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Read the WELCOME ALL BMWFANATICS post.
Plasti dip repair : Z3 Dash
- Thread starter jaxx
- Start date
Wow, thread back from the dead 
)
Someone previously asked for an update on how the plastidip has held up, so here is my feedback after six months: The coating looks as it did when I first applied it (granted, my car does not park in direct sunlight much either). No issues of peeling or discoloration. The only negative comment (if I really have to give one) would be that it attracts dust somewhat - but not a major issue as it wipes off easily.
Infact, I was so satsified with the pastidip, that I decided to use it once more.
Managed to get a hold of an aftermarket armrest for the Z3... it is basically an upholstered piece with a hinge, intended to be attached to the OEM cup holder. The problem was sourcing the cup holder locally -seemed to cost an arm and a leg. So, I decided to try and fabricate an alternative out of wood (yes, wood ). :fencelook:
This is what I came up with :
And it is intended to go here, with the arm rest (can be seen on the seat) attached to it :
Next up was a coating of plastidip, to help it blend in. I applied it directly to un-primered wood, and as before applied about 8 or so very thin layers, allowing 30min in between for drying. This was the result :
I must say that once again Im pretty impressed with the strength of the coating. It wouldnt peel with my fingernail, no matter how hard i tried.
This is with the arm rest attached :
Once properly dry, I installed it directly into the car and these are the results:
The mount was fixed without any drilling, or fasteners. The rubber coating provided enough grip to stop the mount moving too much. The ashtray was installed in such a way as to wedge the mount in place, so that it cant be pulled out unintentionally, and the result was firm installation that doesn't move or rattle when in motion.
Overall, Im very happy with the result. Its by no means perfect, but does not look out of place either.
In hindsight, probably should have spent a little more time sanding the wood and applied a filler, to get it completely smooth, as Im not completely happy with the rough finish. The pics above was taken with flash, hence the discoloration. But I can assure you that the arm rest matches pretty well with the rest of the interior.
)Someone previously asked for an update on how the plastidip has held up, so here is my feedback after six months: The coating looks as it did when I first applied it (granted, my car does not park in direct sunlight much either). No issues of peeling or discoloration. The only negative comment (if I really have to give one) would be that it attracts dust somewhat - but not a major issue as it wipes off easily.
Infact, I was so satsified with the pastidip, that I decided to use it once more.
Managed to get a hold of an aftermarket armrest for the Z3... it is basically an upholstered piece with a hinge, intended to be attached to the OEM cup holder. The problem was sourcing the cup holder locally -seemed to cost an arm and a leg. So, I decided to try and fabricate an alternative out of wood (yes, wood ). :fencelook:
This is what I came up with :
And it is intended to go here, with the arm rest (can be seen on the seat) attached to it :
Next up was a coating of plastidip, to help it blend in. I applied it directly to un-primered wood, and as before applied about 8 or so very thin layers, allowing 30min in between for drying. This was the result :
I must say that once again Im pretty impressed with the strength of the coating. It wouldnt peel with my fingernail, no matter how hard i tried.
This is with the arm rest attached :
Once properly dry, I installed it directly into the car and these are the results:
The mount was fixed without any drilling, or fasteners. The rubber coating provided enough grip to stop the mount moving too much. The ashtray was installed in such a way as to wedge the mount in place, so that it cant be pulled out unintentionally, and the result was firm installation that doesn't move or rattle when in motion.
Overall, Im very happy with the result. Its by no means perfect, but does not look out of place either.
In hindsight, probably should have spent a little more time sanding the wood and applied a filler, to get it completely smooth, as Im not completely happy with the rough finish. The pics above was taken with flash, hence the discoloration. But I can assure you that the arm rest matches pretty well with the rest of the interior.
Update :
Finally got round to mounting my rear lip spoiler. Wasn't 100% sure when I first test fitted, but after final mounting I couldn't be happier :lol:
The lip enhances the look of the rear while still keeping the OEM look. Feel the rear looks more modern now...
Next up was the stereo :
I love the look of the BMW Professional RDS HU and would loved to have kept it, but the 6 disc CD changer just didn't cut it anymore. I researched various options to add MP3 support, but in the end it was easier (and cheaper) to simply replace the HU.
I settled on the Pioner DEH-5450SD. The main draw card was the 256k color support and dot matrix LCD. This model supports SD in addition to USB, which is a bonus.
Replacing the OEM HU was one of those decisions that took me a while to make, but in the end was a no-brainer.
Finally, a PIC from our little BF run last weekend :
Finally got round to mounting my rear lip spoiler. Wasn't 100% sure when I first test fitted, but after final mounting I couldn't be happier :lol:
The lip enhances the look of the rear while still keeping the OEM look. Feel the rear looks more modern now...
Next up was the stereo :
I love the look of the BMW Professional RDS HU and would loved to have kept it, but the 6 disc CD changer just didn't cut it anymore. I researched various options to add MP3 support, but in the end it was easier (and cheaper) to simply replace the HU.
I settled on the Pioner DEH-5450SD. The main draw card was the 256k color support and dot matrix LCD. This model supports SD in addition to USB, which is a bonus.
Replacing the OEM HU was one of those decisions that took me a while to make, but in the end was a no-brainer.
Finally, a PIC from our little BF run last weekend :
Audio upgrade complete:
http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=46916
Had some time to let the new audio system sink in since I posted the above, and I think Im now happy with the results.
The most noticeable difference has been with the top down - even at 120km/h the music is clear and audible, but the biggest improvement for me is the bass. The low tones can be heard and felt in the cabin with the top down - which has a significantly enhanced the listening experience.
Will upload pics in better lighting conditions soon.
Final Verdict : Its a keeper.
http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=46916
Had some time to let the new audio system sink in since I posted the above, and I think Im now happy with the results.
The most noticeable difference has been with the top down - even at 120km/h the music is clear and audible, but the biggest improvement for me is the bass. The low tones can be heard and felt in the cabin with the top down - which has a significantly enhanced the listening experience.
Will upload pics in better lighting conditions soon.
Final Verdict : Its a keeper.
Sweet looking dash and armrest job there guys!:thumbs:
I went to KEHLs upholstery in Maitland, Cape Town and got some fabric back vinyl to match the original leather that shrinks from UV exposure for my airbag cover and cluster hood. The salesman was helpful and explained that the leather shrinks with age and wasnt well thought out my BMW and also supplied me a spraycan contact adhesive. Total for half a meter vinyl and contact adhesive along with some glue solvent to remove the old glue was like 200 bucks.
I got an automotive upholster to do the job for me, charged me R300 for the job, I was very happy with the results.
BTW jaxx; which armrest did you use? Looks the the E46 armrest...
I went to KEHLs upholstery in Maitland, Cape Town and got some fabric back vinyl to match the original leather that shrinks from UV exposure for my airbag cover and cluster hood. The salesman was helpful and explained that the leather shrinks with age and wasnt well thought out my BMW and also supplied me a spraycan contact adhesive. Total for half a meter vinyl and contact adhesive along with some glue solvent to remove the old glue was like 200 bucks.
I got an automotive upholster to do the job for me, charged me R300 for the job, I was very happy with the results.
BTW jaxx; which armrest did you use? Looks the the E46 armrest...
