Drilling into aluminum trim

[GammaZeta]

A local Z4 owner has a mint condtiion, brand new aluminum trim set he is looking to sell. Although financially it would be tough since I just did the aero side skirts, need tires and Inspection 1, I figured I could just sell my existing trim to make up the difference.

Two questions:

1. It doesn't have the cut out for the sport button. Would it be possible so drill the hole myself? Is there some sort of template?

2. What would you consider a fair price considering I have to take the chance myself to drill the hole?

Thanks!

[SCHMOUPE]

I think 500 is fair price for good cond AL trim. I have seen a few folks do it. Trick is start with smaller holes and work your way up. You can always go bigger if too small but never smaller if its too big!

How much you selling your beat up set for? I would like to get a set and wrap it

[GammaZeta]

I heard that there may be a template or some sort of markings on the back side of the non-hole consoles? Is that true? Or would I have to make my own template?

Not sure I'm going to sell it yet. It's not beat up, its carbon leather, in good condition so it probably wouldn't be a good candidate to wrap.

[inTgr8r]

Originally Posted by GammaZeta

I heard that there may be a template or some sort of markings on the back side of the non-hole consoles? Is that true? Or would I have to make my own template?

Not sure I'm going to sell it yet. It's not beat up, its carbon leather, in good condition so it probably wouldn't be a good candidate to wrap.

Carbon leather is usually in high demand.
If it's in good condition you should get a good price for it.

[GammaZeta]

Yeah, I may want to hold onto it though for when my tastes change again!

I like the carbon leather, but the aluminum with my TI silver looks really nice and modern.

[inTgr8r]

Love my C.Leather as well.
It does make for a dark all black interior though.
I have a couple of ideas to resolve that issue. (winter works project)

[GuidoK]

I bought my (mint) aluminium trim set (in 2010) for 175 euro's ($230,-) on german ebay (shipping not included), so $500 seems a bit steep maybe. Go for 300

Why change to aluminium if you have carbon leather?

[Incompatible]

Originally Posted by GammaZeta

I heard that there may be a template or some sort of markings on the back side of the non-hole consoles? Is that true? Or would I have to make my own template?

Making your own template is quick and easy if you have a master (another car or console) to work from. IIRC another forumite did the conversion and posted some good info on the process. Might be worth a search.

[GammaZeta]

Originally Posted by inTgr8r

I have a couple of ideas to resolve that issue. (winter works project)

Go on.......

I like the cl, but it's just too much black in the cabin. And it is starting to wear out in some areas, afterall it is just pressed leather.

For the aluminum, I may even explore doing a matte 3m ventureshield on it to preserve it from nicks and scratches.

[spr_bimmer]

i have the AL, no need to get it protected, i'm not extra careful with mine and it has 85000km on it with no real scratches or nicks...

[GammaZeta]

Originally Posted by spr_bimmer

i have the AL, no need to get it protected, i'm not extra careful with mine and it has 85000km on it with no real scratches or nicks...

Yeah, but I'm a klutz!!!

[Geauxkart]

Drill the hole with a small bit, use a step drill to enlarge and not tear the AL.

[marksdesigns]

there is markings on the underside where the holes should go for the sport button etc. so... drill from the underside!

[WestCDA]

Originally Posted by marksdesigns

there is markings on the underside where the holes should go for the sport button etc. so... drill from the underside!

Yes, the bottom is embossed with the irregular shape needed for the button and it's keyways - it's not just a round hole. I used a very small drill and drilled a seried of pilot holes from the bottom around the circumference of the cutout. Then I drilled a larger hole in the center from the top, and used a dremel type tool with a small diameter cutter on it to 'connect the dots', and clean up the edges. Doing the finish work from the top won't tear out the aluminum top cover like it would from the bottom. Be careful to cut as little as possible and do frequent test fittings with the button - there isn't a lot of overlap on the button trim to cover mistakes.