Center Console Blank Renew...kinda

[bavbob]

Mine were the usual, crispy and flaking so nothing to lose. I had some chrome wrap left over so....here is what I started with after cleaning the blank to get a smooth surface. I left the center with ridges cause I knew I could not get that fine ridge detail

Next, cut out a piece of chrome wrap. It looks like crap because it has a thin protective clear over it that is removed at the end. Also adhesive back which was taken off.

Cut each corner on a diagonal, fold one edge around the corner, cut the other edge straight. When done on all four corners, I used a razor to cut out the center.

Used a hairdryer to work all the corners and edges smooth, tacked down along the back with the adhesive backing, where the turn was too great/ no stick, I used a dab of crazy glue. Peeled off the protective coating:

Then installed. The Switch is original. Not perfect but you cannot tell unless you look close. Best alternative I could come up with.

 

[deQuincey]

Mine were the usual, crispy and flaking so nothing to lose. I had some chrome wrap left over so....here is what I started with after cleaning the blank to get a smooth surface. I left the center with ridges cause I knew I could not get that fine ridge detail
View attachment 109123

Next, cut out a piece of chrome wrap. It looks like crap because it has a thin protective clear over it that is removed at the end. Also adhesive back which was taken off.
View attachment 109126

View attachment 109127

Cut each corner on a diagonal, fold one edge around the corner, cut the other edge straight. When done on all four corners, I used a razor to cut out the center.

View attachment 109128

Used a hairdryer to work all the corners and edges smooth, tacked down along the back with the adhesive backing, where the turn was too great/ no stick, I used a dab of crazy glue. Peeled off the protective coating:
View attachment 109129


Then installed. The Switch is original. Not perfect but you cannot tell unless you look close. Best alternative I could come up with.
View attachment 109131

excellent, very nicely done

 

[Drew Gregg]

Very nice work. I restored all 4 of my switches with a credit card....

 

[bmw2800cs]

I found this video helpful - he's wrapping a car door handle but he goes over the end to end process:

 

[tferrer]

There is also a couple high quality chrome paints that I think would work.

Here's a video of one

 

[bmw2800cs]

There is also a couple high quality chrome paints that I think would work.

Here's a video of one

Wow I tried so many chrome spray paints - none were chrome. I'll have a look at this!

 

[Stevehose]

That looks amazing, perfect for rear tail light housings

 

[bavbob]

Tyson, let us know how you fair on this. My wife bought this pen applicator and it is very helpful for those small spots, comes in different tip sizes.

 

[tferrer]

Tyson, let us know how you fair on this. My wife bought this pen applicator and it is very helpful for those small spots, comes in different tip sizes.

View attachment 109677

I don't need it, was just looking at the possibilities. It looks pretty amazing...

 

[bavbob]

Never be the first to go on a new drug or the last to come off an old drug, I guess I wanted to hear a personal experience since the video looks soooo good........

 

[bmw2800cs]

Never be the first to go on a new drug or the last to come off an old drug, I guess I wanted to hear a personal experience since the video looks soooo good........

I'm happy with the wrap, haven't used the paint.

 

[coupesport]

The film is useful stuff. I just wrapped the license plate brackets with the chrome wrap. Good tip Bob thanks!

 

[Stan]

Very nice work. I restored all 4 of my switches with a credit card....

My dad's favorite tool, works on anything!

 

[PimO]

Mine were the usual, crispy and flaking so nothing to lose. I had some chrome wrap left over so....here is what I started with after cleaning the blank to get a smooth surface. I left the center with ridges cause I knew I could not get that fine ridge detail
View attachment 109123

Next, cut out a piece of chrome wrap. It looks like crap because it has a thin protective clear over it that is removed at the end. Also adhesive back which was taken off.
View attachment 109126

View attachment 109127

Cut each corner on a diagonal, fold one edge around the corner, cut the other edge straight. When done on all four corners, I used a razor to cut out the center.

View attachment 109128

Used a hairdryer to work all the corners and edges smooth, tacked down along the back with the adhesive backing, where the turn was too great/ no stick, I used a dab of crazy glue. Peeled off the protective coating:
View attachment 109129


Then installed. The Switch is original. Not perfect but you cannot tell unless you look close. Best alternative I could come up with.
View attachment 109131

Nicely done bavbob, how did you manage to take the actual switch part (black part) out of its housing? I am ready to wrap the switches and have difficulties taking them apart..

 

[adammusavvir]

Which film and where did you get it from? Thank you.

 

[bmw2800cs]

Which film and where did you get it from? Thank you.

This helped me. I wrapped the plastic chrome pieces on the interior hand grabs, did a nice job. This video also identifies an "adhesion promoter" used after you prep:

 

[adammusavvir]

Thank you, I watched it. I definitely want the heat gun Gotta find the right film tho the link is not good anymore.

 

[Patton]

 

[Patton]

Tape stuff on a door handle that had some chrome pop-up / bubbles. Sand bubbles, apply tape.

Thanks so much, Scott, for the handle.

 

[adammusavvir]

Awesome! Did you get the film from Avery?