Gear Knob Panel

[rocket rod]

I'm wondering if anyone knows where I might be able to buy the panel (the bit with Land Rover stamp on it) that surrounds the gear knob on my D4. Mine is silver and it reflects the sunlight badly and I would like to change it to black like the rest of the car. I've looked on Ebay and Aliexpress but no matches came up. If they aren't available then I'm happy to paint it but with what sort of paint?

[Tombie]

The Black Pack has one. It's about $700 [emoji41]

Go to a signwriter. And get it wrapped.

[Basil135]

The Black Pack has one. It's about $700 [emoji41]

Go to a signwriter. And get it wrapped.

Yep. What he said... ;)

I enquired at the dealer, and even they were shocked at the price.

Going to wrap mine, or maybe find one at a wreckers, but that will be difficult.

[LandyAndy]

The armrests on the doors are just as bad.
Andrew

[bertness]

The Black Pack has one. It's about $700 [emoji41]

Go to a signwriter. And get it wrapped.

My Black Pack doesn't have one.

I reckon getting it wrapped would be the best option too.....

[rocket rod]

I was hoping someone would suggest a black felt pen gives a great result. That's what I use to use on my D2.

[BMKal]

Or you could just go down to your local auto accessories store and buy a can of black "plasti-dip" & spray it yourself at home. ;)

They have a range of colours and finishes available. I quite like their "satin black" for car interior parts.

If you don't like the result, it simply peels off.

My young bloke has been experimenting with this stuff and has got some very good results so far. He's considering doing the wheels on his Amarok.

[~Rich~]

X 2 for Plastidip

[Tombie]

Not sure I would want the "dip" near the raising control knob...

Its great for other tasks though...



Andy - Darker tint... :cool:

[cjc_td5]

Interesting that others have had this issue. My D4 has a "chrome pack" where the exterior mirrors have chrome covers (vs colour coded) and I had been wondering if the gear knob surround and interior handles were part of this pack or standard finish?

The gear surround can be real pain sometimes. Me, I just throw my cap on top of the surround when it is reflecting sun back at me.

Cheers,
Chris

[LRD414]

I had been wondering if the gear knob surround and interior handles were part of this pack or standard finish?

The gear surround can be real pain sometimes. Me, I just throw my cap on top of the surround when it is reflecting sun back at me.


Chrome is the standard finish. I use a hat too. But I like the sound of a black finish.

Scott

[Basil135]

Now you guys have me thinking of making one, out of some vinyl like Contact.

Could make a few, and change the colour to suit my outfit.. :D

[BMKal]

Now you guys have me thinking of making one, out of some vinyl like Contact.

Could make a few, and change the colour to suit my outfit.. :D

I don't think pink will look right in a black Disco. :p:p:p

[l00kin4]

Now you guys have me thinking of making one, out of some vinyl like Contact.

Could make a few, and change the colour to suit my outfit.. :D

Got me thinking... What about something like this self adhesive carbon fibre vinyl wrap:

3M Genuine Scotchprint Wrap Film Carbon Fibre Vinyl 200mm X 300mm A4 Size | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/151337802132?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT) ;)

David

[Tombie]

Yep. That stuff will work... You'd want it cut properly to make it look right.

[LandyAndy]

I actually like the shiny finish,but when the sun reflects into your eyes its a pain.
That carbon fibre wrap may be the answer.
Andrew

[Melbourne Park]

I've used Plasti-dip for stuff, and masking it would do the job.

Another product would be a vinyl repair spray. You'd mask around the gear knob, and the rest of the edges, which a long life pro masking tape. And use paper towels everywhere - everywhere - to prevent any spray getting to the car.

The vinyl sprays spray very narrow, and come in lots of colours. But a light grey would look perfect. It could be removed for sale by rubbing it with something like Universal Thinners, which is acetone.

However, I have a silver pack too and I'd like to replace all the metal with timber. I want the English club look ... an interior that Charles Rolls would not laugh at. Such kits don't seem to be out for the D4, and they don't seem common either ... I guess Disco people are too sensible?

[Tombie]

I've used Plasti-dip for stuff, and masking it would do the job.

Another product would be a vinyl repair spray. You'd mask around the gear knob, and the rest of the edges, which a long life pro masking tape. And use paper towels everywhere - everywhere - to prevent any spray getting to the car.

The vinyl sprays spray very narrow, and come in lots of colours. But a light grey would look perfect. It could be removed for sale by rubbing it with something like Universal Thinners, which is acetone.

However, I have a silver pack too and I'd like to replace all the metal with timber. I want the English club look ... an interior that Charles Rolls would not laugh at. Such kits don't seem to be out for the D4, and they don't seem common either ... I guess Disco people are too sensible?

Remove it and have it all Hydro-dipped... :cool:

[jonesy63]

Or use 3M woodgrain wrap. ;)

[rocket rod]

Guys, I thought I would update you on what I have done. At the suggestion of l00kin4 I bought off eBay some 3M vinyl wrap and did the job myself. Total cost $8 and I have 1/2 a sheet left over. I didn't remove any of the panels, just stuck it down is situ. Doesn't quite match the other parts of the dash but that doesn't bother me either. Thanks for the replies.

[rar110]

Looks good well done.

[crawal]

Try this hydro graphics, it is unreal what it does , i have seen "carbon fibre " dip sticks , flames on helmets , wooden wheels ,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enFSoiCo-lA
Even in sunny Ballarat we have 2 guys doing it , one i can recommend :D

[digger]

Just a thought..

3D printing??
(dont get just the one made get into it!!)

or maybe a specialised one made out of wood by someone with a
CAD who has already proven they can do the LR symbol?? Not naming anyone Baz.....

If the support to the knob is all electronics as I suspect then it can be lifted slightly??

[sniegy]

Hey Rod, did you remove the wrapped section or did you do it in Situ?


Guys, I thought I would update you on what I have done. At the suggestion of l00kin4 I bought off eBay some 3M vinyl wrap and did the job myself. Total cost $8 and I have 1/2 a sheet left over. I didn't remove any of the panels, just stuck it down is situ. Doesn't quite match the other parts of the dash but that doesn't bother me either. Thanks for the replies.

[Basil135]

Just a thought..

3D printing??
(dont get just the one made get into it!!)

or maybe a specialised one made out of wood by someone with a
CAD who has already proven they can do the LR symbol?? Not naming anyone Baz.....

If the support to the knob is all electronics as I suspect then it can be lifted slightly??

One would think, from that comment, that someone had a CNC in their shed, and some walnut veneer that could be cut to the exact size & shape, and then reproduced at will...:angel:

Well, I will have you know, it is a workshop, not a shed..... :p

And, the fact that there is a specalised knife on its way from the good 'ol US of A to enable me to cut vinyl is a mute point...




Must go & make an order form.... dealers will be jelly... :D

[rocket rod]

I Just left it in place, roughly cut the vinyl, stuck it down and then trimmed it all.

[l00kin4]

Guys, I thought I would update you on what I have done. At the suggestion of l00kin4 I bought off eBay some 3M vinyl wrap and did the job myself. Total cost $8 and I have 1/2 a sheet left over. I didn't remove any of the panels, just stuck it down is situ. Doesn't quite match the other parts of the dash but that doesn't bother me either. Thanks for the replies.



Looks good. How did you cut it around the trim?


David

[rocket rod]

I just used a Stanley trimmer blade. Just make sure it's sharp otherwise it will pull on the vinyl rather than cut it. I looked at some YouTube clips before I did the job and found out the stuff is easily removed so it meant I could have a few goes if I needed to get it right. Just so happens I got it right the first time. Search for the vinyl on the web too as there are heaps more colours available.

[LRD414]

Here's my effort. I like the matt black look. Same method as Rod.
Nice low sheen and almost an exact match for the top of the rotary knob.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/01/802.jpg

Like everything lately, I've done two. This is Dad's in the black trim as a comparison.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/01/896.jpg

Had some trouble finding a local source that wasn't carbon fibre, until my wife found a kit at Supercheap Auto.
It's not the cheapest option at $79. But the kit includes a sharp knife and a felt edged tool for pushing out air bubbles.
And overseas Ebay ones end up almost the same cost once postage is added.
And being 1.5m long you can afford to make mistakes and use it elsewhere too!
3M Vinyl Wrap - Designer Wraps, Matte Black, 1.52 x 0.50m - Supercheap Auto Australia (http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/online-store/products/3M-Vinyl-Wrap-Designer-Wraps-Matte-Black-1-52-x-0-50m.aspx?pid=343561&menuFrom=1021730#Recommendations)
3M Scotchprint 1080 Vinyl Wrap

Question for Rod:
I haven't done the handbrake switch yet. Any tips for getting that nice and neat? I'm thinking the curved edges will be difficult?

Also, if there's any interest, for a few bucks I could post a sufficient amount for someone to try their own without getting the full kit.

Cheers,
Scott

[letherm]

Had some trouble finding a local source that wasn't carbon fibre, until my wife found a kit at Supercheap Auto.
It's not the cheapest option at $79. But the kit includes a sharp knife and a felt edged tool for pushing out air bubbles.


OK, can a total klutz do this? :p:p:p

I saw a SCA clip in the last couple of days showing how to do it. Did you use a heat gun or hair dryer as was shown in their video?

You've done a great job.

Martin

[LRD414]

It takes a steady hand mainly and being careful with the blade when trimming. The job isn't perfect, mainly because I didn't remove the panel. Very small imperfections only around some edges that I can see when shining a torch on it but not so much with normal light.

I used a hair dryer but only a little bit and didn't really try to stretch it too much. Just press it in place gradually. Small cuts were made around the curves with small scissors, particularly the inside edge curves. I used the felt-edged tool provided and also a plastic trim removal tool that has a finer edge for pushing into the corners and crevices.

And of course with enough wrap, it's easy enough to just do again. It does lift and re-stick pretty easily too.

Scott

[Meken]

Looks good wanna come around for a beer (nb beer to be consumed after vinyl stuck down [emoji51])

[l00kin4]

Here's my effort. I like the matt black look.

Also, if there's any interest, for a few bucks I could post a sufficient amount for someone to try their own without getting the full kit.

Cheers,
Scott



Thanks Scott, looks great. PM sent


David

[Basil135]

Thinking I may just have to invest in the tool to cut these on the CNC... :cool: