The center console on my '04 has a lot of noticeable scratches so I've been reading the threads on how to repaint everything.

Is there any reason not to just remove the stock paint (and that gray primer that makes scratches super noticeable)? I ended up using a bunch of alcohol wipes and a lot of elbow grease to remove all the paint on my cubby lid. Now it's just the plain black plastic and looks brand new.

 

Better prep will yield a better result. Maybe try soaking it for a bit before all the rubbing? You could buy some Isopropryl alcohol in bottles and lay some soaked rags on the surface of the piece. Cover it with some plastic wrap to keep the alcohol from evaporating quickly and soak it overnight. Just an idea, but if alcohol is a weak solvent for the paint, your task will be much easier.

BTW, the 70% alcohol will evaporate slower than the 91% and might work better. Also, be very aware of the fire hazard involved and do this outside,

 

haha ya i'm sure there's an easier way to get the paint off. I work medical so I just happened to have tons of alcohol wipes lying around. It just seems like it'd be way easier to remove the crappy stock paint/primer and call it a day than repainting and everything.

 

Be careful not to use anything too hard to scrape it off. The plastic will probably be quite soft too.

 

I have the same problem, has anyone used the dash trim kits? They are pricey but don't have to deal with stripping it all down. Also anyone wrap it with vinyl, leather or pleather?

 

There are quite a few thread on wrapped dash pieces. Use the site search function, or google.

 

Thanks

 

I just removed the center console, sprayed it with flat black krylon spray paint. no prep, no cleaning other than a wipedown to remove any oils. You cannot tell what has been sprayed and what has not. It took all of 15 minutes.