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Options for replacing or improving console trim components?
The soft-touch plastic horizontal surfaces in my console are looking a bit manky, and I'm wondering if any has dealt with these before. The surfaces in question are items 6 and 7 in the diagram below.
New components are quite expensive, and I suspect they will ultimately deteriorate as well. Wondering if anyone has replaced with new, and are they better? Or, has anyone wrapped, treated or otherwise repaired theirs successfully? Is there an alternative to OEM that anyone would recommend?
There are many, many threads on cleaning sticky buttons and surfaces. Strong cleaners remove the sticky soft-touch material, but may also remove the labeling. Someone just reported success with ammonia. I used unscented hand lotion and IPA (isopropyl alcohol, not beer!), and stiff plastic to scrape up the gooey material.
Buying replacements would be prohibitively expensive, if you consider console switches, plus steering wheel, door controls, etc.
Thanks - I've read through a large number of threads on the sticky button/surface issue. The sticky surfaces in question are clean - I found the suggestion on Neutrogena wipes to work quite well. Unfortunately these particular surfaces in my car are past needing a good clean and I'm now thinking about replacement. Any suggestions or options would be great - thanks!
Last edited by SteveHall; Jan 4, 2023 at 11:46 AM.
Perhaps I've misunderstood your post - did you mean that these cleaners can be used to remove the soft-touch layer, but leave the underlying material intact?
Last edited by SteveHall; Jan 4, 2023 at 12:32 PM.
Perhaps I've misunderstood your post - did you mean that these cleaners can be used to remove the soft-touch layer, but leave the underlying material intact?
They can, but on a large surface such as you mention, be careful not to press too hard. THEN the coloring will be uneven.
"More reps, less pressure"
I pressed too hard on the passenger wind switch bezel while removing the sticky coating...had to fully remove the gray coloring to make it look uniform again.
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The surface of items 6 and 7 are a bit scratched on mine, I will probably wrap them. I previously wrapped the centre console components in my XKR and it came up very nicely. I just need a wrap that will go with the console and trim.
I’m finally getting around to dealing with this. I recently came across this video on YouTube, but the poster does not recall where he got the kit from. Has anyone seen a good quality kit like this for sale?
They can, but on a large surface such as you mention, be careful not to press too hard. THEN the coloring will be uneven.
"More reps, less pressure"
I pressed too hard on the passenger wind switch bezel while removing the sticky coating...had to fully remove the gray coloring to make it look uniform again.
I’m finally getting around to dealing with this. I recently came across this video on YouTube, but the poster does not recall where he got the kit from. Has anyone seen a good quality kit like this for sale?
If you want to add a carbon fiber look without adding any appreciable thickness, there are lots of very high quality vinyl wraps available. If you plan to remove the parts, wrapping them would be even easier.
I’m finally getting around to dealing with this. I recently came across this video on YouTube, but the poster does not recall where he got the kit from. Has anyone seen a good quality kit like this for sale?
Update on this thread - I went back to an earlier post, which recommended removing the outer sticky layer with isopropanol, and gave it a try in varying strengths. I tested 35% IPA through to 90%, as well as goo-gone, Varsol, and finally methyl hydrate - which worked far better than anything else. It was easiest to remove the trim pieces and apply the solvent with a microfiber towel on the bench, taking care to rub moderately in one direction only, as the plastic does hold a ‘grain’ effect. Results were quite good! See attached photos.
Options for replacing or improving console trim components?
