Here's a pic of the results.

[Dowskeet]

How does the color compare to stock. Looks like some good results. Congrats for some quality diy fixes.


Cheers

[Jung]

mine was like that and it was all sticky and nasty, so i ordered up some paint and painted it the same color as the car. 3 coats of primer and wetsanding with 2000 grit, the then 3 coats of paint, and 2 of clearcoat.
came out pretty well

[Matt@JHM]

Nice, I might try that this weekend. Thanks

[my_01_S4]

mine was like that and it was all sticky and nasty, so i ordered up some paint and painted it the same color as the car. 3 coats of primer and wetsanding with 2000 grit, the then 3 coats of paint, and 2 of clearcoat.
came out pretty well.

I've seen yours on one of the threads on this fix before. Nice job. Mine's N.Blue so I decided against any kind of paint match even though the interior has the same trim as yours.

Nice, I might try that this weekend. Thanks

If you use normal paint, you will need to make sure your prep work is done right. If you don't it will look like garbage. I'm sure jungb5s4 can enlighten you here.

I used the rubberized paint because it looks like the original paint and since it's textured the prep work isn't as critical.

[Jung]

The first time I did this (last november) I did shit prep work. I had shitty spray paint and clearcoat. I took out the shift surround and took all hte rubber shit off of it with some abrasive sponge. I got most of it combined with some acetyl alcohol, but not all of it, forgot to sand, and didnt prime. You gotta do the sanding and priming with wetsanding to get that smooth finish, along with some good spray techniques.
It turned out alrite, but ended up chipping off when i dropped my ipod on it.
That and i didnt listen to the instructions not to spray below like 50 degrees (it was 26 in my garage).
I redid it better (color matching paint/clear/primer) and did the proper sanding/ prep work. and it turned out very well. feels as smooth and nice as the paint on the bumpers.
i dislike rubber surfaces, they tend to get really sticky (i hate sticky shit) if you get like a soft drink on them (moreso than regular paint)
it is a great and easy thing to do on a saturday morning/ afternoon. sit down with a couple drinks and do it. gives the car a nicer aura IMO

[Trigger Happy]

OK I'm raising this thread from the dead because I'm doing this. I'm trying to remove the silver accent piece that runs along the base of the shift boot. I see that its just held in be the tabs, but don't want to break them as they seem very fragile. Is there a trick to getting them off? Is there a good way to paint the console without taking it off?

EDIT: Ok so the tabs look like they are fragile plastic, but are flexible metal. Problem fixed! Just gotta slowly straighten them out.