Hello, I'm new to the forums and this is my first post. I just recently picked up a 2014 F-Type convertible, I love it, but its got the dreaded sticky dash bits. I want to systematically go through the car and thoroughly clean the soft-touch finish from these parts that are afflicted. So far I have done my research and looked through the manual and found out how to get some of the pieces out, but I am having trouble with a couple and was hoping a knowledgeable member could give me some guidance.

1. Side vents: I know you can pop off a panel on either side of the dash that the doors hide to get a side view of these vents but beyond that I am lost, is there a procedure anyone knows about to remove these?


2. Rear cubby surround: I know you can take out the roll hoops and then lift this piece out of the car, but I wasn't sure if all that was necessary and I could just use some trim tools to pop this surround out?


Any help would be appreciated guys! Thanks!

 

Did you have any luck with this?

 

Yes, I can happily say ALL sticky bits have been removed in my Jag. Let me know if you have any questions.

 

I could all the help I can get. I can't figure out how to get to the two items you mentioned. ...so far.

 

I pieced together parts of the manual that pertain to the disassembly of each. I’ll post them here for you Sunday night and some extra tips from my own experience when I’m back in front of my computer. The vents were not so bad. But unfortunately the cubby surround you do have to remove the roll hoops and the entire back plastic to get at it. I did the 770 watt amplifier upgrade (via Cambo) while I was in there to make it more worth it.

 

Thanks! Much appreciated

 

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/f...h-vent-233684/

see the link. It’s quite easy and the drivers side is nearly the same process but instead of removing the glove compartment you take off the under tray shield. Same procedure otherwise on either side. Takes about 15 minutes with the correct Torx bits.

 

how did you remove the sticky surface?

 

I have done the buttons on my car with dunlop Guitar fret board cleaner. It works. Put a small amount on just enough to cover the buttons and let sit 5
lightly scrub with a micro fiber towel. You will start to see the coating lift. Then do the same with a (water) damp micro towel repeat process until you have
clean buttons take your time and it will come out great with out damage to the silkscreen on the buttons.

The larger gun metal pieces are harder and you can very easy go thru the gray to the black.

Good luck.

 

I tired a number of times to get them cleaned up but nothing worked and so I just decided to replace them.

 

Any thoughts of stripping the surface and repainting piano black or coating with something else?

 

Just replace the buttons if they're too far gone to clean. This is only an issue on pre MY'16 cars.​​​​​​

 

Attached is the relevant instructions I pieced together from the manual for the center cubby on a convertible. Regular ammonia works great for removing the sticky coating and NOT the labeling underneath. No soaking, just pour some on a rag and start wiping then rinse with water after.

It is relevant to note that the gunmetal color will be removed only on the steering wheel bits and air vents when stripping the sticky coating, underneath is a glossy black you can get away with having on the interior but you may want to prepare to wrap them while they are out if you are ****.