Hi All,

Here's the latest & greatest. As I mentioned I scraped the "felt" liner idea. I couldn't get clean enough cuts. So, I went back to the hobby store and found foam sheets. I could get them in various colors and sizes. I went ahead and got the grey. And at 79 cents - you can't beat that! And it's great for school projects!





The victim


This stuff is so easy to cut whether it be scissors or an X-Acto


Sample cuts - look at the high gloss shine on the lid


I got the basic shape of the lid by pressing the foam into the edges. The foam retained the shape and then I began to cut away the material until I got a nice snug fit


Nice smooth cut


First piece down...


Be back soon

[This message has been edited by Sofa King (edited 01-30-2010).]

Another quick update...

I was able to cut the foam for back back portion of the main console. This stuff is great! You can write on with pencil, fold it to find the creases, and strech it (just a little bit)

I pressed the foam into the console and then cut the basic shape. I then pressed the edges down to find the folds that go into the upper portion of the console


I have not adhered the foam yet so it's not exactly flat against the console


I then cut another piece to fit the lower portion of console where the lid "lift" is. Again, I used a pencil and pressed the to foam against the console to find the edges


TaDa!!!! If these turn out not to be perfect I can recut the foam using another piece. And at 79 cents... pfffffft. I can make LOTS of mistakes.


I'm debating whether to do the edges or not.

That's it for now. The weather is still bad out so I cant do any fiberglassing and it's really cold. I'm going to wet sand the lid and then get another layer of clear gloss. More pics coming. Can you feel the end coming? I can! But I still need to find vents for the side of the console. I thought I had found some. But NOOOOOOOOO... LOL

Quick Note: Looking at this console... I know there is nothing I can "realisitically" put into the glove box but it nice to finish off and make it look clean. I can create a little pocket similar to the stock unit - but why? Is it necessary? Afterall, this was my first attempt at fiberglassing and everything else involved. More attention will be put into Console Part II to include the armrest.

Ok... there's my disclaimer. LOL

[This message has been edited by Sofa King (edited 01-30-2010).]

Update:

I wet sanded the lid and gave it another coat of high gloss clear.

I also took the two pieces of foam I cut for the console and decided to create one piece instead. I just placed them end to end and then traced along the edges. You can see the pencil line near the bottom - I'm too thrilled about that and I might cut a new piece.

[This message has been edited by Sofa King (edited 01-30-2010).]

Updates:

The painting of the lid is finished! However, I forgot to spray the inside of the lid black. No big deal. I'll mask off the outside and spray a quick layer and then lay the foam and then finally adhere the Pontiac Logo! So, the bulk of the work is finished. The lid will be done tomorrow. VERY COOL.

I spent the last hour wet sanding, polishing and the applying a nice layer of wax to the lid. I'm thrilled with the results.

Wet sanded


After Polishing


Final coat of Wax

[This message has been edited by Sofa King (edited 01-30-2010).]

Small Update

I masked off the lid this morning. I made sure to press down the tape along the edges so the black spray would not bleed over onto the white. It's not really a big deal if it does, I can always polish the paint off - that's why I waxed it. The wax creates a small barrier between the black spray paint and the clear coat on the lid. I then shot a quick layer of flat black paint. It should be ready to accept the foam and Pontiac Logo with I get back.

Masked off


Shot of black


That's it for now

[This message has been edited by Sofa King (edited 01-31-2010).]

Updates:

As you many of you know I have been planning to use the "Lunitec" Spray texture paint system from Germany. I think thats going to change. I took a long look at the interior and unfortunately there are no textures, other than the actual vinyl, in the car that simulate either leather or vinyl. The texture is in fact a wrinkle pattern. You can see the wrinkle pattern on the aftermarket parts I received from the Fiero Store - the cubby (sits in front of the radio) and the shifter surround. However, it is also visible on the dash, pillars, and any other plastic part of the interior.

Parts


Close up of texture


Another


While this might seem like a set back... it's not. I love the look and possibilities of the Lunitec paint system but it would seem silly to have several competing textures throughout the interior. As you know I'm trying to achieve a stock look and feel throughout the car - plus I would be saving a couple hundred dollars. So, I did a little research and found the VHT Wrinkle Paint. It's used primarily for engines but several people have used this product for their interiors with complete success! It sprays glossy but a shot of flat clear coat would take care of that and add extra protection from wear & tear.

Paint


To say I'm nervous using this paint is an UNDERSTATEMENT! I've spent a lot of time on this console... the last thing i want to do is mess it up. So, I took two pieces of scrap glass and sprayed a quick layer on top - one smooth side and the other a rough side. The directions say to wait at least 2 hours before the texture appears - great!. For a thicker texture they suggest multiple layers.

Pieces of glass


So now we play the waiting game. Once it dries I will compare with the stock textures. This will tell me several things: 1) does the texture match 2) do I need to apply more layers of paint

That's it for now. OH! I'm still waiting for the paint to dry on the lid.

[This message has been edited by Sofa King (edited 01-31-2010).]