Shifter/interior questions

MarkVIIIS

MarkVIIIS

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My first question is it solid plastic that could be painted under the leather on the shifter knob if not is there anywhere to get replacement leather covers for it in different colors I'm guessing no and it would have to be custom made. Or is there any other factory or aftermarket shudders that fit our cars.

My next question is I want to paint the dashboard trim that wraps around from the gauges to the speaker screens wut has to be done to prep that do I have to remove that coating that's on it and if so how do I?

And finally does anyone know if the steering wheel from any of the newer mustang could be made to fit in our cars
 
NoLimit95 said:
He should have one on hand because I just sent him a black leather shifter handle just for the cost of shipping. Then again, he could have already made it up and sold it to someone but it's only been a couple of weeks ago. It was from a 98.
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I'll have one shipped to him soon. I'll send the money tomorrow so it will be available soon.
 
Savagecat27 said:
My next question is I want to paint the dashboard trim that wraps around from the gauges to the speaker screens wut has to be done to prep that do I have to remove that coating that's on it and if so how do I?
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I'm also going to paint mine pretty soon to satin black, along with the door panel trim and rear side panel trim and ashtrays in the back. Yes, the coating needs to be removed or the paint job would be useless. I have heard of various ways of removing the coating besides sanding, such as "Easy Off Oven Cleaner" "Break Cleaner" but I have never tried either of the methods except for sanding with 800 grit and it worked. I experimented with some extra pieces I have just to see how it would work and they turned out smooth.

I would use Dupli Color primer, at least two coats, preferably three @ 10 minutes apart and then wet sand it smooth, once dried. Use a tack cloth to wipe clean and then use Dupli Color "acrylic enamel" for a tough finish. I'd also go with three coats, no less and wet sand that too to a smooth finish. Clearing it would be optional. Depends on if you want it to shine or have a satin type finish but they do make a satin clear coat too. Once it has cured out, (2 -4 days) I don't see you having any problems with it ever being scratched easily again. Either way you want to do it, if you want it done right, removing the rubberized coating is a must. If not, you would only be painting over something that can easily be scraped right back off again.

When wet sanding, I would use 1000 grit and have patience. It should turn out looking good.
 
Also wut would I do with the piece of trim with the headlight switch I obviously can't paint over the symbols on that
 
Savagecat27 said:
I obviously can't paint over the symbols on that
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Yes you can.

Do you need to see the symbols to know what the switches do?

If so, consider going to a vinyl cutting place and see if they can cut you some vinyl letters that small. This is what I was thinking about doing. You could apply them and then clear over them. They won't light up any more, but that shouldn't matter.
 
Savagecat27 said:
Also wut would I do with the piece of trim with the headlight switch I obviously can't paint over the symbols on that
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Dab a little bit of Vaseline just over the symbols and paint. When dry, wipe away the Vaseline. Really doubtful it would be noticed by anyone but you. Depends on how big of a color change you're talking about doing.

Or, do like (98lincmk7lsc) was saying. I never look over there to see anything lit up anyway. Gotta be creative.
 
I removed the rubber coating by soaking it in hot water for a few minutes, comes off nice and easy.
 
NoLimit95 said:
Dab a little bit of Vaseline just over the symbols and paint. When dry, wipe away the Vaseline. Really doubtful it would be noticed by anyone but you. Depends on how big of a color change you're talking about doing.

Or, do like (98lincmk7lsc) was saying. I never look over there to see anything lit up anyway. Gotta be creative.
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I could see Vaseline working for something a lot bigger, but the small intricacies of the letters on the gen 2's probably wouldn't work out well.
 
98lincmk7lsc said:
I could see Vaseline working for something a lot bigger, but the small intricacies of the letters on the gen 2's probably wouldn't work out well.
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I haven't really paid much attention to them so, didn't know if it would work or not. I never look over at mine during the night time to see anything being lit up anyway.
 
I'd say delete the light behind the switch, drive around a few nights without it..if you dont miss it being illuminated, paint it ..spares aren't hard to find anyway
 
Steering wheel options...

FR500 steering wheel - discontinued from Ford, might still be able to find one, but be willing to pay...

2003 Cobra "10th anniversary" steering wheel with "carbon fiber" accented leather and thumbrests - there's a couple on eBay right now for $400 (which is actually a good price compared to what I've seen them go for in the past)

2003-2004 Cobra double-wrapped steering wheel - not as nice as the 2 listed above, but still a good upgrade. Double-wrapped makes them thicker and fits better/nicer in the hands. They can be had for a much cheaper price than the others too.

"dallascustomsw" on eBay sells remanufactured mustang wheels in the style of the FR500 and 10th anniversary wheels. They're pretty dang close to the originals, and almost look like they could be passed off as genuine... However, they're $479 plus shipping.


These will all work with a little bit of modification, and a couple mustang parts. None are very cheap, but sometimes you gotta pay to play...
 
Just a quick .02 worth. If you don't like the black shifter shaft coming up, you can do what I did. Took one from a Conti and trimmed it to fit. Now it's chrome. I have pics.....somewhere.
 
For the illuminated headlight letters, just cut small pieces of tape with a razer blade and tape over them then remove once its painted..
 
I'm actually gonna use a leather boot over the shaft it's the knob that I'm looking to paint
 
keVIIIn said:
For the illuminated headlight letters, just cut small pieces of tape with a razer blade and tape over them then remove once its painted..
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Seriously? Have you seen how small those letters are?

$(KGrHqEOKogE6esyg1y9BOvos6COZg~~60_1.jpg
 
I've used rub-off lettering,(transfers) to do stuff like this. Check with office supply stores, and craft stores. They come in a lot of sizes and colors. Just clear coat when done.
 
Savagecat27 said:
My first question is it solid plastic that could be painted under the leather on the shifter knob if not is there anywhere to get replacement leather covers for it in different colors I'm guessing no and it would have to be custom made. Or is there any other factory or aftermarket shudders that fit our cars.

My next question is I want to paint the dashboard trim that wraps around from the gauges to the speaker screens wut has to be done to prep that do I have to remove that coating that's on it and if so how do I?

And finally does anyone know if the steering wheel from any of the newer mustang could be made to fit in our cars
Click to expand...

What color are you going to paint the trim?
 
My only insight to painting the trim from door to door is use a gloss clear and warm up the can in a bowl of hot water to help it flow. I wet sanded my door pieces and they looked awesome until I realized that doing the instrument cluster panel would be near impossible to fit a buffer into, and the shaking would have destroyed the part of my panel under the headlight switch.
 
i just did a leather boot and shift knob on my car-

IMG_1006.jpg



for the light switch icons.. you co do INTs... we use them all the time at work. We order them from a local guy, but i believe you can buy the transfer paper and print your own. Paint the dash, install the INTs, and then clean over them. Problem using vinyl is, its very hard to cut things that small!
 
Savagecat27 said:
Im actually looking to paint the shifter know not wood grain
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The Walnut Knob, which I have, is very fine and the wood is beautiful. The feel is very nice and I polish it with my hand every time I use it.

It's not wood grain it's solid wood mounted on a Mark VIII knob mechanism..
 
Purpony that setup looks great how did u get that know to work I've never taken the shifter apart before
 
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