lbz

iTrader: (14)

With the center console completed, I moved on to the gauge cluster and then the steering wheel. Next week - the doors get done.

Procedure with pics to follow:

Zenica

That actually looks very nice. How durable is the finish? I ask because
the steering wheel is a high traffic area....

BTW, where are your cruise controls located?

harvin350z

looks clean..nice job

lbz

iTrader: (14)

This is a base model. No cruise control and no audio controls on the steering wheel.

Time will tell on the finish. I am wondering about that myself. If the steering wheel pieces become a mess, I know a professional interior guy up north Long Beach and will take them to him. Might be better to cover those with vinyl similar to what's already on the steering wheel.

I'm open to experimenting, the process for taking this stuff apart is surprisingly easy.

I used DupliColor adhesion promoter and DupliColor Vinyl and Fabric (flat black) after sanding with 800 and then 1500 grit sandpaper.

Zenica

I like it and now that you mention it, I would probably like the steering wheel pieces
wrapped in vinyl but I doubt it could be done on mine, the cruise button stick through and I don't see how you could wrap vinyl through the cut outs w/o affecting room for
the button. Let us know how it holds up to touching...the natural oils in human skin
can wear down paints or dye. Nice project tho...looks sharp.

cheshirecat79

iTrader: (9)

I think the (most of the time faux) aluminum accents in the Z do a lot for its style.

While I applaud people trying out new things, I think this just ends up making the interior different in a bad way... more bland.

avandss

iTrader: (1)

exactly what i was thinking... if you really had to do something with the steering wheel (had to) i would of wrapped it with the dry carbon fiber.. it seems to be the new thing to do and more and more ppl are doing it since its so easy to apply

but i would prob would of just replaced the stock aluminum parts with new ones instead of painting it black.

lbz

iTrader: (14)

Thanks for all the feedback. The silver pieces do add an element of style, for sure. I'm a bit of a minimalist and I felt they were ... waht's the right word... distratcting.. or, over done.

I considered the CF kit but that seemed a bit flashy...

Anyway, will post updates on finish as it holds up / comes apart.

Zenica

Carbon fiber is the one look I like the least.

it is like a Rihanna song, over played.

avandss

iTrader: (1)

im not a huge fan of carbon fiber in the car specially when its just for show and not actually useful,
but blacking out the steering wheel and the cluster is just dull. IF I HAD TO replace the aluminum parts or paint them... i would at least do something that looks somewhat nice and not dull

my .02

35oZephyR

iTrader: (4)

How did you remove those two panels on the steering wheel?

lbz

iTrader: (14)

Had to take the steering wheel off. It's actually pretty easy but you need a T30 tamper resistant Torx bit, a normal T40 Torx bit, phillips head #2 screwdriver and a 19mm socket to do it.

Here's where I found the info. I didnt need the entire posting, just the steering wheel removal part. Actually, you can go to step 8 on the procedure linked below, flop the steering wheel over, pull the rear cowling off and that should expose the remaining screws (1 for each piece) that are holding those trim pieces in.

https://my350z.com/forum/body-interi...t-install.html

Mr.

iTrader: (3)

How did you remove the gauge cluster bezel? I've been wondering how to do that for awhile.

Zenica

I am not that adventurous to remove my steering wheel, risk of air bag deployment is all the dissuading I need. How did you ensure the air bag stayed inactive?

lbz

iTrader: (14)

I was concerned as well until I got into the procedure. Battery leads off was one step. Only two screws holding it in made for easy removal, once the two leads were off the back, no way to fire unless dropped. I just worked slowly and carefully when handling. I put it on the P side floor while doing the rest of the work so it had no where to fall.

When I went to start the car after I was done, was funny, I put my seat back all the way back.. was afraid it still might fire for some reason.

Zenica

LOL!

I would have sat in the pass seat! (I have an auto)

I read somewhere at one time that the simple act of disconnecting/reconnecting a power source can trigger airbag deployment.

The article said something about the wires/connectors for the air bag circuit and not anything as simple as the battery. It said air bags have some type of battery backup to trigger deployment if the triggered event severs the primary voltage source.

35oZephyR

iTrader: (4)

Whoah brave man...

Thanks for the info. I thought it would have been a "unscrew then pop" procedure. I'll keep the link for future reference.

Waiz

iTrader: (57)

Very original.

Nice job.

lbz

iTrader: (14)

To get the gauge cluster off you have to take out 4 screws from under the steering column. One of the screws is sort of hidden by the steering wheel height adjust lever.

take those 4 screws out and work the underside of the steering area cover off.

Then you will see there are 4 10mm bolts up in there. Take all 4 out.

You can now lift the cluster and unclip the signal cable from the back.

After that, pop the rear cover off, no screws holding it in.

From there I just carefully took the cluster casing halves (upper and lower) off and the bezel came right off, I had to give it a bit of a tug as there was a very small amount of adhesive.

I'm about 1/3 of the way through the procedure, covers the lower console, upper console, gauge cluster and steering wheel. Once done I will post.

alan86

iTrader: (17)

nice work