DIY: Custom Interior Trim
 

This project was easy and only took a couple of days including dry-time. The first step was to remove the console. This is a pretty good copy of the maintenance manual;

http://rx8.no-ip.org/esicont/en/srvc...764271W01.html

This has some good pictures and helped me get started. After the first few pieces come off, the rest is relatively simple.

http://www.staticusers.net/rx-8/RX-8...n-iceLink.html

To remove the bezels around the air vents, just use a flathead to gently pry them off.
I sanded down all parts with 400 grit emery cloth, washed them all in soap and water, and then cleaned them with rubbing alcohol before laying down the base coats. I went with Sherwin-Williams line of auto paints and they worked well, especially for spray cans.
I put down about 3-4 light coats of color with about 15 minutes of dry-time for each. After letting them sit overnight, I hit all the pieces of trim with clear coat following the same procedure as I did for the color. Let the trim sit out for a few days afterwards or else you'll risk scratching the clear coat when reinstalling it (it stays soft for a while). Any questions, let me know.

I don't want to come across as hating, but I don't feel it even slightly.

interesting .. except the vent trims. I think it makes it too much. nice work either way.

I agree

You're right mysql. I probably need to tear the emblem off and paint the calipers red, then I would be getting somewhere.

Love the fact that you are trying to be original, but why do you get your panties in a bunch when everyone doesn't like it? I think you did a good job and the paint looks well done but the color just doesn't seem to blend in. Keep in mind these are just opinions on pictures you posted, so if you like it then that really is all that matters.

paint it black

i just did this with the center console peices too this week, cept i just used krylon, flat black and clear coat, and wetsanded everything down with 2000 grit sand paper, and then used paint polish and wax, now it just looks like flat black plastic, but at least all that bubbly cf tape that was on there is gone:dunno:

^lets see some pics man

touché :)

Ha, I know. Just joking around, but point taken. And yea, I thought of black, but its one of those things that you can't really visualize before you do it.

paint thinner?

i would have to pass on this one bro, I dont think that color suits the car....

i think its good but i think you maybe did too many things like the vents, shift knob, etc. but props for doing something unique!

edit: didnt see you had the chapparal door panels

I used your method to paint my trim black, I added some red trim vinyl on top of the piece, looks really nice.
:lol:

Sorry, but I have to join the clan. Not a fan of the color. And I think the shift knob is over the top. I honestly didn't even notice the A/C vents.

I like it. It's a very original idea that adds more flavor to the car. This is a great idea and I think I'll end up doing it as well.

I don't care for it, but that's just me. If your happy, I'm happy.

You painted the seats this way and it worked?

Thats a feminine color. Are you a chick?

I appreciate everyone taking the time to leave feedback. And no, I did not use this technique to paint the seats. The car came with cloth and I had the custom leather put in right after I purchased the car. However, this auto paint can be used on all carpets and fabrics, so if you have cloth seats then best of luck.