Sticky switch cleanup for 360.. This really works... Pretty easily!

Btw, denatured alcohol is ethanol with stuff added so it's not drinkable. But in a pinch, you probably could use vodka!

 

I have used alcohol on lettering and not had a problem unless like on the door locks the lettering is on TOP of the gooey stuff

 

So the door locks lettering and the air vents white arrows are the only two things you should worry about coming off with the denatured alcohol. Any other button/sticky part which has lettering that will come off with alcohol?

 

Anybody?

 

Yes. The button for parking lights.

 

How about the buttons on the center console? The images come off, or will they stay?

 

How did the Rust-Oleum textured plastic paint turn out? Besides the steering column, did you use this paint on any other destickied parts such as AC control knobs? I read on another thread that somebody used Rust-Oleum hammered paint for plastic but wonder if there is a comparison between these 2 paints, which one will look better especially on the AC control knobs?

 

You run a huge risk of removing any lettering, numbers, symbols, etc from your parts when using any type of petroleum distillate, alcohol, thinners, etc.

 

The letter and number decals on the HVAC panel are actually below the sticky goo, so they don't rub off with LIGHT cleaning with the denatured alcohol (I repeated the alcohol cleaning 2-3x but with light pressure until all the goo came off). However these decals will still come off if you apply heavy pressure. Btw, which paint did you use on the knobs after you de-stickied them?

 

hey guys, is denatured alcohol the same stuff as the "ethyl alcohol" you can buy at CVS (rubbing alcohol etc)

Thanks!

 

Rubbing alcohol is usually isopropyl alcohol. It has one more carbon in the molecule than ethanol, and is not a straight chain. I don't know if that makes it different enough that it won't work on removal of the rubbery stuff on the switches, but it's easy and cheap enough to find out. One of its common uses is as a solvent, after all.

Ethanol has 2 carbons, and is the kind of alcohol you find in beverages, so vodka should work. Denatured alcohol is ethanol but a poison has been added to keep people from drinking it.

 

I just had an organic chem PTSD moment!

 

Take a look at this thread I created to explain to everyone the OEM processes:

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/technical-q-sponsored-algar-ferrari/520454-understanding-ferraris-sticky-interiors-technical-guide.html

The OEM never used decals - the HVAC panel is laser etched with a clear soft touch over it. You can clean off the clear soft touch but the resulting finish will be a higher gloss as the soft touch lowers the gloss. You also may remove some of the base paint which may damage the laser etched numbers, letters and graphics.

I hope that explanation helps folks understand the process and potential risks

 

Dave, thanks for the great information. It is always nice to learn something new.

 

You are very welcome. I feel it's important for folks to understand the process.

 

FWIW, I got the black goo on the knee portion of my pants when I accidentally rubbed against the lower cover of the steering wheel housing. I had some rubbing alcohol (isopropyl) around, and it worked well to remove it from the housing. Even if you don't want to attempt or risk damage to the painted or etched numbers, you may want to remove the sticky rubbery stuff from the housing. It does shine a bit more, but under there it doesn't really matter, and it's better than ruining your pants. While I was at it, I took the gooey stuff off from around the ignition key as well, as I was tired of getting it on my fingers every time I started the car.

 

Removing the housing, use some 91% isopropyl rubbing alcohol, nail polish remover, or any other product to remove the stickiness and the paint, wet sand the housing, and finally paint it with a flat black enamel paint.

 

My indie mechanic did mine. Charged me $850. I have no patience nor time for a project like this.

 

It is definitely a messy job

 

Normally, me too. But there is something mildly therapeutic about rubbing this stuff off, then no longer getting the sticky stuff on your fingers.

 

I just did the trim rings on the vents. Piece of cake and therapeutic.

 

Did it come off your pants? I just got mine yesterday and already have two black smudges on both pair of slacks I wore :-(

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Before you ruin any other paints, please give me a call and we can discuss a permanent resolution for your parts

 

They were my "work on the car" jeans, so I haven't tried yet. I suggest you dry clean yours, since the material dissolves in alcohol-based solvents.

 

Ah ok, yea I took them both to the dry cleaner yesterday

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