Silver to Black dash panel swap

J

JetBlackZ

Member
 Chicago
I had an extra set of dash panels so I decided to paint them flat black. I may be in the minority here but I was never a fan of the brushed aluminum for this car. I still have the shift surround piece to do but I am going to wait until it is a bit nicer outside before I tackle that project. Overall, I am happy with how it came out. It may not be for everyone but for 10 bux and a little manual labor it was an inexpensive and easy project.I really noticed a difference at night . The dash almost seems like it disappears and all you see is the interior lights glowing.
Many people like flashy but I prefer subtle and simple.
Before
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After
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Closer view
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After
3270170319_8620e87205.jpg
 
The flat black looks outstanding! :thumbsup: And it addresses one of my few personal hitches with the interior... that the radio face and other black plastic elements really feel out of place. The contrast is just too much with the aluminum, I find. I'd like a matte black or dark grey stained wood, too.

I'm curious about the wear and tear on the painted panels... How did you seal and protect?

Again, though. Looks smashing.

Also, is that a bit of finish trim around your climate controls?
 
Not sure about the flat black, but I agree with you on the brushed aluminium, have you though about wrapping with carbon film/material?
 
To answer some of the questions I used many coats of primer and paint followed with carnuba wax to help seal the paint. I guess the only real way to know how it will hold up is time.
The finish trim around my climate controls, I never noticed it was different I take it this was not on all Z4's?
As far as doing it in carbon fiber I am still not convinced the 3M adhesive spray will hold up. I do have experience with it and the glue fails in hot weather causing bubbles and eventually falling off the panel. I do like the look but I am skeptical it will hold up. I have some more panels in my garage so I may give it a try with some other types of adhesive.
 
I think it looks good - th dash will be fine in terms of wear - unless you stroke it too much! You could of course leave the bit around the arm rest - I actually think it looks fine being different in the pics.
 
Hmm, I wonder if the aluminium bits could be anodized.... :evil:
Could keep the brushed finish but anodized black...
 
Herminator said:
Hmm, I wonder if the aluminium bits could be anodized.... :evil:
Could keep the brushed finish but anodized black...
Click to expand...

Cant see why not, I got a kitchen worktop jointing strip anodized a few years ago because a mitre joint wasnt possible and gloss black worktop it would have looked crap in plain aluminium, got a bodysop to clearcoat after.
 
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