Center Console: Shell vs. Wrap

[Protect1989]

Looking for opinions on the center console shell that has started to be sold by various shops.

For those that have had both (or either), do you have a preference and why?

Shell:
Center Console Shell for Model 3 & Y

Wrap:
Center Console Vinyl Wrap for Model Y

 

[Pilot1226]

Shell seems easier to use and work with. That's what I'm planning on. The vinyl wrap is cheaper but harder to do it. I'd rather pay more and have it just be done and done right.

 

[Klau2]

i got shell. just a lot easier to install. don't have to worry about bubbles. my first try didn't line up currently, i was able to remove it very quick and redo it again.

 

[dbdb]

Do either approaches damage the surfaces?

 

[Protect1989]

Do either approaches damage the surfaces?

Great question. The vinyl wrap does not, just peels right off. However the shell does use 3M adhesive so not sure how that would affect it.

 

[PalmBeachPaul]

I did a wrap on my wife’s M3 2 years ago and it looks and holds up great. It is tricky to install and I needed to replace one section but was at no cost due to a goof proof guarantee. (Trick : Put the sheets in the fridge or freezer before installation. It makes then stiffer and easier to handle)
I did a plastic carbon fiber shell on my MY console and dash. It was definite easier but be sure you align it properly.
Both require patience and a bit of skill. Go with the product that gives you the look you prefer.

 

[mackgriggs]

I installed both on my Model Y. First the shell then the wrap.

I think the shell can be fine...it just depends on what finish you are trying to use. I wanted the carbon fiber look, and the shell carbon fiber looks AWFUL. Nothing like carbon fiber. Has no texture like carbon fiber and doesn't look like it either.

3M carbon fiber vinyl looks and feels great. Yes, it took a bit longer to do than the shell, but like...25 minutes more. Most of the vinyl is easy to apply...its just the final vinyl around the cupholders which is the pain. Even then, not that bad and I think mine looks great for DIY install.

 

[Raven23]

I had installed both on my Model Y as well - first with the shell and then with the wrap.

They both have their pros/cons, and ultimately would depend on the look you are trying to go for, and how you maintain your car.

The shell is overall easier to apply, and it is a lot more scratch resistant than the wrap. However, it does not “wrap/tuck” around the edges of the original console trim like the wrap would, so you can see a bit of the original black trim around the edges. In addition, the shell looks a bit like cheap plastic after a while and eventually I opted to try the wrap. I am overall happy with switching to the wrap, as I feel it looks more “clean” and blends in with the car more. However it’s ultimately a sticker film, so it will be more prone to scratches compared to the shell.

 

[Georgia_Y]

I did the the matte black shell and pretty happy with it. No issues getting it line up and it did wrap around the front/back edges and the cup holder edge but not the sides. I can see the carbon fiber being more of an issue. The one thing you can do is wrap the matte shell with a better looking carbon fiber material. Would make installation a little easier as you can wrap the pieces outside the car and then just apply it. I may try that if I ever get tired of the look.

 

[Clubhops10]

I've tried and shell and vinyl and the shell is a much easier install.

I'm looking for a matte carbon fiber shell (real carbon fiber not the printed pattern) WITHOUT the key card cutout but having a hard time finding someone who sells that. Everyone is selling the same version with the keycard cutout.

 

[HeartSong]

I installed both on my Model Y. First the shell then the wrap.

I think the shell can be fine...it just depends on what finish you are trying to use. I wanted the carbon fiber look, and the shell carbon fiber looks AWFUL. Nothing like carbon fiber. Has no texture like carbon fiber and doesn't look like it either.

3M carbon fiber vinyl looks and feels great. Yes, it took a bit longer to do than the shell, but like...25 minutes more. Most of the vinyl is easy to apply...its just the final vinyl around the cupholders which is the pain. Even then, not that bad and I think mine looks great for DIY install.

Here’s a real carbon shell that’s available:

Model 3 & Y Center Console Molded Carbon Fiber Cover Gen. 2 - From $ 199

 

[Jazz_MIII]

I installed white carbon fiber wrap not realizing a shell was an option. It didn't take too long, but you do have to go slow and work out the bubbles along the way, turned out looking pretty nice, but one thing it made me notice was how the panels don't quite line up exactly, which is a small annoyance...but was more annoying having fingerprints on the piano black!

 

[TomServo]

I just installed the EVFIT shell kit in matte black and it looks factory and feels great. All the lids work just fine. Paid $35 off e-Bay.

 

[CaliX]

I just bought the satin white shell from Center Console Shell for Model 3 & Y to match the dash. Will install when I get my car back and post pictures.

 

[CaliX]

I just bought the satin white shell from Center Console Shell for Model 3 & Y to match the dash. Will install when I get my car back and post pictures.

Well it arrived and was total garbage... and I threw it in the Garbage.

I guess I will go somewhere and get it professionally wrapped. Any recommendations for Encino, CA area?

 

[azentropy]

I probably would have tried a shell this time as wrapped my 3 myself using a kit and it took 2 attempts(Brushed Steel). However at the time no one really had a pattern I was interested in. I'm pretty bored with the faux carbon fiber, didn't want a solid color or anything glossy. So ended up wrapping my Y myself as well (also took two attempts) but I'm happy with it (matrix black this time)

 

[angus[Y]oung]

Well it arrived and was total garbage... and I threw it in the Garbage.

Just curious, what was wrong with it?

 

[CaliX]

Just curious, what was wrong with it?

The satin was uneven or missing, all the pieces were warped so the didn’t stick correctly, who ever did the die cast didn’t know what they were doing at one point I thought are these for a different brand of car (laughable how they fit around the cup holders over shooting by 1/2 inch).

 

[TomServo]

EVFIT shell's -

They look factory for $37.

 

[jdr93]

EVFIT shell's -

They look factory for $37.

do you have a link?