METAL GARNISH
01: The Road to Development
It All Started With a Photo
I used to think the factory plastic garnish was fine as it was. But then, I stumbled upon a photo on Instagram: someone had paired a RetroActive gauge with a set of aftermarket metal covers. That one image changed everything.
The cockpit looked sharper, more cohesive—almost like the covers were designed specifically for our gauges. I was struck by how much potential was still untapped. It made me realize that the factory garnish, while familiar, could be much more.
Unfortunately, most aftermarket options were mass-produced and lacked the detail or edge I wanted. That’s when I knew: if I wanted the ideal metal garnish, I had to make it myself.
From a Personal Fix to a Purposeful Creation
The first prototype wasn’t meant for sale—it was just for my own Jimny. But as I refined the design, it became clear that this wasn’t just a personal upgrade.
This was something worth sharing with others who care about craftsmanship and design. And so began the journey to create a metal garnish that wasn’t just “different,” but deeply intentional—built from scratch to match the spirit of the RetroActive gauges.
02: No Compromises Allowed
Preserving the “Best Parts” of the OEM Design
The brushed finish on the factory garnish is stunning—far beyond what you’d expect in a kei car interior. Even the boundary between brushed and non-brushed areas is so precise, I felt like giving the designer a standing ovation.
That’s why, when designing our own metal garnish, we made it a rule: “Preserve this brushed area exactly as it is.” Instead of overriding it, we replaced just that portion with stainless steel.
In other words, this garnish respects the original’s visual precision. The distinct line between textures stays intact—and so does the glossy piano black side surface. That choice was no accident.
Laser Measurement, Because Eyeballing Isn’t Enough
We refused to accept even the smallest signs of an “afterthought” install. These parts sit directly in your line of sight every time you drive, so we didn’t want anything that screamed “just stuck on.”
To achieve OEM-level precision, we used 3D laser metrology to map the factory garnish down to the finest curvature and dimension.
This was far beyond what digital calipers could deliver—and we didn’t want to settle for a “close enough” DIY look. There’s a big difference between “that’ll do” and “that’s perfect.” We chose the latter.
03: Hairline Panel Design
The Relentless Pursuit of Flatness
We used 3D measurement data to map the surface perfectly, then precision-cut the stainless panel with our own in-house method. The result? No burrs, no warping—just flawless, undisturbed flatness.
When we lightly press this panel against the factory garnish, it fits so cleanly you’ll gasp (or laugh in
disbelief). It’s that tight. Imagine a panel where even a 0.8mm corner must align perfectly—one misstep, and it bends instantly beyond salvage. (Don’t worry, this step is handled on our side.)
The Thickness That Finally Made the Cut
We originally considered a thickness of 0.3 mm. Thinner is often better for OEM integration. But even a slight ripple during final assembly was unacceptable.
After night-time testing with headlights on, we noticed faint distortions reflecting off the surface. That tiny flaw kept bothering me—enough that we upped the thickness to 0.5 mm for peace of mind.
If the choice is between “barely acceptable” and “absolutely right,” I’ll always go with the latter.
04: Ring Design Comparison
TYPE-A: Classic Polished Finish
The signature rounded rings used in past complete kits have been refined through a spinning process and finished with a mirror polish. Designed specifically to match RetroActive’s gauges, these stainless steel rings represent the highest level of quality in both texture and shine. This familiar design is now reintroduced as TYPE-A.
TYPE-B: Bold and Sculpted Look
Originally shelved due to cost, this version revives the luxurious “billet-cut” stainless ring design. Machined from solid stainless shafts, most of the material becomes waste—underscoring its extravagance. Using advanced cutting techniques, the ring preserves the natural matte sheen and sharp edges of raw SUS304, without any post-treatment. Inspired by vintage motorcycle rings, TYPE-B delivers a bold, neoclassic aesthetic and a strong physical presence ideal for the Jimny’s interior.
05: Decorative Bolt Design
From “Fake Bolts” to Functional Hardware
What appears at first glance to be a familiar decorative bolt on the factory garnish is, in fact, not a bolt at all—just a molded shape with no structural purpose. By strict definition, it’s a “bolt-shaped motif,” not even a dummy bolt.
In developing the Metal Garnish, we debated whether to cover this area with the hairline panel. But in the end, we felt this bolt motif had become an integral part of the Jimny’s design identity and decided to retain it.
However, rather than a simple decorative nod, we gave this feature true purpose. These bolts now serve to partially secure the panel, transforming them from “fake” accents into genuine functional hardware.
We use low-profile hex bolts originally designed for industrial equipment, which require custom trimming to prevent interference with the gauge unit.
As functional components, they may exhibit minor scuffs or surface marks and are intentionally left untreated. If you prefer a more refined appearance, we offer an upgrade option—see the Machined Bolt Upgrade for details.
06: The Final Decision
Production Difficulty: Top-Tier
The completed product—this “for-myself” Metal Garnish—is a manifestation of obsessive craftsmanship.
It wasn’t made to be sold; it was made to satisfy a personal standard. And it did—perfectly.
But word got out. “There are definitely people who’d want this, Hatanaka-san.” From RetroActive gauge users to owners with factory meters, the buzz grew.
Still, turning it into a product wasn’t simple. The process:
temporary alignment with a factory garnish → seamless mounting of the hairline panel → precise bolt placement fixed with industrial-grade adhesive.
Every step demands absolute precision. A shift of even fractions of a millimeter results in deformation, misalignment—or rejection.
In this sense, it’s closer to handcrafted artisan work than general manufacturing.
Not Just a Bolt-on Part
If we were to sell this, the cost of materials, processing, and securing factory parts would put it far beyond the pricing of mass-produced molded pieces.
That’s no surprise—it was never designed for volume production.
Even if someone appreciates the details, this isn’t something you casually bundle with other products.
This piece belongs in a different category entirely—closer to an automotive craft object than a simple accessory.
For reference, a press-formed alternative could be produced for one-tenth the price. That’s the kind of gap we’re talking about.
07: A Note on Quality
