Scratched Center Console... Help Needed!
 

Earlier today I was working on a stereo upgrade and I managed to scratch the center console several times. Although the scratches are small, there are enough of them to make it look terrible. They are very small and shallow. Does anyone have any tips for making them look better?

I’m so pissed at myself. Normally I’m so meticulous with stuff like this.

Any and all help will be most appreciated.

http://www.the370z.com/members/spart...ed-console.jpg

How about some pics.

I posted one. I can see it. Can you?

I see it now, but it didn't show up earlier :)

That's weird. O-Well!

I'm no expert, but I can't think of any way to really repair something like that.

I wonder if buffing it with something would help? I just don't know what to use?

969 Console Box :: Miscellaneous :: Genuine Nissan Parts :: 370Z Parts (Z34) 2009-2010 :: Nissan Parts, NISMO and Nissan Accessories - Courtesyparts.com

$272 will get you a new one.

Well if I can't make it look at least a little better, I may just opt for that.

If you try to buff it in any way, it's going to ruin the textured finish, and probably look even worse. Best bet is to replace it and chalk it up to a lesson learned :D

Maybe a black dye/paint on a cloth? If you rub it right you might be able to get it just fill the scratches and wipe off the rest of the material, could reduce the visibility of them a lot.

That's an idea. Thanks!

Keep em coming!

That's a good idea.

Ya don't try the buffing. The dye will do the best job - hard part finding the black black

Put some ArmorAll on it, and call it a day :tiphat:

Do you think that will cover it up tho???

It will help.

ArmorAll can fix many thing, but maybe not help that lol

Well, by the looks of the pic, there isn't any on it so it's more noticeable.

I don't use armorall products. I have found that over time it will dry and crack the dash. I think I'm going to try the dye/paint. Question is, what kind and where do I get it?

Small amount of black shoe polish and buff it in the scratches..Then use some interior cleaner/protectant. Should make it not as noticeable.

Stoners "Trim Shine" will help that look better...

Trim Shine is an easy-to-use, spray-on coating that instantly shines dull or faded plastic, vinyl, and rubber with no wiping or rubbing. Just spray and walk away!

Interesting idea. Could work.

You always have good advise. Would you use this first, or try some of the other suggestions first?

Unless you know what you're doing, I don't recommend messing with it yourself, especially dye -- you'll feck it up way worse (been there, done that).

Why not take it to an interior repair specialist? When I lived in Utah there was a place called "Mingo's" that was awesome at this kind of thing...I'm sure it's not an uncommon type of shop. I'd ask your dealer who they recommend. Stuff like this happens all the time to new cars pre-delivery that the dealer outsources for repair.

There is a very reputable shop around the corner from my house. They do a lot of work for local dealerships (tint, clear bras, wheels, stereos, etc.). I'm going to stop by on Monday and see if they can help.

Keep the ideas and suggestions coming! I really appreciate everyone's help with this.

Just get a replacement from Nissan Parts, NISMO and Nissan Accessories - Courtesyparts.com

I use masking tape (painter's blue) when doing installs.

I use Prima Nero for interior plastics and rubber. Aerospace303 is also a good solution.

I would prefer to not spend $275.00 on this if I don't have to. At least not right now.

You could scratch up the rest of the interior and then everything would match :)

:wtf2:

What I've found for this type of stuff, you can use your fingernail to remove some of the scuffing. You can also carefully use some sand paper to smooth it out and don't go too fine as you will remove the textured finish and it will look bad. Maybe try to fine tune the sanding in the areas where the scratch is with your finger/fingernail under the sandpaper rubbing that area. Just work slow and see if you can get it looking better. I did that with my G35 and it worked pretty well on the interior which looks exactly just like the interior of my 370.

If not then no loss and just buy a new one!

What grit sandpaper do you recommend?

80 :bowrofl:

i would recommend no sand paper and use a rounded end of a plastic handle (small screw driver, scissors handle, sharpie pen) to push down on the scratches.

To the OP -- don't use sandpaper on it. YOU WILL SCREW IT UP and you'll be sorry you messed with it. Just take it to a pro and for less than $50 they'll re-dye it and you won't be able to tell it was ever damaged. If you go at it with sandpaper you'll ruin the textured look of the console and it'll be tougher (if not impossible) for the interior guys to make look as-good-as-new.

A professional fix for this is so cheap it's not worth trying a DIY fix.

I used 1000 grit and was very gently and it turned out great. Mine was some scratches on the door panel. Not sure if this will help in your situation.

I scratched the same part while working on a new head unit (although not quite as bad).
Used a product called Plexus, has a great reputation in aviation for getting rid of scratches and for polishing plastic and fibreglass. Worked great.

Everyone:

Thanks for your help. I'm going to bring the car to a custom shop one day thise week. I'm going to start there. If they can't hep, then I'm going to see what I can do to remedy the issue.

Again, thanks for all the great suggestions!

yah, just get a replacement. :D

I just had this same exact problem. Not as bad as the OP but there will still some small scratches that were noticeable. I used an ultra fine tip Sharpie on the scratches and it worked really well. They are barely noticeable now. As I marked the scratches with the Sharpie I would immediately wipe it away so that the amount of ink that is applied is very little.

I know this been an year thread but i bet yall still have yalls. So last night i installed my gtr start button and scratched at the same place on the picture here. I got a hear dryer and heat it up where the scratches were till it was really hot. Then i scrubbed w my figer with a rag. It went away. U will know when its hot enough, if it doesnt go away its cuz its not hot enough. It wont melt trust me. Also domt try sharpie it wont work and it looks horrible.