I started with this:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v282/$100T2/rx7-17.jpg

As you can see from this close up, there was some heavy fading...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v282/$100T2/7a1e8ca8.jpg

The ashtray is worn, too:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v282/$100T2/81bb19f3.jpg

You can't paint those parts without painting this:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v282/$100T2/76ebf3ce.jpg

First things first: Remove all the switches, the AC vents, and the ashtray. Take apart everything so it's down to just the bare plastic. This minimizes needing to mask stuff off later. Then, wash the ever loving shit out of it. I used a scrub brush and some dish detergent. Dry well.

Next:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v282/$100T2/2ecf85f5.jpg

I sprayed everything with "Plastic Adhesion Promoter", bought at my local auto parts store. I gave it about 4 coats.

I went with "Medium Gray Metallic", which is actually a tiny bit darker than the factory silver color:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v282/$100T2/84b716a1.jpg

You have to be careful on the shifter surround, because the paint will pool. I did probably 10 very, very light coats after I fucked it up the first time and had to sand it all off.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v282/$100T2/5d6f1f9c.jpg

The worn spot on the ashtray was a bitch... I let the paint dry, sanded it flush, then painted a couple more layers... It's barely noticeable now, and it's good enough for me:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v282/$100T2/10c663a7.jpg

And here's the finished product, complete with my new leather shift boot from Maciek:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v282/$100T2/P8230019.jpg

wow that looks awsome

some more tips: If using a metalic paint, only spray lightly in one direction, not back and forth. Try to spray in the same direction for each piece.

Also, a few coats of clearcoat can make a difference not only in appearance but longevity.