Good afternoon, not too long ago I picked up my first Z. It's a 2005 base model Z. Some of the interior ping pong textured pieces were scratched. I found the surrounding plastic piece around the shift **** on Craigslist, but it seems it doesn't match the same color as the other plastic pieces. It's more of a silverish gray color. I was wondering if the guy I bought it from just painted it that color, or was that the true color from the 2003 models. If it is from the 2003 model, where would I buy the other pieces, such as the cubby, and the plastic around the head unit/top gauges. I appreciate you all taking the time to read this! 😁

 

Post pics so we can say for sure!
Some interior parts changed after the facelift in 2006 but not sure if it involved color scheme changing...
BTW - if you want some not scratched interior parts you should buy them new or just refinish them - you can find many very decent looking projects from the members of my350z.
Anyways - welcome on board)))

 

It was painted, they're always the same even in frost interiors.

 

Welcome! As the owner of an '03 track model that has swapped over to an '06 interior, I can confirm a slight color change in the charcoal interior. Nissan gave the Z33 a mid-model upgrade in '06 and the color of the IP became slightly darker. Be aware that the waterfall IP, shifter boot and surrounding tranny panels might fit differently than the ones on your earlier model.

Where to buy replacement panels, like the cubby? I'd suggest looking on the interior classifieds here, or check Ebay. Just be aware these pieces are pretty big and you'll be paying quite a bit for shipping. Otherwise, scour your local Craigslist and salvage yards for Zs being parted out...

 

Are you certain? I've never seen a cubby "silverish" out of the factory.

 

It looks silverish gray in person.

 

They made minor production differences, one example would be the piece you bought. Navi cabinet door was improved, another is the "Brembo" casting found on early 350z calipers but not the later newer models. I have a 2005 and mine has that slight sheen in the plastic as well.

 

Honestly I like the silverish gray piece better. It's colored with a higher quality paint than my 2005 350z. The black paint on my other pieces comes off easily, but the grayish piece keeps its color.

 

I believe it's because the gray is paint and the black is a rubber coating

 

Lol mine is also a bit "silver"

 

LOL you have the piece I need and I have the piece you need.... rip

 

I smell a trade

 

Honestly, you're better off just repainting everything to match. The factory paint on those pieces and the door controls is horrible . It chips away with regular usage. Swapping pieces is just delaying the inevitable.

 

The situation isn't that bad when you know that you have to be careful wih these areas...
I've changed my cubby boor about 2 years ago with the new one and since then it remains in perfect condition - knock on wood)))

 

I agree with this. The door handle with controls are terrible, but the ping pong on the waterfall is not as bad. If you take care of it , can look the same after a decade.

 

Best advise for long lasting interior: don't forget to trim your nails)))

 

Well I can tell the paint from the 2003 pieces is much better. It doesn't come off from a nail scratch. I was forced to repaint the door control part.