I know this subject has been discussed, and I have done a search, but I still have not found a good answer
to the best paint to use when repainting the peeling OEM interior trim pieces.
I would like to replicate the black satin look of the original, so a protective clear coat is not an option.
Does anybody know of a tough black satin paint that would be suitable.
Or would a body shop be able to spray the panels with
a more specialized product

 

Definitely use automotive quality paints and a paint gun. Do not try to use spray paint cans it will turn out bad. If you don't clear coat the paint it will be more susceptible to scratches and chips. Any body shop should be able to help you. Make sure they use some type of plastic adhesion promoter to help the paint stick to the plastic. I also recommend using a flex agent in the clear so it can bend a little.

 

I would also suggest having a body shop do the painting. It will cost you more money, but the results will last longer.

I've yet to find a good combination of paint and clear coat for them. I'll be redoing my panels again this winter. I did mine last winter and they started showing wear only after about 2-3 months.

One panel I tested using a heavy coat of clear enamel, which stopped the wear, but looks horrible. I used some acrylic enamel on the door sills that I repaint, and it's been working great. I'm going to test that on the ashtray (I usually use that for testing since I don't have to tear apart anything to remove it, and it's small) to see how that works.

 

I'm working on mine also but got stuck. How do I remove the center where the temp. control goes. Does the Dash guage needs to come out first? I'm afraid I might break something if I pull to hard.

 

Yes, you need to loosen the dash. Once you remove the bolts for the dash, you can get to the last two screws holding on the A/C panel.

 

Mahjik
could you instruct how to remove them. That's the part where I'm stuck. I don't know exactly how to remove the dash guage cluster.

Thanks in advance

 

There is a good write-up here:

http://www.iluvmyrx7.com/3rdgen/how-...or%20paint.htm

 

There are 2 screws underneath it. One on either side of the steering column. After that you just grab the top and yank on it if I remember correctly. Its kind of tricky because it feels like your going to break somehting.... but its just clips. You then have to reach around the back of it and undo all the wiring harnesses(i believe there are 4-6)