Hey guys, sorry I know this is a common problem, but I didn't see anything that answers my question.

My driver side switch panel is chipped and worn down to the plastic - what are people doing to refinish these pieces?

I would consider CF replacements, but I have yet to see anything that I think have a really nice fit and finish - does anyone have any links to some?

Also, is there any reason I couldn't cover the switch panels in a gray alcantara?

 

I thought about doing mine in 3M carbon fiber wrap. My center console/dash area was scratched up pretty badly, as if Edward Scissorhands was the previous owner, so I wrapped it using the 3M carbon wrap and it turned out pretty good.

 

Do you have any pics? I just want an alternative to evo-r's switch panels.

 

Man,I think this subject has been covered many times.
Have you done a search on this forum?
Depending how particular you are(and budget/DIY expertise),there are many remedies to the scratched panel problem.
Overlays in the form of CF wraps,molded pieces(pricey)or "dash kits" are one.
Some guys have painted the panels.I gues you cou cover them in alcantara...would think they would get dirty pretty quick?
I went the CF dash kit route with some molded parts to do my interior in CF.
After 2 years,all parts look as good as the day I installed them.The thing about interiors,
they don't photograph well...look much better in person.If you are planning on redoing only the damaged panels,I'd select sometning that will match&blend into your interior.
You can check my veh. pics for a few shots at my interior.

 

Yep I searched.

Who made your CF parts?

 

fit problems happen when you take a part that was molded directly off a part.. and then cram a millimeter or two of 3m tape all over under it.. aint gonna work.

jumbo depot.. ebay..

switch covers costs me 85 bucks and are dead on perfect fit. removed tape, Used silicone 100% clear adhesive as i did everywhere else w the EVo- R kit that everyone else says doesnt fit either.. for the same reason. . Mines somehow dead on.. hmm. Wonder how that happened.





RIpped off my dinoc cheesey tape covering that was there before.

DOnt do it.

 

I've done the 3m dinoc. Could be worse, but it is starting to lift on some of the curves as it has warmed up, even though we have not seen full summer heat yet here.

Currently developing a more permanent and professional solution...

 

dinoc needs primer 94 on all edges or it wont stick.

in my opinion, i think the dinoc looks better than the water dip ( or whatever you call it) cell phone carbon pattern.
clean work tho.. but i do prefer the real stuff.. in large quantities apparently ha.

 

I had mine repainted and its scratch resistant. My body shop guy sand the original POS paint/junk and resprayed it with a different paint.

 

a 6 dollar can of black plasti dip from Home Depot is your best option if youd just like them repaired.

if you want to upgrade, carbon full covers are the way to go.

OP has pics of several variations now..

up to him now.. so go fix ur car bro.

 

I like the 3M because I don't think the glossy look of the real thing matches the rest of the OEM interior. I couldn't do just one or two pieces, I'd have to do the whole interior to be satisfied but I personally don't feel like spending a ton of money on making my whole interior carbon fiber. It does look good though.