355 Center 'bubbling' Console Replacement Part

Please keep the refund. Does anyone know of someone interested in removeing the black "glue" on the interior parts of the 355 and repainting them with high temp paint?

thanks,

ken

 

I'm in...are they available yet?

 

Pete - Keep My extra dollars as well - consider it - working capital for our next thing we do

 

How long are you in Tokyo for? First time here? Enjoying it?

 

Pete (or anyone)...

I'm going to start to repaint all my plastic today. Only question I have is regarding the 2 large knobs on A/C consol. Are they removable or do you clean/paint them while attached to the unit?

 

Never mind...got it.

I have removed my entire center consol and literally every switch, knob, etc.

Removed the sticky paint...about 2/3 of the way done...so far about 4 hours into it. Everything snaps apart. Only place you may need a special tool is for the 3 knobs on the A/C consol. To remove them, flip unit over remove 4 screws and the top plate (the one we want to replace) comes off with the knobs. The knobs have a small snap ring to hold them in place. You'll need a snap ring removal tool. My friend down the street owns a gas station and he lent me his. Amzaing that the A/C control unit is basically empty - only one tiny circuit board in that big $2K box and ferrari must make it because it has their name and logo imprinted on it.

I have about 5 chemicals to remove. So far best is a wipe down with mineral spirits first and rub with cloth. Will look bad and not remove much. Let it dry then wipe with Toluene...takes it baby butt smooth...ready to paint. No scraping, no teflon pad, nothing! A little finishing with 600 wet dry is optional. I need to use the car this weekend so I'm painting the A/C consol solid black until Pete gets back and the new covers arrive.

BTW -Toluene: A freind who restores vintage cars told me about it, they use it on headliners and even leather stains. Evaporates quickly so you have to move fast. You can get it at a paint store like Benjamin Moore or Sherman Williams...couple of bucks for a gallon. Use it outdoors only. I was watching the game last night and working with it in the kitchen and caught a buzz.

No hijack - if anyone needs help on removing/painting please PM me.

Pete - Looking forward to your return...

 

FYI
I just ordered the shifter surround, mirror sw surround and the seat sw / top sw surround for a customers car. Retail for the 3 plastic parts was under $100 for all. Suggest a good single malt Scotch for the buzz........
Dave

 

I'm not sure if you're serious, but if so, where'd you order them?

 

Where did you get it...also if it's stock and will eventually melt again.

I made the mistake of taking apart the shock switch (to make cleaning easier) and although they have clips to allow you to open it, once you do it will not longer operate.

1 swtich at Shelton = $87 by itself....

 

Call your local dealer, factory parts
Dave

 

Sure it might melt again, but now we know a good bit more regarding prevention of the problem.
It takes a gentle touch but I have taken apart and cleaned many of the switches. Seems the seat and top switches on the spiders catch a good bit of soda. Thank goodness for the plastic membrane!
Dave

 

Not to mention what else you'll find down there....even found my ex-girlfriends phone number that I've been looking for....

The first 2 switches came apart and went back together OK, the shock switch did not even though the membrane was still in place... maybe just a fluke...don't know but I can repaint everything in place... Think I'll start a new thread on it and post pix in order not to hijhack...

Hope to hear from Pete this week....

 

I also had no problems taking apart the switches...all the way down to removing the function label. It just popped out and popped back in. The thing to be carful of are the small spring and "cams" that center the switch in the frame. I lost a set and put the switch back together without them and it works and looks fine.

ken

 

Australia? Oh, man - you have to be really messed up by now...time zone, date line, fall vs spring,... gees...Hey Pete what's your last name? lol.

Pete - if you have any of the "old" ones still left over I'll buy one in addition to the ones I have on order. I'll send a PM to you.

Best Rgds
Frank

 

Pete,
Lung from Singapore here....I want one!!!

PM me with total cost.

Thanks,
lung

 

Thanks a million for the "temp" replacement... this is a major show...same judges as Cavallino.

Re: The picture with black spots...thanks for the pix....yes, after taking it apart I can see how these points would glow the most...I will do the same.

Welcome back

 

Pete - got it thanks!

I put on the "temp" one - For you guys waiting let me say this "The color match and design is PERFECT".

Leaving in a few hours to drive to AZ to pick up a new aluminum trailer. Back early next week and will post pics.

 

Pete,

This looks great, but just so I'm clear...

1. Does your replacement part share a similar sort of texture to the OEM?
2. Does the night illumination of it still work?
3. Could an inept 'do-it-yourselfer' like me remove and refit the part?
4. Assuming the answers to the above are yes, are you able to ship to the UK? (do you have PayPal?)

Many thanks

Robert.