After month's of putting it off, I finally decided to do something about the shoddy looking trim pieces in my '92 Vette.  

What was the problem?

Well, like in so many other C4's out there,the factory rubber-like coating GM used on the interior trim pieces, (think they called it "Dulso", or something)  were starting to show their age.  Scratches, peeling and a few small dings that had accumulated over the years had left my radio bezel (and especially) my console cover, looking pretty shoddy.

I decided rather than to try and re-paint them with some sort of rubberized coating to try and match the original, I'd go a different route and see if I had any other options.

Quite by accident really, I stumbled upon a company that specializes in re-covering factory trim pieces in a variety of different colors/patterns.  The rest, as they say, is history.

NOTE: (Never mind the big gaping hole in my dash.  I'm in the process of upgrading my sound system and haven't received all my parts yet)


As you can see from the photo's, these are NOT the usual "peel 'n stick" cover's you see in all the 'Vette Catalogs - you know, the ones that simply lay over top the factory panels.  You can always spot those covers because you can always see the outside edge of the original panel/trim underneath since the sticker never goes right to edge.  In my opinion, I've always thought those cover's looked a bit cheap and out of place in a Corvette because it was obvious, that they were just stuck-on covers...

Though I'm not too sure on what the exact process used to coat these trim pieces, all I know is that the new finish is applied to the entire face of each trim piece and perfectly wraps around each contour and curve giving the appearance that the part is made entirely of carbon fiber, as apposed to the more common "peel 'n stick" covers that kind of just "sit on top" of your factory trim.

The first thing I noticed when I pulled these parts out of their shipping box, was the glass-like finish they have.  They shine like mirrors and really add an almost three-dimensional look to the pattern underneath.  Each panel receives 10 coats of automotive uv clear coat and come with a three year guarantee against peeling, fading or cracking.  If for whatever reason they get scuffed or scratched, you can always just buff them out like you would your car's paint.

Though they have flashier and more attention grabbing colors and finishes, I decided to keep things a little more subtle.  I wanted to spruce up my interior but at the same time, have it look factory issue.  I decided to go with "Black Carbon Fiber" and I'm really happy I did.  I think they look fantastic and at the same time still look subtle and factory issue.  

Installation was a breeze since obviously, these are still the original factory trim pieces.  They all fit perfectly with no modification's and go in just as easily as they came out.

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In a nut-shell, I'm very impressed with the quality of the work done.

Once I finish my stereo install, I'll post some more pictures, in day-light next time.


These are shots of the new console cover and radio bezel in "Black Carbon Fiber.

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Here are some comparison shot's of the stock "Dulso" coated GM pieces and the new "HydroCarbon" covered pieces.  I think the new finish looks much better than the old.  Should last a lot longer too!

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Here you can see what I mentioned above in regards to the new finish wrapping around all the curves and contours of the trim pieces right to the edge.  This cannot be done with the old "stick-on" covers as they are completely flat pieces that just sit over top the originals leaving all of the corners and curves uncovered and exposed.  You can also see a close up view of the pattern itself.  

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Day-Time photo's:
DAY-TIME PICTURES:

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Any question and/or comments are more than welcome!

LT1*C42009-12-10 14:30:53

I like that look so much better that the "colored" interior parts.

I would never consider changing mine from black except its peeling.

What was the cost if you dont mind?

Jim

Normally, the company that does this (I'll PM you the company name) prefers that the customer sends in their own parts to be done  but they do have some parts in stock.  They normally don't do too much C4 work as they're primarily into the later model C5/6 cars so you should contact them and see if they have the parts you're looking to get if you want to keep your original parts (just in case you'd want to revert back to stock in the future)

Because I never sent mine in, I paid extra because I bought the trim pieces directly from them.  Total was $290US (that includes shipping to Canada) during a group purchase.

If you live in the US, shipping charges would be substantially less.  Every now and then, the vendor has a group purchase discount and you can get these pieces for a well under $300.  I believe they give you a $25 discount if you send in your core, so that knocks off a few more bucks right there...

They can redo just about any plastic part on your car too, not just interior trim.  You'd have to call them to get a quote though...

I'm sending them my door trim next and probably my fuel injector covers as well.
LT1*C42009-09-06 21:40:20

Update:  Just added some day-time photo's of the new trim installed.

Now that is absolutely stunning!!! .......what a difference....

I like the new look!!! Would you please send me the name of the company you purchased them from. I would like to change mine. Thanks Randy

That is a very nice upgrade! Great pictures! Could you send me the name of the company that does this?

Whats the secret to removing the panels, especially the console panel with the shifter. The shifter boot has come loose and I need to tighten the screws that hold it in place.

Was there ever an answer on the company name that provides these parts?

Mike