Red starter button cover

[Jimblob]

I’ve never liked the red starter switch cover. Esp on a Seneca car with black alcantara interior and yellow brake callipers.

If I had a red car or red callipers it makes sense but red doesn’t work for my car…

I wanted to take it off to paint / stain / powder coat it but sadly it’s plastic welded (melted) into place.

So whilst having the gear gaiter replaced I took the opportunity to paint it…

I’m not 100% sure I’ve got the colour right but I think it looks much better. (I’ll put it back on the car once the gaiter returns.

 

[Jimblob]

For reference the yellow paint code i used is LY1C which the dealer said was the brake caliper colour code… It’s an Audi colour.

I haven’t put a clear coat on top of it yet as I think like the satin finish but I may still clear coat it.

Not sure if I should have used Lotus LO7 yellow instead…

 

[benjh1028]

Great work!

For us lazier people, there is a thread somewhere on this forum with a link to buy that part (and the starter button) in different colors. The manufacturer is Lynk & Co (a Geely company).

 

[Jimblob]

I think the starter button is but I don’t think the red cover is but I could be wrong.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006264782891.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.main.3.7a20201dadBZYZ&algo_pvid=9b13bd15-8014-4d52-abde-66d5e5fb8b46&algo_exp_id=9b13bd15-8014-4d52-abde-66d5e5fb8b46-1&pdp_npi=4%40dis%21AUD%2110.64%2110.64%21%21%2149.39%2149.39%21%402101e7f617078169772591911ee5af%2112000036527454608%21sea%21AU%21727390993%21&curPageLogUid=EhdiOEYj2Wr7&utparam-url=scene%3Asearch%7Cquery_from%3A

 

[Lotus64]

Way to make it your own. Looks awesome!

 

[Gprodigy]

smart, good work

 

[silent cilantro]

post a picture when you reinstall the trim piece, looks good!

 

[Drambeenie]

Was it difficult to remove that whole piece? I would like to do this with my HY car when it arrives.

Also, is it possible to modify the spring so that the flip switch piece doesn't shut automatically?

 

[Porter]

That looks pretty good!

If you don't mind me asking, how does the shift boot/gaiter attach to the existing trim ring? It looks smooth in your first pic. Does it have a tight fitting around that lip somehow?

 

[Jimblob]

 

[Jimblob]

Was it difficult to remove that whole piece? I would like to do this with my HY car when it arrives.

Also, is it possible to modify the spring so that the flip switch piece doesn't shut automatically?

It wasn’t the easiest but with the whole lots comes off ok. It took a little prying up with some wide trim removal tools. I started at the front on the car and worked backwards.

If you do it be careful not to dent the aluminium trim.

 

[Jimblob]

That looks pretty good!

If you don't mind me asking, how does the shift boot/gaiter attach to the existing trim ring? It looks smooth in your first pic. Does it have a tight fitting around that lip somehow?

The shift gaiter is held in place by another screw in peice. It’s also held in place by 4 small holes in the gaiter that go over 4 small pegs in the base.

It’s then glued all the way around the rim to totally secure it… it’s def not going anywhere but comes off with slow steady pressure as you work your way around.

 

[Porter]

The shift gaiter is held in place by another screw in peice. It’s also held in place by 4 small holes in the gaiter that go over 4 small pegs in the base.

It’s then glued all the way around the rim to totally secure it… it’s def not going anywhere but comes off with slow steady pressure as you work your way around.

Gotcha! Let me know if you can snap a pic of it at some point, assuming you don't have it all back together already.

The reason I ask, is that I'm going to try to find a local custom trim shop to make an "inverse" gaiter for me, that goes down into the structure instead of up to the shift knob. I want to open up the shift linkage fully to view, but hide the unsightly bits around the sides.

 

[Jimblob]

Was it difficult to remove that whole piece? I would like to do this with my HY car when it arrives.

Also, is it possible to modify the spring so that the flip switch piece doesn't shut?

Was it difficult to remove that whole piece? I would like to do this with my HY car when it arrives.

Also, is it possible to modify the spring so that the flip switch piece doesn't shut automatically?

There’s a little hidden mechanism that controls the descent of the switch.

It’s heat welded / melted into place and you can’t really get to it.

The spring could be removed but I’m not sure if that would stop it decending, make it just flap about or mean it always stays up even when you shut it!

 

[Rainier]

I think the red starter button cover appeals to the Italians, it's very much Chapter 22 of Mario Puzo's novel The Godfather...

in case you are wondering it's a completely un-necessary tangent that detracts from the overall arc of the story,

it's about a woman with a very large ... err how to put this ... starter button cover

 

[Jimblob]

I think the red starter button cover appeals to the Italians, it's very much Chapter 22 of Mario Puzo's novel The Godfather...

in case you are wondering it's a completely un-necessary tangent that detracts from the overall arc of the story,

it's about a woman with a very large ... err how to put this ... starter button cover

I didn’t want to paint it pink!

 

[Aero]

Good info. I dont like the red cover piece either. finally see what is involved though with removing it or painting. Too bad its not easier...I'll prob just live with it as it easy to push start without playing fighter pilot with the red cover.

 

[robrmon]

I’m not as brave as you, but that looks awesome

 

[finny76]

I’ve never liked the red starter switch cover. Esp on a Seneca car with black alcantara interior and yellow brake callipers.

If I had a red car or red callipers it makes sense but red doesn’t work for my car…

I wanted to take it off to paint / stain / powder coat it but sadly it’s plastic welded (melted) into place.

That is so sad that it was a welded piece... cheap design aspect!

 

[Medic518]

For reference the yellow paint code i used is LY1C which the dealer said was the brake caliper colour code… It’s an Audi colour.

I haven’t put a clear coat on top of it yet as I think like the satin finish but I may still clear coat it.

Not sure if I should have used Lotus LO7 yellow instead…

I have nothing to do with the company, just a customer, but if you go for a clear use KBS Clear Diamond Finish. Its not cheap, but unbelievably hard, so it will not wear with all the touching. Also, it's almost impossible to get runs even when sprayed with a 1:1 reduction mix - but you can buy in rattle can if you prefer.

I have actually switched from instrument lacquers to the KBS Diamond in my finishing process when carving custom guitars. Here is an example of my latest results - a little bit of a cheat, because I sprayed chrome and topped with a candied purple, but the KBS really brought out the mirror of the candied chrome.. it IS an incredible clear finish..