DinaColada's 1998 z3

[DinaColada]

Some of the easier to do mods on the car was the installation of an aftermarket rear view mirror. This mirror displays the temperature and compass.

Also installed blue LEDs on the kick panel:

The kick panel lights really show off the pedals which I personally think are gorgeous! The OEM dead pedal was exposed, since the aftermarket one was slightly smaller. So the OEM dead pedal was cut so the aftermarket one sits on top of the OEM pedal perfectly. These are still a work in progress as the dead pedal needs to be engraved in the center.

 

[DinaColada]

While the interior was the primary focus, my Fiance and I did some exterior mods too! We purchased new rims by Enkei. I feel they look super modern, classy and I feel it suits the car very well!

We picked up a pair of replica ACS fog lights and they add a really nice touch to the bumper!

Lastly, a simple swap from the OEM kidney grills to a carbon fiber one:

 

[PHILIP BAXTER]

Wow, great work you two. Your interior looks awesome.

 

[Davyhoogy]

Welcome from northeast England.
You guys are like me, I can have zero knowledge on something but it won't stop me diving head first into it to do it all myself.

Really impressed with how it's looking, a complete custom job. Keep the pictures and updates coming...
We need something to read when the soaps are on tv haha

 

[Momo77]

Welcome from a new member in Cambridge, UK

 

[5harp3y]

welcome, great first post!

 

[pgunter]

Welcome from Hampshire, UK. Great deal of hard work and looks great. You have a lovely Z3.

 

[DavidM]

A very interesting read providing some very unique modifications - very skillful!

 

[buze]

I really love the new center console. And the leather; did you have some previous experience on working with leather like that? it's really very nice work!
Where do you source the leather? how do you shape it?

 

[DinaColada]

Welcome from northeast England.
You guys are like me, I can have zero knowledge on something but it won't stop me diving head first into it to do it all myself.

Really impressed with how it's looking, a complete custom job. Keep the pictures and updates coming...
We need something to read when the soaps are on tv haha

Thank you! Yeah it was definitely a lot of trial and error. Will continue posting photo updates we continue to work on it!

I really love the new center console. And the leather; did you have some previous experience on working with leather like that? it's really very nice work!
Where do you source the leather? how do you shape it?

Thank you so much! I love how the center console came out too, especially the gloss black! After the scratches are gone and it's aligned properly, it'll look even better! We're considering putting the aluminum trim around the shift opening like the ///M z3s, and maybe trim around the window buttons. I think a subtle touch of chrome would look good! As for the leather, no experience, just a lot of trial and error. We have a local upholstery shop here that sells the leather for $4 a square foot... It isn't the best quality, but it's a good bang for the buck!

 

[DinaColada]

E46 steering wheel wrapped with white stitching! Just a few more finishing touches and it'll be ready to install

 

[hard top]

We're considering putting the aluminum trim around the shift opening

@Southernboy on here makes and sells those, if that is any help.

 

[DinaColada]

@Southernboy on here makes and sells those, if that is any help.

That does help actually! I'll PM him now, thank you

 

[hard top]

That does help actually!

Info..... https://zroadster.org/threads/m-style-gearshift-surround.12654/page-9#post-262585

 

[bluesaz3]

great job lots of time and dedication.

 

[DinaColada]

Hi guys! I would like opinions on interior styling options. Soo currently, the center console is a high gloss black. Above it, I've wrapped the dash in leather. I was thinking maybe removing the leather above the center console and replacing it with a high gloss black vinyl or maybe gloss black paint (probably not paint because I'm scared of it peeling) like the center console. I'm curious to know what you guys think I should do... keep the current leather or go for gloss black? I've attached a photo so you guys know the area I'm referring to!

 

[Davyhoogy]

I personally like the centre console and the dash a Matt black colour. Then the instrument cluster and the passenger airbag leather.

 

[oldcarman]

Welcome from another Canuck!! Wow! You guys have really done a lot of interesting mods and congrats for just sticking your finger in and tackling them yourselves. Unfortunately you are a bit far for a get together as I''m in NE Mb in a small town about 120km from Winnipeg. Keep the pics and posts coming!! JIM

 

[buze]

Well you know, personally I think the job you made with the leather is fantastic, so I would perhaps try to extend /that/ to the center console instead! I don't know how practical it is, but given the talent you've shown it would be quite interesting..... perhaps not something 'puffy' leather, but a flat sheet with chrome surounds?
Just an idea...

 

[t-tony]

Some great touches in all you've done. I like the wheels too, although they wouldn't suit my Z4 I don't think. Would look much nicer when you get to painting the brake discs (rotors).

Tony.