| Author | Message | ||
| David C. (Worth_it)
New member Username: Worth_it Post Number: 45 Registered: 10-2002 |
Dav, What an improvement. I am sure you are happy with the results. I feel more confident about attempting this also. Thanks to everyone for sharing the information. | ||
| Dav Lee (Leedcc)
New member Username: Leedcc Post Number: 11 Registered: 9-2002 |
Byron, I remove the aircon vents with the air flow valves as "one pience". In any case, all went well. Thanks for the cleaning tip as well. David C., Thanks to all the tips from the expert here, i have removed and cleaned all the parts and snap them back in today. I drove the car and tested out the air con....yes, the vent worked fine. Job completed. By the way, no more embrassing questions anymore, they looked "like new". A job that is well worth the time. I have attached some pic to help out those who may need it. The following is a pic of all the vents removed  This is a pic of how ugly it is before the cleaning  This shows a partial result of the cleaning, note the cleaned left side and the still to be cleaned right.  Wish you success same as mine when you come to do it yourself. David | ||
| Byron (Bmyth)
Junior Member Username: Bmyth Post Number: 108 Registered: 10-2002 |
The vents do just pop out. The center AC vent is a bit trickier - be careful about taking that off because unlike the L/R ones, the air flow valves are part of a second piece that is attached to the front vent. I was able to remove all of my "gunk" by using a regular scouring pad, antibacterial handsoap, and hot water. (see other post: http://www.ferrarichat.com/discus/messages/112/186749.html?1041524863) I also removed and cleaned my ashtray cover in the similar fashion. My next task will be to remove the main center console (with A/C buttons). Dav, you can just pry out the AC vents... just be mindful of the molded clips, as Bruce mentioned. | ||
| David C. (Worth_it)
New member Username: Worth_it Post Number: 44 Registered: 10-2002 |
Dav, Keep us posted on the results. Did you remove the vents the way Bruce suggested ?? If No, what did you do different ?? It sounds like they just "pop" out with some pressure. After you respond on your results I might try this next weekend. | ||
| Dav Lee (Leedcc)
New member Username: Leedcc Post Number: 10 Registered: 9-2002 |
Bruce, Thanks for the tip. David C. I have successfully removed all three air con vents, with a little care along the way, I did not break anything. In fact, it does come off quite easily, with a bit of force, of course. I have since restorted to elbow grease with a scouring pad, some "JIF", and also a tooth brush to take off the gunk. I am still working at it and will let you know when I got it fully cleaned. By the way, the gunk has really made the dash look ungly and it was also an embrassing question to answer ! | ||
| David C. (Worth_it)
New member Username: Worth_it Post Number: 43 Registered: 10-2002 |
Bruce - Thanks for giving me advise so I don't break anything. Frank, Before I purchased my Spider i had read previous threads on what causes this mess. From those threads and talks with the previous owner of my car I believe it is 2 things: 1. Armor All and other dressings cause this break down in material 2. Heat / High temperatures - Many people from warmer climates ( FL / CA ) have said they have this problem and have NEVER used anything but water on these pieces. Just poor choice of materials - Again, just my observations from the last few months. | ||
| Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
Intermediate Member Username: Parkerfe Post Number: 1648 Registered: 9-2001 |
I have been told that the 348 interior gunk is a result of using "dash dressing" type products which deteriorate the soft-feel coating used by Ferrari on the console, vents, door handles, ect.. If you will use only water to clean them with no dressings, it will not happen. | ||
| Bruce R. Morehead (Brm)
New member Username: Brm Post Number: 16 Registered: 4-2002 |
The vents are held on by clips molded into the vent. I used a piece of insulated wire looped around one of the non movable parts and a steady pull to remove them. The movable parts just snap apart for cleaning. Take care putting them back in and you will be fine. | ||
| David C. (Worth_it)
New member Username: Worth_it Post Number: 38 Registered: 10-2002 |
Thanks Leedcc for asking this question - I am also a little intimidated about trying to pull off dash and console pieces without knowing exactly how they are put together. Can anyone explain how they release ?? | ||
| Jeff Edison (Euro308guy)
Junior Member Username: Euro308guy Post Number: 114 Registered: 7-2002 |
I am investigating the solution to the funk problem now. If possible please take some digital photos so I can learn. Thanks Jeff | ||
| Dav Lee (Leedcc)
New member Username: Leedcc Post Number: 9 Registered: 9-2002 |
Could some one offer instruction on how to remove the air con vents for cleaning the melted black gunk? Some suggested elbow grease with soap and scouring pads, any other good suggestions ? |