Made a big diference to me! And it really does stand out when you see it in person. My point was that the pics don't really show it accurately, except for the parts that were originally black (gauge suround, e-brake trim, etc.), because everyone is used to seeing them black - the color change stands out in pictures on those pieces.

The e-brake trim wasn't too bad. My only issue was that I didn't want to paint it with the grain pattern - it would have been the only part on the interior that was silver but textured. Sanding it was a pain in the ***, is all - it took a decent amount of work, and parts of it probably have 10 coats of paint or more, becayse the silver really shows any scratches. So I sanded it, painted it, then said "holy **** that really sucks and looks horrible", and started sanding again. Each coat got better, because of the sanding and the paint building up and filling in the scratches. But it took a good long time to get it right - truth is, there are still a few very small scratches in it, but they are totaly unnoticeable - if they don't bother me, they must be like nothing, because I usually get nuts about stuff like that. If you feel like painting that part too - hey go for it! I would suggest sanding it, and using a high-build primer between sandings that will fill in the scratches - then you won't need a million coats of paint like I did. Feel free to post, PM, or email me if you need any tips on painting or getting certain parts out of the car.

BTW - thanks for checking out the vinyl hood thing for me - I'm looking forward to hearing what your buddy has to say. Hook me up, and I'll never bust your chops about stealing my pics again, I promise .

~HH

 

Wow - that might actually be sweet deal - unless I have to drive to Maine to do it.

Seriously - we can talk about a deal like this if you really think it's worth it. Keep me informed.

~HH

 

looks great hihoslva!! I really like the gauges. The reason I didn't use the SEM paint is because I wanted the exact color match. If you don't care about exact color match with your exterior or you have a silver, white or black car this is a great alternative. I sell SEM paint all day long at work. It is great and thats why its nearly $8 per can. My paint was automotive exterior paint. Its PPG's paint called CONCEPT or DCC. It has the clear in it and costs about $50/pt max plus you need an adhesive promoter. anyone should be able to paint with the sem if they have the patience. Hihoslva gave the best advise on painting with spray cans, give it a light dusting and don't worry about overspray. If you follow that advice you stuff will look great.

 

how'd you get your guage cluster out and apart?

 

looks good man! check mine out its under this thread. http://www.protegeclub.com/forum/sho...&threadid=9067

 

This might help:
http://www.protegeclub.com/forum/sho...hlight=indiglo

 

That helps

 

man thats tight as hell i am now looking into doing my trim in my car now i was going to but all the pieces already painted but now i am going to paint them, but now i have to look for some SEM bumper coater thanks and looks great

 

Can someone tell me how to remove the "champange" part around the radio and a/c controls. Also how do i get the part around my gear shifter off??? Sorry if these seem like dumb questions. But thanks ahead of time to anyone who replies...

 

Do you have a manual or an auto? On the manual, just give the cupholders a yank - the trim comes off. If it's an auto, do the same thing, but then it's a little bit of work to get the rest of the trim (the gear selector) off. Lemme know which tranny you have, and I can help if you need it.

For the radio trim, check this thread (The last post is mine, and I have some info on removing the door latch pulls, as well as the radio trim, along with pics of what you need to work on to get it off): http://www.protegeclub.com/forum/sho...&threadid=9608

Hope this helps.

~HH

 

I have a 5-speed...thanks for sending me the thread..

 

i thought you worked at chick-fil-a. i know they don't sell paint there so where do you work now?

 

ya man looks pretty good....great job..i love the dashboard!!

 

Love the paint job!! My center console under the shifter is getting scratched and this is a perfect way to fix it.

Question - with the gage surround painted silver, is there a reflection problem at night - or during the day?

 

Nah - no reflection problems.

I mean, maybe at just the right angle, there's a little relfection, but it's just about the same as the black when the sun would hit it the right way.

If it were chrome, that'd be a different story - but seriously, the paint is not even glossy (exactly what I was going for), so relfections are kept to a minimum.

~HH