Process for Replacing 355 AC Control Panel Laminated Surface

...oops sorry ..... yes those three bulbs are a bit bright for the replacement overlay sharpie those and it should look perfect . The overlay is not as opaque as the factory 'bubble' panel.....

 

OK, I did it with a "Nero" Sharpie

Hope it works

 

Which products are you finding works the easiest for cleaning?

 

I used 70% isopropyl alcohol, (rubbing alcohol) and Kleenex, worked really fast.

Q-tips to get in the recesses.

 

I have tried just about every type of cleaner available, and by far the easiest and most effective was Isopropyl alcohol.

 

+1

I have not tried that many but I ended up using iso-alcohol

 

I have found different levels of stickiness require different products. I have used everything from Lacquer Thinner, alcohol, Easy Off, degreasers, etc.... Depending on the condition of the part is what I use.....

 

So from your post...... I deduce the lacquer thinner and easy off don't melt the plastic ...... .................... I may have to try some of those when I need to do more parts, thanks !

 

Great work, I followed Dr Dave's excellent instructions and got Daniel's great replacement sticker and that part of my 355 now looks like new. Thank you all.
Now the switches and surrounds of the brushed aluminium F1 reverse lever look shabby, as well as the air vents in the dash.
Would you mind telling me the correct procedure for removing them for cleaning without stuffing them up?

 

Was it a hard question? Only joking I just wanted to bring this back up the list in hope of getting an answer.

 

Yes folks,

Upgrading and converting is a challenging task. Imagine changing a RHD 348 to a LHD 355 !!! OMG - the amount of work involved But Dottie, my cat, was thrilled to see that this conversion at least corrected an often overlooked item. Why is it, that people who should know better, consistantly mount 348 wheels improperly???!!@#$ - Oh well.

But, back to the jist of this thread - - I'm amazed at the beautiful results of what must certainly be a huge amount of precise, measured handiwork. Great work, guys.

Cheers, Hank
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Are you asking how to take everything apart? Or how to get the switches, vents, etc out of the car?

 

How to get the switches and vents out without damaging them.

 

wow, i´m impressed. it looks really very good!

 

can anybody tell me about using soapy water when applying the new decal? i got the part from Ricambi but no instructions. what kind of soap? how much soap to add to how much water? hot water? cold?

thanks

 

Great thread! I would think Eazy Off would be too harsh for the plastic knobs, is that the ticket though? They look amazing.

 

Instructions are on Ricambi's website

 

Wouldn't be cost effective when the panel can be refinished for much cheaper. Even if an overlay is made, the shifter plate would have to be stripped of all the old coating to stick properly.....

 

DO NOT use lacquer thinner unless you use it VERY carefully, it will melt plastic. Trust me...

 

All depends, I judge the finish when I receive parts and that determines which product I use to strip it. Some guys here will tell you certain products work very easily. And on some cars they do, but trust me not every part is the same. Back in the day I used Easy Off on one part and it came off fairly easy. The next part I tryed, Easy Off wouldn't touch it......I have made my own blend of stripper that works pretty well on almost any part now.....

 

yes, the instructions i saw on the ricambi site are the same as the original post by Dr. Dave in this thread. but i couldn't find any specifics about how to apply the liquid soap without ruining the decal. eventually i heard back from Daniel at Ricambi. here's what he recommended:

"i'd use a 5:1 dilution (water:liquid soap)-- and a VERY light mist onto the panel. You'll have a few seconds to reposition if necessary."

i used liquid dishwashing soap in lukewarm water and it worked fine. i had no mister or spray bottle so i used a cotton swab to wipe some of the solution on the face of the control panel, not on the decal. then i applied the decal and had about 12-15 seconds before it got sticky. it came out great!

 

I mix about the same dilution with Dawn and water in a spray bottle and shake it up real good before spraying. Spray a mist all over the sticky side of the overlay and lay into place. Get it in a good position and place under the heatlamp for 2-3 minutes. After that it is good to go....Next!!!

 

Did you refinish the 3 knobs?