The aluminum might be real, but it's VERY thin almost foil like. Plastic underneath. An edge started peeling in my 06 shift lever and kept cutting me. I thought it was just a rough edge, so trimmed it and it started peeling a lot. I then had to peel it ALL off and then re-paint with some rattle can aluminum look stuff. Turned out OK. At least I don't need gloves on to shift safely anymore!