| Dendrobium | 04-21-2004 03:11 AM |
My "Full Royal Gunmetallic" Shifter Trim Project.. (pics inside!)
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Here's the dilemma I faced:
I wanted a shifter trim, but I wanted one that matched my "dark" themed
interior (I replaced all silver accents with CF a long time ago).
I was really impressed by the shifter trim offered by [url]www.droppedclutch.com[/url] but unfortunately they only offered silver at the time I was considering them (I believe they are currently investigating powdercoating as a future offering)
Then..
[IMG]http://www.subydude.com/images/prod/products/Wheels/rt17tarmac25fullRgm02.jpg[/IMG]
I saw the "full-royal gunmetallic" wheels that subydude was selling and it gave me an idea - maybe I could do a similar look for the shifter trim?? to add a little "silver accent" , but at the same time, keep with the "dark theme" of my interior.
I wanted a shifter trim, but I wanted one that matched my "dark" themed
interior (I replaced all silver accents with CF a long time ago).
I was really impressed by the shifter trim offered by [url]www.droppedclutch.com[/url] but unfortunately they only offered silver at the time I was considering them (I believe they are currently investigating powdercoating as a future offering)
Then..
[IMG]http://www.subydude.com/images/prod/products/Wheels/rt17tarmac25fullRgm02.jpg[/IMG]
I saw the "full-royal gunmetallic" wheels that subydude was selling and it gave me an idea - maybe I could do a similar look for the shifter trim?? to add a little "silver accent" , but at the same time, keep with the "dark theme" of my interior.
| Dendrobium | 04-21-2004 03:14 AM |
So, I decided to go ahead and order from droppedclutch.com - great vendor to deal with, and I had no problem getting my stuff shipped via USPS to Canada to avoid heavy brokerage fees. Plus, Cory is a great guy and a big simpsons fan to boot! :lol: as I apparently found out in e-mail exchanges with him.
Anyhow, here's pics of the shifter trim as I received it - very nicely packed in a heavy-grade, sealed bag (it came in a box with plenty of foam surrounding it as well).
[IMG]http://www.sfu.ca/~roland/shifttrim/shifttrim_orig1.jpg[/IMG]
I can't say enough about how impressed I was with Cory's attention to detail. Notice how The screws in each pack had the nuts pre-attached (presumably so they wouldn't rattle around in shipping), and were sealed in their own bag, arranged tightly in an alternating screw-head/nut fashion -- now that's what I call attention to detail!)
[IMG]http://www.sfu.ca/~roland/shifttrim/shifttrim_orig2.jpg[/IMG]
Anyhow, here's pics of the shifter trim as I received it - very nicely packed in a heavy-grade, sealed bag (it came in a box with plenty of foam surrounding it as well).
[IMG]http://www.sfu.ca/~roland/shifttrim/shifttrim_orig1.jpg[/IMG]
I can't say enough about how impressed I was with Cory's attention to detail. Notice how The screws in each pack had the nuts pre-attached (presumably so they wouldn't rattle around in shipping), and were sealed in their own bag, arranged tightly in an alternating screw-head/nut fashion -- now that's what I call attention to detail!)
[IMG]http://www.sfu.ca/~roland/shifttrim/shifttrim_orig2.jpg[/IMG]
| Dendrobium | 04-21-2004 03:17 AM |
I decided to do a full-royal look by applying 20% window tint (cut to shape) on the front of the shifter trim.
After VERY CAREFUL measuring cutting, and trimming, I came out with a piece that would cover the top of Cory's shifter trim, yet show off the trim's nicely rolled edges. Here is a pic as I applied the window tint with soapy water:
[IMG]http://www.sfu.ca/~roland/shifttrim/shifttrim_tintsoap.jpg[/IMG]
The result after washing the soap off - notice how under the right light conditions, you still get to enjoy Cory's superb job of simulating brushed aluminum (since the tint is transparent!)
[IMG]http://www.sfu.ca/~roland/shifttrim/shifttrim_tint1.jpg[/IMG]
After VERY CAREFUL measuring cutting, and trimming, I came out with a piece that would cover the top of Cory's shifter trim, yet show off the trim's nicely rolled edges. Here is a pic as I applied the window tint with soapy water:
[IMG]http://www.sfu.ca/~roland/shifttrim/shifttrim_tintsoap.jpg[/IMG]
The result after washing the soap off - notice how under the right light conditions, you still get to enjoy Cory's superb job of simulating brushed aluminum (since the tint is transparent!)
[IMG]http://www.sfu.ca/~roland/shifttrim/shifttrim_tint1.jpg[/IMG]
| Dendrobium | 04-21-2004 03:19 AM |
Next, I re-trimmed the mounting holes through the window tint (again very careful cutting here, I actually found that a soldering iron tip worked wonders here). I then applied some nice wax and sealant glaze for a mirror gloss finish. You can see the reflection of the light bulb in the trim! (this is a testament to how smooth Cory's shifter trim is right from the start!)
[IMG]http://www.sfu.ca/~roland/shifttrim/shifttrim_tint2.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.sfu.ca/~roland/shifttrim/shifttrim_tint2.jpg[/IMG]
| Dendrobium | 04-21-2004 03:22 AM |
Then, I followed the instructions on Cory's website exactly (superb instructions. BTW - don't skimp on the drill bit size -- 3/16" is indeed the right size to use, it is necessary to give you JUST enough play in the screw holes for the screws, top trim, and bottom trim to all line up properly. I tried to skimp by using a 11/64" drill bit at first, only to find I had to enlarge the holes to 3/16" later :rolleyes:
Here, you can see the under-trim. A superbly engineered piece by cory. The red things that look like cinnamon drops are vinyl screw caps that I added to eliminate any possibilty of the sharp screws cutting into any wiring in the
console area (not really needed, but I figured it couldn't hurt)
[IMG]http://www.sfu.ca/~roland/shifttrim/shifttrim_screwcaps.jpg[/IMG]
Here, you can see the under-trim. A superbly engineered piece by cory. The red things that look like cinnamon drops are vinyl screw caps that I added to eliminate any possibilty of the sharp screws cutting into any wiring in the
console area (not really needed, but I figured it couldn't hurt)
[IMG]http://www.sfu.ca/~roland/shifttrim/shifttrim_screwcaps.jpg[/IMG]
| Dendrobium | 04-21-2004 03:23 AM |
To keep with my "dark theme" I sourced some black hex screws to complement the now tinted shifter trim. (I therefore didn't use the ones supplied by droppedclutch)
Here's two pics of the completed shifter trim, mounted onto the console with the black hex screws:
[IMG]http://www.sfu.ca/~roland/shifttrim/shifttrim_sofa.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.sfu.ca/~roland/shifttrim/shifttrim_heldup.jpg[/IMG]
Here's two pics of the completed shifter trim, mounted onto the console with the black hex screws:
[IMG]http://www.sfu.ca/~roland/shifttrim/shifttrim_sofa.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.sfu.ca/~roland/shifttrim/shifttrim_heldup.jpg[/IMG]
| Dendrobium | 04-21-2004 03:25 AM |
Finally, here's a pic inside the car:
[IMG]http://www.sfu.ca/~roland/shifttrim/shifttrim_fin.jpg[/IMG]
Overall, I am pretty happy with the result. The shifter trim kind of has a dual character -- it looks like an obsidan-like polished mirror at night, but it looks like gunmetallic brushed metal during the day :D
hope you enjoyed reading about my project! cheers!
-- Dendrobium
[IMG]http://www.sfu.ca/~roland/shifttrim/shifttrim_fin.jpg[/IMG]
Overall, I am pretty happy with the result. The shifter trim kind of has a dual character -- it looks like an obsidan-like polished mirror at night, but it looks like gunmetallic brushed metal during the day :D
hope you enjoyed reading about my project! cheers!
-- Dendrobium
| quest | 04-21-2004 03:47 AM |
pix are a bit dark to tell, but it looks great!...I've been trying to find a trim/shift knob that matches the center console, so I may have to do something like this.
| JIN | 04-21-2004 09:45 AM |
Amazing write up! Amazing photo takings too! Too bad my STI shiftknob sort of matches with my STI shift trim, if not, I would see myself doing this too.
Jin
Jin
| snoballz | 04-21-2004 10:55 AM |
Great job and a wonderful idea!
:cool:
:cool:
| Hank3 | 04-21-2004 11:24 AM |
Another great project Dendro!!! :banana:
| Dendrobium | 04-21-2004 12:44 PM |
sorry for the dark pics - it was late at night when I finished much of this stuff ;)
If cory at droppedclutch reads this, maybe he could do something pre-made like this if he does indeed go the powdercoating route ? :confused:
If cory at droppedclutch reads this, maybe he could do something pre-made like this if he does indeed go the powdercoating route ? :confused:
| chewbakarox | 04-21-2004 12:49 PM |
ingenious!! looks good, great thread.
| glilly | 04-21-2004 01:39 PM |
Very Nice!! I have used a similar theme for vinyl graphics, ...I 've found transparent vinyls available in32 different colors, ...these applied over chrome or brushed alum. vinyl give it an anodized look. Very cool indeed.
Greg ;)
Greg ;)
| N'CTRL | 04-21-2004 03:33 PM |
::thumbsup::
| IronMonkeyL255 | 04-21-2004 03:37 PM |
Looks VERY nice. Very tasteful.
| Hank3 | 04-21-2004 03:48 PM |
Dendro - just noticed...what happened to your Prodrive knob? Looks like you have Razo one without the little emblem on it :huh:
| Dendrobium | 04-21-2004 04:14 PM |
hank3 - you have a good memory! My prodrive knob is currently retired for the moment, I'm trying out the Razo 400g knob (debadged of it's razo emblem as u see)
Actually, that's my next write-up, I took a bunch of shift knobs to a small weight scale, to see exactly how they measured up weight-wise - Then, I took them all to a ruler to see if they truly were "taller" than one another as some have reported that the prodive knob "feels" overly-tall. Finally, I tried them all out to get a subjective feel.
The razo knob feels really nice so far, and I think is rather under-rated. Almost all of razo's knobs are actually available in SUBARU/TOYOTA 12x.1.25mm threaded fitment for a really-tight OEM-like fit - so no set-screw issues to deal with at all -- which I like. Anyways, I'm rambling on.. Look for the review in the car parts forum when I finish it :alien:
thanks for all the comments!
-- Dendrobium
Actually, that's my next write-up, I took a bunch of shift knobs to a small weight scale, to see exactly how they measured up weight-wise - Then, I took them all to a ruler to see if they truly were "taller" than one another as some have reported that the prodive knob "feels" overly-tall. Finally, I tried them all out to get a subjective feel.
The razo knob feels really nice so far, and I think is rather under-rated. Almost all of razo's knobs are actually available in SUBARU/TOYOTA 12x.1.25mm threaded fitment for a really-tight OEM-like fit - so no set-screw issues to deal with at all -- which I like. Anyways, I'm rambling on.. Look for the review in the car parts forum when I finish it :alien:
thanks for all the comments!
-- Dendrobium
| satrya | 04-21-2004 04:58 PM |
Nice :)
| quest | 04-21-2004 05:03 PM |
yea, I was hoping droppedclutch would powder coat one to match the dash bezel color
| 5spdfrk | 04-21-2004 05:08 PM |
:eek: Very Nice!
| Slvr Surfr | 04-21-2004 05:35 PM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by 5spdfrk [/i]
[B]:eek: Very Nice! [/B][/QUOTE]
Indeed !
[B]:eek: Very Nice! [/B][/QUOTE]
Indeed !
| volleybrad | 04-21-2004 09:05 PM |
That looks absolutely gorgeous!!! Great job!!!!!
Question: Where did you get that Prodrive Shift position badge?
Question: Where did you get that Prodrive Shift position badge?
| Hank3 | 04-21-2004 11:23 PM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by volleybrad [/i]
[B]Question: Where did you get that Prodrive Shift position badge? [/B][/QUOTE]
He made those himself also :)
[B]Question: Where did you get that Prodrive Shift position badge? [/B][/QUOTE]
He made those himself also :)
| 5spdfrk | 04-21-2004 11:25 PM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Hank3[/i]
[B] He made those himself also :) [/B][/QUOTE]
Really, do you know if he posted it on nabisco?
[B] He made those himself also :) [/B][/QUOTE]
Really, do you know if he posted it on nabisco?
| Hank3 | 04-21-2004 11:38 PM |
He did but they're no longer available AFAIK :(
| 5spdfrk | 04-22-2004 12:25 AM |
Too bad:(
| Dendrobium | 04-22-2004 03:14 AM |
Thanks for answering for me Hank3 ;)
5spdfrk - If i'm not mistaken, I think there's a nabisco member called orson who is still making shift badges if you still want them :cool:
5spdfrk - If i'm not mistaken, I think there's a nabisco member called orson who is still making shift badges if you still want them :cool:
| AltimaJay | 04-22-2004 04:40 AM |
Impressive. Did you make a template to put the tint on? Or did you just slap a whole piece on then cut around it with an exacto knife.
| NeoteriX | 04-22-2004 10:05 AM |
That is quality work, and also I too can attest to the quality work put out by dropped clutch. It might be "replica" shifter trim, but the quality is well above anything else with that backing panel and all.
| 5spdfrk | 04-22-2004 10:29 AM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Dendrobium[/i]
[B] 5spdfrk - If i'm not mistaken, I think there's a nabisco member called orson who is still making shift badges if you still want them :cool: [/B][/QUOTE]
Thanks, I'll check it out.
[B] 5spdfrk - If i'm not mistaken, I think there's a nabisco member called orson who is still making shift badges if you still want them :cool: [/B][/QUOTE]
Thanks, I'll check it out.
| 5spdfrk | 04-22-2004 10:31 AM |
Found it:[url]http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=442150&highlight=orsen[/url]
| volleybrad | 04-22-2004 11:17 AM |
Dendro, if you customized more of those shifter trims, I'd buy one from you.
That's one of the best looking interior mods I think I've seen...
That's one of the best looking interior mods I think I've seen...
| 128d | 04-22-2004 05:20 PM |
That looks really nice.
| Dendrobium | 04-22-2004 08:54 PM |
AltimaJay -
1. I traced a template first (using a soft highligher to avoid scratching the original trim)
2. Then I photocopied the template several times (cuz I knew I probably wouldn't cut it right the first time)
3. I lightly glued/taped the template to some window tint, and cut out the template shape. It took me cutting up 3 of my photocopied templates before I got it "just right"
4. I found it is nearly impossible to match the holes perfectly, so I applied the tint first, then "melted" the holes afterwards -- this ensured an accurate hole fitment.
As I said before, hopefully cory at droppedclutch will consider making pre-made dark-color powdercoated ones in the future ;)
-- Dendrobium
1. I traced a template first (using a soft highligher to avoid scratching the original trim)
2. Then I photocopied the template several times (cuz I knew I probably wouldn't cut it right the first time)
3. I lightly glued/taped the template to some window tint, and cut out the template shape. It took me cutting up 3 of my photocopied templates before I got it "just right"
4. I found it is nearly impossible to match the holes perfectly, so I applied the tint first, then "melted" the holes afterwards -- this ensured an accurate hole fitment.
As I said before, hopefully cory at droppedclutch will consider making pre-made dark-color powdercoated ones in the future ;)
-- Dendrobium
| Hank3 | 04-22-2004 11:15 PM |
Dendro - ordered myself one of the Razos too. $37 isn't too bad ;)
| Samirr76 | 04-23-2004 07:51 AM |
did something similar
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but with my center dash trim bezel and air vent bezels. I painted the stock faux brushed-aluminum/silver bezels gunmetal instead.
sorry about the terrible picture....i'll try to get a better one....
[IMG]http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/wetoddimage.wtdr/wMzY2MDI5NnM0MTNkZmQzMXk1NDE%3D.jpg[/IMG]
sorry about the terrible picture....i'll try to get a better one....
[IMG]http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/wetoddimage.wtdr/wMzY2MDI5NnM0MTNkZmQzMXk1NDE%3D.jpg[/IMG]
| pjdwrx | 04-23-2004 09:28 AM |
Man, that's awesome!
Nice work, indeed.
Nice work, indeed.
| Dendrobium | 05-06-2004 02:59 AM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Hank3 [/i]
[B]Dendro - ordered myself one of the Razos too. $37 isn't too bad ;) [/B][/QUOTE]
Hank3 and everyone else - I've finally completed my shift knob "shootout" thread. See it in the car parts forum [URL=http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=554001]here[/URL]
Enjoy!
-- Dendrobium
[B]Dendro - ordered myself one of the Razos too. $37 isn't too bad ;) [/B][/QUOTE]
Hank3 and everyone else - I've finally completed my shift knob "shootout" thread. See it in the car parts forum [URL=http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=554001]here[/URL]
Enjoy!
-- Dendrobium
| Hank3 | 05-06-2004 09:03 AM |
Replied to your shootout thread Dendro - great job brother!!!
| JMeesh | 05-06-2004 10:02 AM |
very cool. nice writeup too. now you have me thinking about doing something like this. i wanted to spruce up the interior but not get gaudy. good show
meesh
meesh
| Dendrobium | 09-17-2004 12:42 PM |
Got a pm from Cory at dropped clutch recently -- apparently he's never seen this thread ;). Anyways, here's a free "bump" for a great guy and a great product.
Cory, if you see this, thanks for the trim -- it still looks great -- perhaps you'll consider making the trims in different anodized colours as you can see the dark colour does look quite nice.
cheers!
-- Dendrobium
Cory, if you see this, thanks for the trim -- it still looks great -- perhaps you'll consider making the trims in different anodized colours as you can see the dark colour does look quite nice.
cheers!
-- Dendrobium
| shogun90 | 11-09-2004 12:38 PM |
Yesterday I went out to DroppedClutch.com to see what was new. I had problems trying to purchase the shifter trim online. Now it seems to work and I ordered the anodized one. Got notification today that they will be shipping out today. What service :banana: :banana: :banana: . I'll let you know how it turns out.
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