I just got done painting my center console and steering wheel. Let me know what you think. Just in case you were wondering, I painted the spokes of my steering wheel with the Metalcast Duplicolor paint. It looks very cool in person, it's anodized blue.

 

I painted the cup holders gray to match my interior trim.

 

Here's the steering wheel...let me know what you think. I also painted the firebird symbol in the center cap with a paint that is supposed to give it a "chrome" look. It's shiny, but no where near chrome. It does look very good though.

 

Damn that's pretty nice. Can't wait for some pics installed.

 

Looks great!

How come you painted the center console? And how many cans of paint did you use?

Thanks,
-Shawn

 

The center console was originally gray. However, my interior is black with light gray trim. Since I couldn't find a black console, I decided to paint it. I only used one can, the other ones you see in the picture are for other projects. I have paint for the brake calipers, trim paint, clear coat, Metalcast blue anodizing paint, and other lubricants. I can't wait to get my interior put back in. Is it too overstated, or does it look good? What do you think about the gray cupholders? Cheesy?

 

I like the contrasting grey cupholders. It makes it look better IMHO because it keeps it from being all one color.

I got a 98+ 6 speed console that I'm going to paint is the reason I was asking about how many cans it took. I've got to clean and prep it first. Did you use the Duplicolor spray dye on the console?

 

This is how I painted it.

1. Remove the cigarette lighter and power outlet. Remove the console door. I went a step further and took the door apart and fixed the vinyl from separating from the door any further. I also painted the hinge Tahoe Blue Metallic, my other trim color. Wash the complete console with a mild detergent and water. Rinse thoroughly. Let it dry completely.
2. Don't forget to tape off anything you don't want painted. I painted my cupholders and the emergency brake rubber different colors than the console, so I taped all of that off. I also taped off the shift indicator.
3. I then used Bulldog Adhesion Promoter and sprayed three light coats. Do not spray heavy coats, because if it runs, you'll have to start all over again and quickly wash it off.
4. Spray the complete console down with several light coats of whatever color you choose. Again, do not spray heavy coats, it will run. I used the SEM color dye, I think it was Landau Black.
5. I then hand painted the cupholders with the gray trim paint.
6. Finally, I sprayed on the clear coat. I sprayed two light coats, then two full coats. Let it dry for a day or two, and voila...you're done.

My next project is to paint the t-top anchors with the same blue anodizing paint that I did my steering wheel with. Any questions, I'll be more than happy to help as much as I can.

 

hey, that's not a stock console is it? 4th gen maybe? how tough is it to take out/put back in?

 

The console is out of a 1997 Camaro Z28. I bought it for $50 at a junkyard locally. It's a simple bolt in project. I've already test fit it, and it fits perfectly.