Today's Mod

[R3N]

Well, my speedo surrounds has been looking like this for a while:

http://users.on.net/~kuekwei/speedo.jpg

Was a dodgy and rushed job I did before (today's was no different :p ) but a bit of experimentation was in order as I plan to spray my centre console the same way. I finally got off my arse and got the supplies.

A day's work resulted in this:

http://members.iinet.net.au/~kuekwei/speedo.jpg

I will let the lacquer harden for a few days then start buffing and polishing it with cutting compound to give it a final smooth finish and more gloss.

Let me know what you think

[Bernard Siong]

which paint did u use as it actually came out chrome where most come out as a more matt finish..

btw i think it looks cool
very difffernt

[pred8r]

looks good





just so you know;
your pm box is full :D
and
F18/F18+ gearbox is in 2+Lt engines (if i read EPC correctly)

[low astra]

might be my screen playin up but isnt it gloss black???

[MatsHolden]

Yeh gloss black, it's just the light reflecting off the surface.

[EL BURITO]

Did you sand it down befor u started spraying ?

[Noir]

Very nice and neat :) I also picked up supplies today for my console also to be gloss black. I am interested to see the final result after the cut and polish.

[R3N]

might be my screen playin up but isnt it gloss black???

gloss black atm, soon to be piano black!

no idea what bernie is talking about but it is gloss black with heaps of clear coat over it, i angled it so that you could see the light reflection

[Lt Ketch]

should look really good once its finished and back in the car!

[Wraith]

Nice, Very Nice............

[imay]

Looks great! Looking forward to seeing graphic pix of the whole lot finished.
Don't forget to give us in-depth instructions when you have finished and have the desired effect.

[R3N]

Did you sand it down befor u started spraying ?

Sure did! Sanded down before I started spraying then in between coats to keep the smooth finish.

[R3N]

Looks great! Looking forward to seeing graphic pix of the whole lot finished.
Don't forget to give us in-depth instructions when you have finished and have the desired effect.

Will do! I just have to wait a few more days. I'll work on something else in the mean time

In the mean time I'm cruising around like this:

http://members.iinet.net.au/~kuekwei/dash.jpg

[PaulyJ]

Weight reduction... lol
It should look great once done.

[R3N]

Weight reduction... lol
It should look great once done.

Cept its a b*tch at night when the dash bulbs are shining into my eyes!

[PaulyJ]

Yeah i know how you feel. I had to drive like that with mine for a while when i was getting mine done.

[R3N]

Before:
http://members.iinet.net.au/~kuekwei/speedo/s1.jpg

Finished results:
http://members.iinet.net.au/~kuekwei/speedo/s2.jpg

http://members.iinet.net.au/~kuekwei/speedo/s3.jpg

http://members.iinet.net.au/~kuekwei/speedo/s4.jpg

http://members.iinet.net.au/~kuekwei/speedo/s5.jpg

http://members.iinet.net.au/~kuekwei/speedo/s6.jpg

http://members.iinet.net.au/~kuekwei/speedo/s7.jpg

So after allowing it 3 days to dry and harden, I set about buffing it. Mixed feelings on my final results as I did not know how to use cutting compound properly and I over did it around the corners/edges and had gone through the paint. Which could also be due to not enough paint coverage when spraying.

The finish is smooth enough but there are some areas where it is evident of imperfections, this is due to me rushing the prep. You can still see the original dimply effect.

Tips:
- Ensure sufficient paint coverage especially around corners
- Cutting compound is very abrasive, be careful around sharp edges
- Be patient when prepping the surface, do not take shortcuts!

I'm thinking about spraying my centre console next but am worried I will repeat the same mistakes. I will however take some precautions next time. Should I do it? Oh and let me know what you think :cool:

[Noir]

You have done a good job it looks good and very neat. How ever did you find the patience?

[imay]

I'm waiting to see pix of the whole lot (instrument cluster, centre console, side vents) all painted up, polished, installed, looking all spiffy . . . then, and only then, I'll say "Oh my god! That looks great. Wish I had done it to mine first!"

Well done, mate.

[platypus]

looks good - just a tip - clear coat rocks..

couple of coats of clear will deepen the gloss and also give you a longer life