Bj71

Hi all I'm going to attemp to wrap the centre console with a 5D high gloss carbon fibre wrap.
I did a dummy run to see if I could do the job before ordering the wrap ... been able to dismantle the parts from the centre trim to leave the skeleton of it to wrap.
My only issue is the ash tray lid to wrap, I can remove the ash tray unit but for life of me I can't see how to remove the lid separately from that as it would be easier to wrap then...I'm thinking maybe you can't?
Anybody know how to do it?

Bj71

Well for anyone interested in doing it this is my end result, first time I've wrapped and bit of a learning process... I'm reasonably happy with the results for first attempt.better than the black gloss finish tho...I think so?

CO2010

I would have been a nervous wreck tearing my dash apart. That came out really well! Nice job!

Bj71

Haha... To be honest as long as your careful it's pretty easy and straight forward to dismantle, biggest headache is the air vents and the springs that hold them in!
I'm happy with the finish but I may re do it as some point.

MASSC450

Not bad...

I like my open pore black ash better, but your carbon fiber wrap looks WAY better than the cheap shiny black plastic for sure!

Bj71

Yes I like the open pore black trim as well and if it becomes available without the clock I may change ,but for now the wrap is better the awful piano blk.

rustycruiser

The new2016 GLC SUV has what looks like the same console, minus the clock, in all the different woods. Might be worth some measuring to check exact sizes when it comes onto dealer lots

BlackjackM

Looks great! If you re do it you may want to consider the "dry" carbon look, it may give you more of the matte finish of the open pore wood.

CO2010

I'll fly you to the States, buy you a beer, and you can work on my dash

hungasaurus

My body owns an awesome plastic dip shop and this would be perfect but I am too scared to taking the dash apart...

pointbreak

it looks amazing!!

Bj71

It really isn't that hard to dismantle, I figured it out without any guide.Maybe I should write one up for anyone thinking about doing the same?
Having drove this morning for the first time in the car since doing the mod it instantly felt better not seeing dust finger prints and hair line scratches,felt more classy inside as well not looking at the shiny black plastic!
Anyone not happy like I was I recommend doing it 👍🏻

Bj71

I've found my passport what times the flight! 😎👍🏻😂

iainc

Definitely. I've ordered my S205 with ash wood, but I do like the aluminium door panels so I'm tempted to revert back to the standard piano black, save myself £160, and do the same. Where did you source the wrap from?

Bj71

Yes I prefer the alu trim and think it looks better with the burmiester speakers fitted.
I ordered this wrap which came next day with no probs.
http://www.vinylwarehouse.co.uk/5d-u...ive-7272-p.asp

iainc

Is it easy to get a good finish with the wrap? Like you, I've never used it before. My car will be a manual so hopefully the console will still be as easy to remove.

Bj71

I think having done it once if I did it again I could get an even better finish, it's just learning how to heat the wrap and work with it especially on bends and curves,I have a little plastic spatula type thing with felt on one edge that's designed for laying wraps, use that to apply on the flat surfaces and a soft cloth.
I purchased a 1m X 1.5m sheet that is enough to do the trim 3 times, about £32 with the shipping incl .
The luxury of the wrap is if you don't like or you do it wrong you just pull it off and start again.
Other option is get it done professionally at a cost quoted to me of between £70-£100.
But I just thought I'd have a go as it only cost me a little ... As I have enough I might do it again to get it perfect but for now am happy with it.
As for the car a manual I guess you don't have the large ashtray so in one way easier as I couldn't figure how to remove the lid from it and had to do it the hard way

flap

Very nice! Could you post a picture from a bigger distance, e.g. the backseats? Would be nice to see a more overall view on the results of the wrap.

Bj71

Hi yes here you go,tried my best to get the effect of the carbon fibre but in reality it's more defined than in pics...added a night time pic of the car with illuminated badge,in case anyone is tempted to change there's !

flap

Thanks! I really like it.

hungasaurus

A write up would be great! I am very interested in doing this. Have you noticed any rattling or anything from dismantling?

simon.willis27

Nice job - I suspect I'll be doing the same when my nice shiny black plastic is covered in scratches...

Details of how to get the vents off and the ashtray lid would be greatly appreciated

dnice-1

Most important question. What movie do you have playing on the screen? I'm gonna go with Karate Kid??

Bj71

I'm going to be redoing the wrap next week as I've ordered some different vinyl
3M glossy carbon fibre "graphite" it's a little lighter and more silver obviously than the black gloss CF I've currently wrapped (I like the black but I'm just curious to see other on) , I will decide which I prefer then as I have enough to re-wrap it back if I dont like, and it's good practice at wrapping .
I will try to take some pics as I'm doing the work and do my best at a guide for those interested in doing this themselves...

In the mean time to answer questions.

Regards the air vents .. They where the hardest things to remove! There are four sprung tension clips around each vent, u have to push these in to be able to push the vent thru the front on the trim, there pretty stiff ... I found with a flat screw driver if u push the first in and push down on he vent it holds its position then push the next and so on it will just pop out then, once u get the technique is gets easier but still a pain for me.
The ashtray comes detached as a whole unit and is just a case of screws to remove it... Once removed I took a good look at the lid but for the life of me I cudnt see how to remove it, if someone figures it out let me know! I ended up wrapping the lid fitted and it wasn't that difficult to be honest, if you cut the vinyl whole where the ashtray sits u will already have the perfect piece to fit the lid, it will have a little extra to trim off as the lid isn't the same size as the whole obviously...

No rattles or anything after doing the work either ����
The video playing isn't the karate kid!! Haha it's a music video that I can't currently recall the title of !!

Will try do a guide but in meantime if anyone needs info on removing everything happy to help

simon.willis27

I'm thinking of wrapping my rear diffuser? Would I be better off painting?

Also my wing mirrors and front spoiler - anyone got any experience, thoughts or advice?