Looking to replace console trim...

Joined
27 June 2003
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4,618
Ok so all the finish on my console trim and door trim pieces are peeling really bad now... I know there are a few options of refinishing it myself but I dont trust that I can do it properly. I just called my local Acura dealership to get prices and he said $860 for the center console trim (not including the piece around the upper vents) and $504 for each door trim piece.

that's $1,868 total in parts! I would rather spend $2k on headers than on some thin pieces of plastic!

Now my questions:

Are there any cheaper methods of replacing these pieces?

I don't want any CF (unless I paint it) and I want to maintain the stock layouts. I know there is a stereo delete panel but like I said I want to keep these parts. The searches I've done on this board have come up with threads on how to refinish the pieces but again, I don't trust myself with these fragile pieces of plastic.

Also, does the later model NSX's come with the lighter color silver console trim pieces? Or is that custom?

Pls help!! Thanks in advance...
 
You could probably take it to a reputable shop and have them paint it for you.
 
I think an experienced painter could probably do a pretty good job. This is one tries to match the '02+ interior color, it's the only picture:

1427605326.jpg
 
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I think an experienced painter could probably do a pretty good job. This is one tries to match the '02+ interior color, it's the only picture:

1427605326.jpg

hmm pic isnt working
 
I bought my nsx with the interior already painted to match the body color.

Picture_0111.jpg
 
im very nervous about cracking it if i were to take the pieces off myself though..... :frown:
 
im very nervous about cracking it if i were to take the pieces off myself though..... :frown:

There are DIY write-ups for removing these. Just take your time. You probably have to be more careful putting them back in.
 
The pieces can be refinished. A really nice refinishing option is these folks at Patterntek http://www.patterntek.com/

However, the biggest problem is getting the electroplate (foil) off of the plastic. I researched into chemically stripping it a while back and I think a chrome shop can actually dip it in some acids (maybe nitric) to strip it down to bare plastic. Otherwise, what you have to do is peel the foil off and that is a very tedious job. It takes a LONG time to completely strip it and it's very easy to gouge and nick the plastic underneath. If you do not strip the foil, then you could be in for more work later as any section of the foil can bubble up later.

I think Patterntek will not take it unless it's down to the bare plastic and it needs to be smooth. One very important step after you paint or refinish it is to make sure on that vent trim that you put some felt liner at the bottom of it where it meets the stereo trim. The reason is that the vent trim will dig into the stereo trim and scratch it up. I just saw this week in the hobby and crafts section at Walmart these 12x12 sheets of self-adhesive, thin felt which are perfect for the job. Otherwise, I used the loop side of velcro to line mine.
 
I have been through two center consoles trying to get it right. It is an insanely tedious project to get to the plastic core. unless you use highest quality (super expensive) paints and coatings it will turn out average at best. I also tried rapping it in tan leather to match my seats (similar to some euro cars). The adhesives would not keep it tight. I currently slapped on a carbon fiber overlay (sticker). This somehow looks better than the cheap plastic console that comes standard.
If you are seriously planning on spending $1600 go to this thread dor some ideas. I am saving my money to go with this setup:
http://www.nsxprime.com/forums/showthread.php?t=90576

PS here are pics of my current rice setup (i actually get many compliments on it:confused: ):
 

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This is an interesting and timely thread, because I am just days away from dealing with the bubbling paint issue myself. Thanks to the detailed posts from the past by such members as Malibu Rapper et. al., I think I can do this myself. The good news is that I'm a pretty handy guy, the bad news is I'm a total virgin when it comes to central console/door switchplate removal. I guess, like many other anal owners, I have virtually committed to memory all of the steps and pitfalls outlined by others during the process. Anyone who tackles this might want to read up about window regulators. Then, while inside the door, you can see if the so-called "thingies" have been installed, thus gaining peace of mind that you have avoided a potential expensive breakage. At the very least you could lube up your valuable moving parts.
So it looks like I'm in the same boat as a lot of you, and I'm about to take the plunge. I'll be sure to warn you if I wind up cryin' for my mama.
 
I think an experienced painter could probably do a pretty good job. This is one tries to match the '02+ interior color, it's the only picture:

DSC_0100.jpg


DSC_0133.jpg

Somehow it works sometimes, I dont get it.
 
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Somehow it works sometimes, I dont get it.

366-1_000493-5.jpg


This is exactly what I want! Except of course it being LHD instead of RHD... anyone know where I can get these parts in LHD??? :eek: :eek: :eek:
 
I think an experienced painter could probably do a pretty good job. This is one tries to match the '02+ interior color, it's the only picture:

1427605326.jpg

Who's car is this? I want to know b/c I want my console to be the same color... see above post :) THX
 
Ok so all the finish on my console trim and door trim pieces are peeling really bad now... I know there are a few options of refinishing it myself but I dont trust that I can do it properly. I just called my local Acura dealership to get prices and he said $860 for the center console trim (not including the piece around the upper vents) and $504 for each door trim piece.

that's $1,868 total in parts! I would rather spend $2k on headers than on some thin pieces of plastic!

Now my questions:

Are there any cheaper methods of replacing these pieces?

I don't want any CF (unless I paint it) and I want to maintain the stock layouts. I know there is a stereo delete panel but like I said I want to keep these parts. The searches I've done on this board have come up with threads on how to refinish the pieces but again, I don't trust myself with these fragile pieces of plastic.

Also, does the later model NSX's come with the lighter color silver console trim pieces? Or is that custom?

Pls help!! Thanks in advance...

I bought my center piece trim for less than 400 bucks at south coast acura. I even bought the Zanardi edition because I like the titanium color. Call them up, if you need some one to get them for you, let me know.

If you like the color of the Type R, it is same as the 02 spec cars.
 
I bought my center piece trim for less than 400 bucks at south coast acura. I even bought the Zanardi edition because I like the titanium color. Call them up, if you need some one to get them for you, let me know.

If you like the color of the Type R, it is same as the 02 spec cars.

omg i would be your best friend! $400 is better than even the stock prices for the OEM Color? whats going on here?

EDIT:I also want to replace the knobs on the stereo and AC with the silver color knobs... would they have those too? how much? thanks!
 
omg i would be your best friend! $400 is better than even the stock prices for the OEM Color? whats going on here?

EDIT:I also want to replace the knobs on the stereo and AC with the silver color knobs... would they have those too? how much? thanks!

You can buy the knobs too, I don't know the parts number, but just ask for parts from 02 cars.

Call them, they give huge discounts, just tell them you're in the NSXPrime, NSX club.
 
i searched Delray Acura (acuraoemparts.com), prices for the center console trim change a lot from 2001 to 2002, prices are $575.90 and $366.14 ($723.47 and 459.96 list) respectively. Color for 2001 is "black plating" and for 2002 "bright brown"

AC
 
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Prices for the door switch trim panels drop a bunch too--from $348 to $208--and the color also changes from black to "bright brown". Did Acura change the window/mirror/door lock switch configuration for 2002-and-up, or will these also work in pre-2002 NSXs?
 
Are there any cheaper methods of replacing these pieces?

There IS a much less expensive way of "remodeling" these pieces. Ever consider a dash trim kit? They are available in carbon fiber, wood grain, and metallic finishes. My black on black car is a little monotone and my interior trim was showing some wear, so I decided to install a woodgrain dash kit to improve the interior.

I selected the kit from Bene-Vento in "Black Burlwood", but based on your signature, you may prefer something "sportier", maybe one of the metallic finishes. Check out Bene-Vento online. (Scroll down the page about halfway to find the NSX (BVWR-1020) kit.) Also, be sure to click on the color chart link near the top of the page to open the color chart in a new window. There are over forty available finishes, including many woodgrain finishes, several carbon fiber finishes, chrome, brushed aluminum, and brushed stainless finishes, as well as a couple of "other" finishes. Most of them are way too wild but a few of them are pretty nice.

I test-fit the pieces and looked long and hard at the result before I committed to installing them, but ultimately I like it and find it brightens up the interior just a little and almost completely covers up the oem trim wrap which is staring to bubble, peel, and flake. As you can see in the pictures below the coverage is pretty thorough so the improvement is pretty substantial. The kit really freshens up the look of the interior. Note that you can install the pieces you want and leave off the pieces you don't.
 

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There IS a much less expensive way of "remodeling" these pieces. Ever consider a dash trim kit? They are available in carbon fiber, wood grain, and maybe (not sure) brushed aluminum. My black on black car is a little monotone and my interior trim was showing some wear, so I decided to install a woodgrain dash kit to improve the interior.

I selected the BVWR-1020 kit from Bene-Vento in "Black Burlwood". This kit combines black with wood swirl, and has a has a high-gloss, lacquered-look finish. Overall, I think it is very sharp. You may prefer carbon fiber or brushed aluminum kits. Search Bene-Vento dash kits online to find out what finishes are available. Maybe you could even contact them and get them to cut a kit (they used computerized cutting so they already have the correct pattern stored in the computer) in the finish of your choice?

I test-fit the pieces and looked long and hard at the result before I committed to installing them, but ultimately I like it and find it will brightens up the interior just a little and covers up the oem trim wrap which is staring to bubble, peel, and flake. As you can see in the pictures below the kit almost completely covers your old trim pieces, so the improvement is pretty substantial. The kit really freshens up the look of the interior. Note that you can install the pieces you want and leave off the pieces you don't.

Do you have any pics of the center console? This is interesting... but i'd be concerned with the quality of these stick on pieces though... how are these things are installed?
 
Have a look at this thread. I have added some center console pics. Note that the top pictures aren't actual pictures, they are photoshopped to look like they have wood trim. They look kind of dull compared to the real thing.

I don't think the kits are as good as new replacement trim. But I do think they are better than repainting the old trim in most cases. Many of the repaints I have seen leave a lot to be desired.

The kits come with a peel-off backing, and there is adhesive (glue) underneath that. You clean your original trim pieces with alcohol and then apply the kit. Everyone seems to worry a lot about the kits coming unglued, but they use a commercial grade of adhesive that sticks pretty well. What if a piece was to still come loose? I just don't see this as being a huge problem - if a piece was to come loose, just reglue it. It wouldn't be a big deal. Also, people seem to think that it would be better to scrape all the old foil off the trim pieces before installing the kits. At first blush it seems like that would be better, but in point of fact I think it is asking for trouble by making a mess of your old trim pieces. Better to clean your trim pieces with alcohol then apply the kit like it is.
 
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Do you have any pics of the center console? This is interesting... but i'd be concerned with the quality of these stick on pieces though... how are these things are installed?

I got the cf kit from Science of Speed one year ago. The cf looks and fits great on the door switches and around the gauges behind the steering wheel. However, the center console looked like it was stick on. I ripped and off and painted the center console many times before getting the desired look. I found a gloss black enamel looked the best over anything I have done. Here are pics of the old cf look when i had it on the center consol. I still have the cf stickers on the door and gauges and it still looks great.
Got to this thread to see the pics. Much has happened with this subject since the thread was started so read up on the threads about cf consoles.
http://www.nsxprime.com/forums/showthread.php?t=87135
 
As some may know I have covered my console with a leather wrap, carbon fiber "sticker", and painted it three times (silver, metallic coating, and black gloss enamel). I just finished the black enamel and like it much better than the factory plastic look. The area around the door switches and gauges behind steering wheel still have the cf since it fits and looks great. Here are pics to help:
 

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