I have seen some great pics of painted dash pieces, door ovals, bezels, downtubes. How durable is this and does anyone have recommendations on type of paint, how to prep, whether to clearcoat, etc. An alternative is to cover pieces with leather. Anyone have experience, pictures, recommendations for this?

 

To be honest, save yourself the time and just take it to a Body/Paint shop. I attempted to paint my dash myself twice, and the results were just not what I was expecting. I finally brought it to the body shop. I got the pieces back this week but have not had time to take pics yet. It looks great though! I will be sure to post them when I have them,

 

I've been wanting to have this done too.

Tell me...when you have all the pieces removed and take them to the body shop, can you still drive the car? Is there any safety reason why you shouldn't or couldn't?

I apologize in advance if this is a stupid question!

 

I drove my car with no door panels and no dash panels, and pretty much the rest of the interior out of the car with no issues. The only inconvience is cosmetic...oih and a slightly louder wind noise at high speeds. If you need help removing any of the interior bits, and have an 05+ model year, I'd be glad to help out with some instructions.


Still working on the pictures. Should have them by the end of tonight.

 

Thanks! Now I just need to save up for paint! My dad is a retired paint and body man and he told me how expensive paint and clearcoat is! But at least if he does it for me, the labor is free!

And I have an '03, so the dash is in more pieces I think. I can find directions somewhere, I'm sure.

Thanks!

 

Be careful with the dash on 02-04 since the passenger panel contains the airbag.
The 05+ have the airbag in the dash so you can do things much easier.

 

Tulsa, how much is the paint & clearcoat?

 

Here are the pictures: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...558#post957558


Purple Haze, for mine, the paint and clearcoat - according to the receipt - was $200 (of course, there was an additional labor charge). This $200 also included painting two aero skirts as well though.