I'm trying to create an faux aluminium finish on the dash around the shifter and the stereo system. Researched around and found out that R/C model airplane hobbyists use something called Flite-Metal to create a metal finsih. Didn't want to to spray paint because it retains the plastic look or put on the aluminium dash kit because of the protrusion and the plastic underneath being visible on the sides of the kit.
Check this url:
http://www.scaleaero.com/flitemetal.htm

Apparently, this sheet of aluminium can be worked around on corners and rounded areas and can be polished. Since it is used on remote control planes, I'm presuming that they are weather/stain proof and doesnt' require any special attention to protect the finish.

Has anyone tried this on the interior plastics with success? A 5' by 1' sheet of Flite-Metal retails at $15.00. Tell me what you think!

 

I have not tried their stuff, but the idea sounds really good. It seems like you could almost make 1 seemless piece for the dash...definately something to look into. Now you got me interested in this idea

 

Did more research and found out Flite-Metal looks much better and is easier to use than Home Depot's aluminium tape. Plus, you don't get a sheet of aluminium as you would do with FM.
Excerpts from the site:

FM is .0015 inch thick self-adhesive aluminum, used to replicate the appearance of a full size aircraft finish. FM weighs .0022222 ounce to the square inch.

FM is real aluminum metal that can be quickly and easily applied to sheeted and fiber glassed surfaces of any flying scale model.

FM is easily applied to concave and convex surfaces.

Pics:

[IMG]C:\Documents and Settings\llai\Desktop\untitled.bmp[/IMG]

 

I'm putting my order in for this stuff next friday (payday). It's worth a try.

 

I'm definately going to try this stuff, and see what happens. I think you could make your dash look much cleaner by using this instead of the dash kits, which imo look like a buch of sheets stuck to the dash. With this, you can round the edges over the oem panel and make it look like the whole piece itself is aluminum. And for $15 for a 12"x 5ft roll, it'ss be more than enough. My only concern could be how easy it could be to dent, scratch or mar the surface.......

 

Gonna put an order out too soon... will post pics if i can...tell me how yours works out!

 

Yeah...i figure it would be pretty swweeeet too... as to how easy it is to disfigure the surface, i have mailed the seller and waiting a reply back...

 

I'm glad you posted the linkt ot he site. I had been planning on trying it a couple years ago, but couldnt remember the name of the site or anything, and it got put on the back burner. Not anymore.

 

Interesting product. My concern would be how it will hold up over time. Perhaps it can be clear-coated for added durabilty. Lets us know how it works out.