[PICS] 3M Carbon Fiber wrap on console

[AbsolutHank]

So after the thread located here: http://forums.viperclub.org/threads...y-Console-and-Shifter-bezel-What-do-you-think I decided to take this project on myself. I had already bought super white LEDs to replace the dingy yellow bulbs backlighting the gauges, and since I already had MGW parts on the way, I figured what the hell. The MGW parts cover some of the problem areas and the console would already be off anyways. I was going to buy the Mopar carbon console, but really liked the look of the 3M material instead.

Just a few pics, with my iPhone. For some reason, my point and shoot messed up the colors so these will have to do until it warms up! This was a nice winter project for a cold day though. I have lots of experience with vinyl and/or decals, but apparently I don't have as much experience with the intricate curves and such of these panels. It was quite a challenge, and I'm a little disappointed around the window switches. It's just too deep and too many sharp curves in a small area to get the vinyl to lay in there properly. I already had the MGW Gripper shift knob and shifter bezel, but I replaced the shift knob (PM me to buy) with their red topped First Strike knob and added gauge bezels and the cupholder bezel too. Lastly, I replaced the black allen bolts on the vertical panel with stainless allen bolts from Home Depot.

I give it a 90% satisfaction grade. I'm not sure ripping it off and starting over would yield any better results though, so I'm gonna let it ride


BEFORE

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IN PROGRESS

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FINISHED

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[Synergy]

Looking good!!!

 

[DaDood]

Looks awesome Ryan! You've always got more mods on the way don't you.

 

[AbsolutHank]

Looking good!!!

Thanks Nick! I wanna see how your yellow/black theme is going to come together too.

Looks awesome Ryan! You've always got more mods on the way don't you.

Yeah Brian...I like to kid myself about bring done, but I can't help myself! I always find a way to justify these quick, cheap mods

 

[Green viper 1]

It looks awesome

 

[Canadian Snake]

Looks good, Whats up with the odometer bulb in the last 2 pics it seems dim ??

 

[AbsolutHank]

Looks good, Whats up with the odometer bulb in the last 2 pics it seems dim ??

Not sure. Must just be the angle or something making it look dead. I replaced it with the same LED too so it matches the gauges.

 

[gtsfe21]

Looks darn good to me.

 

[neo_rambo]

Looks good man good job the window switches and the gauge holes are the toughest

 

[Torquemonster06]

Turned out nice.

 

[BlackSnake99]

Looks great! Can't wait to see it in person, Ryan. Maybe you will inspire me to find something to wrap.

 

[anton28]

Looks good!

 

[AbsolutHank]

Looks great! Can't wait to see it in person, Ryan. Maybe you will inspire me to find something to wrap.

Thanks Jack. I think you'll be impressed with the vinyl. It has a texture to it, and appears 3D, not just like a carbon design on a flat sticker.

 

[Next Phase]

Looks good... how's the durability of the 3M? I know a lot of the wraps get scratched easily...

 

[AbsolutHank]

Looks good... how's the durability of the 3M? I know a lot of the wraps get scratched easily...

PM me in a few months Marco...I'll have a better idea by then. Honestly, with its texture, I'd be surprised if it got all gnarly.

 

[LifeIsGood]

I just finished hunting around for 'how to' videos on the internet, but they were all for wrapping the exteriors of cars. Do you have any links to how to use this 3M product on small parts like what you did?

 

[JAY]

Niiice Work !!!

 

[AbsolutHank]

I just finished hunting around for 'how to' videos on the internet, but they were all for wrapping the exteriors of cars. Do you have any links to how to use this 3M product on small parts like what you did?

You know I don't actually. I just did it based on my previous experience.

You really have to look at the piece you are going to wrap and imagine where you'll need "extra" material and heat it up to stretch it a bit, and also where you'll have extra material and you need it to lay flat. You have to plan ahead and "push" the extra to an edge or vent opening for example. Also, don't do 2 areas and then meet in the middle...you'll always have extra material and will get a wrinkle. I'm used to using a heat gun to stretch but used my wife's blow dryer with this.

 

[bmw2nv2000]

Looks good Ryan!! The leds and wrap are two mods that are actually worth the money.

 

[LifeIsGood]

...so the material has an adhesive on the back that is heat activated? What type of tools do you need besides a heat gun/blow dryer...squeegee? Thanks for your help. It looks so good...I'm going to have to try this on my RT/10 interior parts.

 

[2easy]

I just finished hunting around for 'how to' videos on the internet, but they were all for wrapping the exteriors of cars. Do you have any links to how to use this 3M product on small parts like what you did?

Youtube how to vehicle wrapp 3m. 3m has a few videos. Gives you all you need to know. I did mine as well this weekend but will post later, two posts the same night on the same topic is just wierd. Hope that helps.

 

[AbsolutHank]

...so the material has an adhesive on the back that is heat activated? What type of tools do you need besides a heat gun/blow dryer...squeegee? Thanks for your help. It looks so good...I'm going to have to try this on my RT/10 interior parts.

It does have an adhesive but its not heat activated. The heat just helps stretch the material into different shapes than its normal state. You don't need any tools exact a nice sharp knife and a blow dryer.

 

[viper04]

Ryan
Once again good job, I like the look. One thing, I think what Canadian Snake was asking (Whats up with the odometer bulb in the last 2 pics it seems dim). I'm not sure but I think the light in the odometer is not on. If I remeber right I had to turn the bulb around to make it work. Your seem to not be on. Look at your first pic and then the others, First pic the odometer light is on. I will check tomorrow to see if I'm mistaken.

 

[AbsolutHank]

Ryan
Once again good job, I like the look. One thing, I think what Canadian Snake was asking (Whats up with the odometer bulb in the last 2 pics it seems dim). I'm not sure but I think the light in the odometer is not on. If I remeber right I had to turn the bulb around to make it work. Your seem to not be on. Look at your first pic and then the others, First pic the odometer light is on. I will check tomorrow to see if I'm mistaken.

Yeah it's working. Key is off, parking lights on and door is shut in those pics...therefore the odometer doesn't light up. Everything works though - I just ran out to the garage to double check! lol

 

[viper04]

LOL! Your funny, ok good I guess I don't have to check. Good job on the dash.

 

[King_]

Looks Great!

 

[2easy]

Hey Aboluthank, do you recall the size of the stainless allen bolt you replaced? Thanks

 

[AbsolutHank]

Pretty sure they are 10-32, 3/4" long.

 

[ZZ SRT]

Looks good. I went with the UV led's and love the improvement!

My wife says they look "ricer", but what do wives know

 

[unreelviper]

Ryan, as always, job well done!!!!!