well this may seem like a pointless diy but i've been asked before to go through the process of how to redo our beloved tl's shiftgate. So i'll keep it short and to the point.

The old shift gate combo



1. start by removing the shift knob, just twist it counter-clock wise. (you might have to use some extra force, so i've heard.)



2. remove the ring surrounding the shift plate, a flat head works best. dont mind the mess .



3. lastly you will remove the actual shift plate. again, pry from the sides with a slim flat head.



4. once you have everything taken apart you will want to prep the items that you are going to paint. i forgot to take a picture of this part but you basically just want to rough up the surface of the piece you want to paint. 300-400 grit at first then finish with 800 grit.

The actual paint process

These are the paints that i used, primer is not pictured. make sure you spray in a well ventilated area with no wind because you want the paint to be applied evenly across each piece. ( i know common sense but hey)



5. once the piece is sanded you want to add primer to these pieces, 2 coats is suffiencent enough.

6. next comes the paint, you want to do thin layers and not apply the coats to thick. i did three coats allowing time for the paint dry for the first two coats.

7. the last step is to add a clear coat, i applied the clear coat before the last coat of paint dried. i did this following the instructions on the can. allow to dry then apply one final coat, again let air dry before reinstalling.



8. once everything is dried reverse the removal process and your good to go.

The new shift gate combo

 

Looks nice

Now, put a link in the DIY sticky

 

simple yet elegant. nice touch man!

 

I flocked mine to match my suede interior. the shiny black look made it look cheap to me.

 

I like that, great Idea and great write up, thanks bro i'ma have to try it out this week.

 

its closed
i'd recommend digging up my diy thread and adding it there

very nice diy man.

 

Look at the date I posted that

 

And installed

 

Then i took it abit further ...

Before:




After:







Don't have pictures painting it..

Putting it back now















And finished:









Gotta put my white/ black-dots dice back on the mirror

 

very cool

 

does anyone have the link to the diy for how to chrome the shift gate

 

You mean actually chroming it??

If you know anything about chroming you know it's not something you can do at home on a Tuesday night

 

Only the 99's can do it, theres a layer beneath the paint. 00-03 doesnt have it.

 

ooo did not know that!

 

Sorry guys I'm a noob, but... Is the pop out screen/stereo/computer a common mod? It looks absolutely sweet and I would love to install it.

 

It takes interior out of stock look, if that something you want go for it..

actually i'm thinking of putting radio back and putting the PC where the "navi" should stay.. but then there will always gonna be the glare issue with that.. and with pop out screen you don't have those kinda issues because u can always tilt it anyway u want..

 

What kind of parts do you need and what was the cost?

 

depends on the flip screen that you want.. that the thing u gotta do most research on.. Also the dashboard mount. you can find those one ebay for around 40$.

I got a Carputer setup right now. Bought my screen for 350$ and about another 100$ on the install..


A computer in a car is totally worth it and i would recommend it. But up to you, alot of ppl like to keep the stock look , and single din stick out abit when they folded in..

check out the vids.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5tyEynhyBE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrVItfWX-pM

 

Cool. I'll look into it.

 

if u need any help let me know.

also u might wanna get an AMP if you don't already have one.