F355 "bubbled center console" new face plate

I'm interested ... approx cost?

Pete

 

I would think there would be a great deal of intrest. Especially if the cost can be kept down.

 

I had sample from this company a few years back. This discussion brought back the memories.

They do Laser cut Lexan faceplate / panel overlays. They also offer the overlay with areas of translucency as required.

Perhaps if they were given the artwork, they could make a panel overlay that will let light come through as the original did.

Here's their url:

http://www.techniprint.net/ps/labelnameplate.htm

http://www.techniprint.net/ps/screenpad.htm

Definately worth looking into

JD Atlanta

 

The 456 also suffers the same problem - Been looking into this problem for the last 6 months and basically come up with the same as you described. That multi layered film is a right PIA ! Have you done the graphics yet? - I was looking at doing these but would gladly let someone else have the headache!!!

Here’s a picture of what is the weakest link!

Azferrari - If I can be of any help - feel free to PM me on this matter.
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I've been ready to invest time/$$ in this for some time as I see a real need out there. However, given all of the other risks I'm reluctant to destroy a new panel to develop the fix.

Does anyone have a doner a/c panel? You'll be the first recipient and it will be free. You'll get your panel back.

Here in Los Angeles, there are a wide variety of printers/fabricators/die cutters and I've been professionally associated with many as an aerospace engineer working cockpit displays....so I have confidence that a viable part/repair can be developed....including the through lighting. It's not all that complex really.

Just need that starter panel. HELP PLEASE. feel free to email or call.
Mike (310) 717-6693

 

Allow me to say that I think that is is absolutely fantastic that you guys are taking the time to resolve this problem. I am not a 355 owner but it would bother me in a very special way to shell out $1300 for that poorly designed panel. Any attempt to stick it to Ferrari with their absurd pricing is tops in my book. Keep up the good work guys!

 

Let me know what you come up with as I would probably buy one.

 

I had mine replaced over a year ago along with all the other rubber coated interior bits, because I couldn't stand looking at them for one more day. The melting rubber coating was making my hands black everytime I touched it.

I did take apart my old one to see how the vinyl cover was glued on. Gave up on repair attempts because the viny cover goes into the knob recess. It seems impossible to remove it in tact then glue back down.

And I gave up trying to have new vinyl cover printed, because I didn't know anyone who can vacuum form the vinyl to fit into the knob recess as well as over the perimeter rounded edges and corners. A flat vinyl sheet with holes cut out that also ends abruptly at the rounded edge and corners will not look too professional. Your aluminum plate idea on the other hand will look pretty good I think.

I am curious to see how you guys solve this problem.

 

Here's the one off my 456. I basically just used the razor blade technique and made a carbon decal replacement. I purchased some real carbon and I'll redo it soon. A definite problem is that the laminate is not totally flat, rather, it has compound curves around the holes. It will always look unoriginal.

 

Azferrari,

You don’t need my graphics then!

This is how far I am with mine (sorry about the poor quality rendering)- I put it on the back burner at the end of last year due to other projects and workload. It still needs a few things doing it but is basically there. I have got to make a prototype of this for one of my customers but will not be for some weeks yet. I think it would be interesting to see one that is printed rather than engraved (like mine would be) to compare the difference.

Paul

PS - There are two variations on the temperature numbers - the Dergee's C reads

18-20-22-24-26 in place of the 64-68-72-76-80

(Just to confuse things even more!)
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I would try to maintain the night illumination if at all possible. Looks like you are on the right track, I would buy it.

 

I think aluminum with engraved numbers would be the best. You could fill the engraved numbers with radium. I'd pay $150 for that all day long.

 

Mine is not too bad, yet, but I would probably hold out for one that would illuminate. I drive the car at night and want it to look right. I'd also probably want to have all panels the same, so if you made others to match, I might buy the set.

Thanks for the hard work!

 

I agree this is also something I would consider if it illuminated and just sat over the existing cover.


Paul,
Would be able to bring one along to our next ferrari meet? It would be good to see your prototype if you have one by then? See how it sits etc...

Cheers
Ade

 

Did anyone ever come up with a final fix for this?


Stan

 

I had a replacement made up from the jpeg in the previous e.mail, but the resolution wasn't all that great. Check a few previous threads on my progress.

Just today i got a very high resolution graphic of the center, and it's already off to the printers. The printer produces a 'lexon' copy .. plastic about the thickness of a playing card.

The first ones I got .. apart from having the resolution problem .. were too thin. You could 'see' the bulbs as bright spots. Next version will be on slightly thicker plastic.

Even the rough one was a 1000 times better than what I had.

And the cost .... ~ $25 each ... and dead easy to attach. I've got about 10 - 15 people who want them .. anybody else? ... buy in bulk and save!

I'm talking again tomorrow to the printer, so I'll have some news very quickly.

I'll post the results.


Regards,


Pete

 

What is it that prevents a person from just regluing the original back down after cutting it away? From the pictures, it looks like the piece that you cut and peel off is actually two pieces (the black outer face and maybe a clear piece light transmitting sheet attached to it. Is this the case?

-Kevin

 

Peter put me down for one too, by the way Snag-it works very well, thank you again!-MICHAEL

 

That might be a way to go .. but in my case it wasn't only bubbling .. it had been Amourol'd .... sticky as hell and totally useless.

The problem is that the bubble bit is fairly thick .. not plastic .. more like a vinyl .. and it's only 1 piece .. not two. It looks like it's a clear vinyl backing that's had the legends & black background printed on it.

Nothing lost if you want to try and re-glue ... try it an d see.

 

Put me down for one

 

I just want to say what your doing is great. I'm just wondering....Is it just me or does anyone else think Ferrari should be helping with this. If GM had this type of defect they would be scrambling to get it resolved. I'm not trying to piss anyone off but isn't everyone having this problem?

What do you think of a cool titanium one?

Anyway, I'm looking forward to seeing the results.

 

Thanks for the info,

Luckliy mine is not stickey, just bubbled. I may try and just reglue it (clear silicone?), but I am not very good at arts and crafts stuff like this! Give me a brake change anytime! Does it look like one could reglue and have it be flat, or does is seem like the bubbled areas are stretched and my not go flat even if glued? Any thoughts before I start cutting?

Thanks,

-Kevin

 

Judging by the 456 one above, I don't think you can just glue it flat.