My AC control switch plate is slowing losing its color... the blue & black are wearing off... anybody ever re painted theirs? or is there a way of getting new replacement switch plates? I checked at Rutlands and they did not have any of the blue ones, they had 1 for the fan speed control .... ? mine work great, but the looks are getting pretty bad... the more use the worse its getting....
This is a tough one, Tom. If it will clean up with water and soap, then do that and put some WD40 on it to protect. If it's discolored, or faded, then I have had luck refinishing other stuff by cleaning, (very light) sanding (800+ grit) to roughen a little, recoloring with Sharpies, and applying an automotive clear coat. Use rubbing alcohol to dry it prior to coloring. Finding replacements is an alternative, though finding one new is not likely. You might be able to motivate Verrel or Birdman to fabricate, though they are both 308 ownmers, I believe. Good luck.
Your best bet may be to take the plate to a sign company like FastSigns. They can copy it onto a decal like material that will cover the old plate and make it look new. I do this to reface legacey stereo equipment. Very hard to tell it isn't original.
ItalianCarParts.com I just replaced mine in the 308qv Item# fr109820 A/C switch plate $64.95 It is perfect - took about 10 minutes to change out. Maybe give a call and see if they have one for the 328?
thanks - I've looked I dont think they have them... the QV is metal and fits below the ac tem & fan switch ... the 328 is two separate plastic plates...
Here is my attempt at a sticker... I'll remove the plate and size it ... what do you think? Image Unavailable, Please Login
Mine is just plain broken - So I had to use a washer and epoxy. PO or prior mechanic got agg with the lock nut and broke most of the plastic that holds it to the switch. Anyone know who has them. jfrazar 89 328
Nice attempt but I still suggest to let the pro do it. They will scan the original, tweek it up and presto.
Tom, I have the same problem and have been trying to locate a switch plate for years. The AC plate on early cars (like our '86s) has a flat edge, later cars have a raised edge, similar to a frame. I ordered one a while back and received the raised edge plate which I really can't use...
The plastic cover over the heater/ac led's are missing on the passenger side heater/ac control , on my 89 328 , any suggestions for a replacement that will look oem ??? Thanks Elliot
Me too. It's something most people don't even notice, but it really stands out to me. Seems to be a common problem too. Maybe Verrel can help.
Hey guys, idea. Do any of the other switches have the same raised edges? If so are they available? Then use the decal idea listed above?
Update - I'm now going to try to refirb my plate, can anyone with a clean clear plate take a picture for me so I can see how the blue & black look? Mine is completly worn off. THANKS!
Well, since there was such an overwheming respons to my thread update - Kidding.... I thought I would post my solution. I found a fairly good photo on the internet of the 328 AC switch plate, and imported the picture and then printed it on Sticker paper i bought at my local art store. the result was not bad, its not completley black, but it looks 100% better than my scared and scraped cover. the best part is if if comes off, then you can put another one on. I just used an exacto knife to trim the edges, painted it with flat acrylics and applied it to the plate. Now removing the switch plate is a HUGE Pain in the Butt... however for now it works. I'm trying to figure out how to do a stencil for the plate. on my model ( 86) the bottom is painted in the blue color, with black on top... its going to be a fine stencil when one is made. Image Unavailable, Please Login
I have used these guys http://www.frontpanelexpress.com/ to make various custom panels for my boat. They have a nice CAD program that you download for free, design your part, then it estimates the job and you can order it. They do different materials, graphics... How about black anodized Aluminum.
Well, I tried to use Front panel ... but there is a reason I do what i do... this was much more complicated than I thought but - My nephew is at Georgia Tech - studying aero space, and he happens to be in CAD engineering now... so I told him what I want to do, we'll measure the part this weekend and see what we can get done. I'll take a shot of my swtich now with the sticker - It looks good, but for long term not great. once I get this all CAD'ed up I'l post a price for copies...
Any updates on the best place to acquire these. I actually would like to replace/refinish all of these control plates in the car.
I'm going to replace the plate for my fan switch and A/C controls. The markings on the fan and aerial are completely gone at this point. How are those plates held on? Do you remove the collars on the switches and it slides off? For the Borletti switch plate, how is that attached? Thanks!
