Bubbled HVAC Panel no more

Hello all, My new 355 had the typical delaminating/bubbling HVAC panel. Instead of using an overlay I elected to have a local aviation company actually restore my panel. The process started the same as for an overlay but once the faceplate was stripped to the bare I took it over to my friends and they restored it to good as new. This company specializes in restoration of aircraft edge lighting and instrument panels and fabrication of new instrument panels. They provide an excellent product that I think look superior (just my opinion) to an overlay. It also allowed the other plastic components to be painted so everything matches.

The process was:
1. remove the HVAC panel
2. disassemble HVAC control to separate "faceplate"
3. strip old bubbled finish
4. clean and provide to Nimbus Aviation www.nimbusaviation.com (954) 229-5100
5. Nimbus then took the old panel finish (that I was able to remove in nearly one piece) along with a scanned image of my panel before I stripped it and created a template to use after refinishing to use their laser engraver to create the markings that closely replicate the original unit.

The company that restored my faceplate is:

Nimbus Aviation
2549 NW 55th Court
Hangar 30A
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
(954) 229-5100
http://www.nimbusaviation.com/

I still have to adjust all the console components to better align them but I wanted to include a pic of the installed panel.
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The cost was very reasonable - less than I was quoted for an overlay and the materials used are not the same as original coating. Keep in mind I did the stripping of the components so when you compare to the installation of an overlay and restoration by stickynomore you are probably talking very close to the same money. I am not trying to take business away from Robbie I just wanted something that allowed all parts to match perfectly.

The materials used by this company are meant for use in the extreme environment (very hot to very cold) of an aircraft cockpit.
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Yes lights shine through just like original. The guys that did the restore for me specialize in aircraft edge lighting and panel restoration. I will take a night time pic tonight and add later.

 

Well I snapped a night time photo and the engraving looks good just a little more white than original. I am going to disassemble and install some green filters on the backlighting bulbs to acheive a more "stock" appearance. I will post more photos once this task is completed.

Sorry for the poor quality of the photo but its the best I can do without a flash.
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I bonded the mirror control panel to the ashtray bezel. The area just to the right of the ashtray door was broken and I was unable to repair it as an individual unit so I glued them together and this allowed for a more secure repair of the broken area. I also like the look of the "one piece" design better.

 

Thanks I think its a great alternative to buying new or any other option I have seen so far.