SEM'd Interior + Claiborne Suede FTW
hope it don't bleed off on you when warm. it can get sticky.
03-01-09, 08:00 AM
#32
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I was worried about the exact same thing as you are. Here's my conclusion. Everything comes down to preparation and taking your time. I decided to use an adhesion promoter, this helps the paint greatly to stick to the surface. Another thing I did that I think helped out alot was the amount of thin coats I did. I did a total of around 8 or so, maybe more. I sprayed like you would paint a car, moving left to right never stopping in a continuous motion. I also let all these parts sit for about a week in my shed which acts like an "oven" at around 90* in the day. I think this helped out greatly cause heres what I did to test it. Last night before I actually installed this stuff, I said to mysdlf, lets see how this holds up to a real life situation. So I took my fingernail and scratched a portion that was behind another panel that wouldnt show. Nothing, no scratch...it stayed black. I think with time it will get even better.
As far as the grills, the rear grils are in fact stock, just painted again with SEM. Pictures truly doesnt do them justice as they match pretty well. The center grill was a port and I think looks awesome, but to each his own. Having another grill in the center matching I think would look like weird. I was originally planning to do it just like u said, but i decided otherwise and Im glad I did.
I have done this process on my turbo Z back in 2000. I used the bull dog promoter and the sem dye just as you did. I actually had to go to the automotive paint store to purchase all of this. yes it does hold up good "enough", but everytime some one sits in your car or you put something in there you just cant stop worring about it coming off. As far as the rear deck goes, I guess I am confused. I am an advanced MECP installer and I dont know where you are going to put a 12W7 in the trunk and still use the rear lid as a functional port. Is this just going to be an opening in the trunk or are you going to use the lid as part of the box...hince then it could be a port. I agree that it needs to be covered in grill cloth as well. I work on the highest end of cars and this is my oppinion. Just a litte to consider if you will.
03-01-09, 07:23 PM
#35
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
Thanks guys.....looking forward to finishing this project up. Got the drivers door panel on last night to check speaker fitment....boy is it close. Temporarily connected the front speaker to the stock amp just to hear it and boy does it sound nice....cant wait to hook it up to the 300/4.
Couple of pics...yes I know i need to get a black window switch....its being painted as we speak....
03-02-09, 10:45 AM
#41
looks nice...my only thought and questions would be why did you just not rewrap the panels? Cost would be my only thought. You did a nice *** job on the back deck so just thinking that you have the skillz to do the panels...
not taking away just throwing it out there.
not taking away just throwing it out there.
03-02-09, 03:04 PM
#44
Lexus Champion
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Damn Malek I haven't heard from you and this what you have been up to.... Sick!!!! I'm loving the suede and everything else. Come over and install my system!!!
03-02-09, 04:19 PM
#45
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
sure did.....
thanks...and GL!!! Biggest piece of advice I could give u...TAKE YOUR TIME.
