355 Dash Leather and Sticky Parts Refurb | Page 3 | FerrariChat

355 Dash Leather and Sticky Parts Refurb

Discussion in '348/355' started by full_garage, Apr 4, 2011.

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  1. Ricambi America

    Ricambi America F1 World Champ
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    Those small LED's look like a K40 setup.
     
  2. full_garage

    full_garage Formula 3
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    Feb 15, 2010
    2,241
    Sarasota Florida
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    Jay
    The K40's I've had have always used that small control module with the slide switch... Though every single high end car from the 90s seemed to have them installed.
     
  3. treedee3d

    treedee3d F1 Rookie

    Apr 1, 2011
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    Fab
    Thanks so much Jay and Daniel for your help.

    My car indeed has a K40 Radar detector which I was removing anyway because I don't want it.

    It was indeed weird that the Ferrari components all had clips and connectors that were detachable and these 2 lights did not and were glued instead.

    Thanks for solving my mystery, I will simply cut them out and be done with it.
     
  4. treedee3d

    treedee3d F1 Rookie

    Apr 1, 2011
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    Fab
    Seems like a ton of 355 Ferraris have the K40, was this installed by Ferrari, the dealer or did every Ferrari owner buy the same system?

    Seems odd that so many people have it?
     
  5. tamf328

    tamf328 Formula Junior

    Mar 9, 2005
    477
    That dash recover job is spectacular,
    great post....
     
  6. full_garage

    full_garage Formula 3
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    Feb 15, 2010
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    Sarasota Florida
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    Jay
    I think all were dealer installed- but mostly by some local car stereo shop- My 412 had a ridiculous bag phone and escort radar detector all dealer installed- took all that stuff out and it filled up a good sized garbage can.

    Post some pics of your leather work- i know a lot of people are still a little bit afraid to tackle this job.
     
  7. treedee3d

    treedee3d F1 Rookie

    Apr 1, 2011
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    Fab
    #58 treedee3d, Jan 14, 2012
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Thanks to Jay's instructions, which are pretty much spot on, I had the courage to tackle this job and it went rather smoothly.

    1-I took out the radio and instruments above it
    2-I then removed the seats and the tunnel as well as handbrake cover
    3-Onto the dash, I took out the instrument cluster/binnacle first (easy)
    4-Then I proceeded to unplug every connection I could see and loosen any visible bolts including the airbag
    5-the hardest thing was accessing and loosening the screws which hold the top and bottom half of the dash but I could not remove the dash by leaving the steering wheel without separating the 2 parts first so I did the left side first by removing the bolts and breaking the rivet on the right side of it. Then I removed the bolts and broke off the rivet on the left side of it and the bottom part came off
    6- I took out the top part with airbag still in it and the top vents still in.
    7-I took out the airbag by removing the special side screws and defrost vents at the end.
    8-I took apart the binnacle and instruments quite easily so I can refinish the sticky facade. I went as far as the lights (I will tape over them to avoid overspray)
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  8. treedee3d

    treedee3d F1 Rookie

    Apr 1, 2011
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    The more I research and the more I think about it, I think I will refinish with the SEM products you mention above instead of the plasti-dip. What do you think Jay? Will the texture be all right by using only SEM?
     
  9. 285ferrari

    285ferrari Two Time F1 World Champ
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    Sep 11, 2004
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    We do not disassemble the switches at all when we refinish them.... I learned my lesson when I first started with those little springs and white tabs and they shot out like a rocket when taking them apart. So I figured out how to do them by hand without taking them apart....Takes a bit longer but saves me from losing parts...
     
  10. treedee3d

    treedee3d F1 Rookie

    Apr 1, 2011
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    I plan on definetly NOT dissasembling the switches. I learned my lesson messing with other areas that you can't go too deep into unknown territory with this car or you won't find your way back.

    I will try to simply give the switches a cleaning with q-tips and avoid getting liquids into them. If I see it doesn't get anywhere, the switches are coming straight to you for sure!
     
  11. JSL

    JSL Formula 3

    Jan 5, 2002
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    So after debating with myself for over a year whether I should try to refinish the sticky parts myself or not, I finally tackled it today. Took all the parts out this morning and went up to Lowe's for the materials. Started with some of the small stuff and just finished with the steering surround. I have to say, it was a bit of a mess, took some time and gave me a little fright. However, I am really pleased with the outcome. I'll put it all back together tomorrow except for the center console. Sending the switches (all 8) to Robbie on Tuesday. I don't even want to try doing them! Really a pretty fun project. I would never have attempted it without the information contained in this thread. Thanks!
     
  12. JSL

    JSL Formula 3

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    #63 JSL, Jan 15, 2012
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    About 8 hours of work and two glasses of wine later. No more sticky gunk on my fingers! Now to get the switches off to Robbie and it's done.
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  13. treedee3d

    treedee3d F1 Rookie

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    What procedure and what products did you use?
     
  14. JSL

    JSL Formula 3

    Jan 5, 2002
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    Used the procedure outlined at the beginning of this thread. The Easy-Off worked fantastic. Used both course and 0000 steel wool. Let the Easy-Off soak for 5+ minutes and then went to work with the steel wool. Then rinsed the parts while brushing with a nylon brush under water. Came off easier than I ever would have thought. What held me back was taking the parts off the car. However, after reading some more, it was pretty simple. (We will see how easy it is to put it back together!) Once the old stuff was off, I used the PlastiDip to coat each part. Sprayed about 3-4 light coats to cover but it came out very nice. Frankly, it wasn't too difficult. It just took time and a little elbow grease. For me it was fun as I like to feel like I am doing something for the car. Give it a shot, you will be pleased with the outcome. Now, I wouldn't even think about trying the switches and I'm sure that the pro's do a better job, but I am satisfied with the finished product.
     
  15. JSL

    JSL Formula 3

    Jan 5, 2002
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    OK, so now the downside of doing this "little" project.

    I must admit that I am now 60 years old! Hate to admit that but after spending an hour under the steering wheel and installing the trim in a confined area made only for a little person, I have now spent the following 3 days in agony! Yep, spasm in the upper right shoulder. Went to the massage therapist, helped but still in real pain. Next tried ice and spa, felt good but no real progress. Finally went to the doctor, muscle relaxant and Vicodin was the final answer. I love working on these cars. But, at this stage of life, the after effect is a pain, LITERALLY. :)

    At least it does look good. Can't wait for the switches to come back for the final assembly. At least I don't need to contort my body to install the switches!
     
  16. JSL

    JSL Formula 3

    Jan 5, 2002
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    One more thing, why did it take an hour to reinstall the steering surround? Well, the one screw was too short to really make contact with the two pieces. Yes, i replaced the screws in the exact same order as they came out. But, one of the longer ones only connected with the opposing piece by about 1/4". Held all the time I had the car but not good to take apart and try to reassemble. Couldn't figure out why it wasn't going back together. Finally took it out for a close inspection and discovered the problem. So, short trip to Lowe's to buy a single screw 1/2" longer. Problem solved! But, foolish me, I spent all that time trying to make the original one work! Thanks Ferrari! LOL!
     
  17. treedee3d

    treedee3d F1 Rookie

    Apr 1, 2011
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    Congrats on the hard work and be careful with those meds!, please pictures!!!
     
  18. JSL

    JSL Formula 3

    Jan 5, 2002
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    Got it! Will do when the switches come back. :)
     
  19. 285ferrari

    285ferrari Two Time F1 World Champ
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    Should have them in my hands tomorrow....
     
  20. JSL

    JSL Formula 3

    Jan 5, 2002
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    Thanks much!
     
  21. mowater

    mowater Formula Junior

    May 24, 2004
    362
    #72 mowater, Jan 20, 2012
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    here is mine all done and put together. only 4 pics allowed (what gives?)
    new parts: upper frame for buttons/reverse + mirror switch frame + AC sticker
    refurbished: ac vents, ashtray lid, three ac knobs, five switch buttons
    ac vents and ashtray lid could use a repaint as you can see
    i decided against it because they are too fragile already

    i am thinking i could colour them with some marker pen .. any suggestions? :)
    function over form for me

    edit: i have considered shipping all parts to stickynomore, but the time to have done that and the cost (of shipping) along with the fragile state of some parts did not help :(
    i am so envious of you guys in the states :)
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  22. treedee3d

    treedee3d F1 Rookie

    Apr 1, 2011
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    You can upload more than 4 pics. Once you upload 4, the. Boxes will empty and allow you to select 4 more pics, then 4 again and again.

    The maximum amout of pics per post is 25
     
  23. 285ferrari

    285ferrari Two Time F1 World Champ
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    Sep 11, 2004
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    The ashtray lid is metal, don't see it breaking on you
     
  24. mowater

    mowater Formula Junior

    May 24, 2004
    362
    oh thanks, my bad :)

    yeah but the platic border has broke at the corner :)
    i superglued it, but upon reinstallation it has cracked again

    i wish to touch up the lid + ac vents without disassembling them

    any suggestions? :)
     

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