Steering Wheel Controls

[homer]

I've seen a bunch of posts concerning the labels on the steering wheel controls scratching off. I haven't had this problem but would like to avoid it. I'm considering spraying the plastic shells with a clear matte finish, a light coat would probably do it and you can pick this spray up at any hobby/craft shop.

Has anyone removed these plastic covers? They look like they would snap right off but I haven't tried it yet for fear of breaking them. Removing them and then spraying would be the way to go I think, rather than trying to mask them off and spraying this stuff inside the truck.

[GemInI]

Popping them off would be the way to go.I don't think I'd like to be the first to try it tho.

[rrumaner]

Removal of the steering wheel controls from the service manual.

[bestatchess]

Holy cow! If you follow those links in the service manual, you are removing the air bag & the steering wheel!

[smoke_armada]

I've got tiny dings/scratches/etc around the volume control. Don't think I'm the only one either. I thought about a clear label with a slot cut for the switch to eliminate further damage. We'll see.

[rrumaner]

How about placing some clear adhesive lamination sheets with cut-outs placed over the area? That should keep any further damage from occurring.

[homer]

Originally Posted by rrumaner

How about placing some clear adhesive lamination sheets with cut-outs placed over the area? That should keep any further damage from occurring.

I think this would work, but any screw-ups applying it would probably result in the lettering being lifted if you tried to re-position the laminate. I also don't think I'd be satisifed with the appearance, I think a matte finish spray would leave the plastic looking like "factory" condition. I do appreciate the suggestion, though, and thank you for taking the time to post that pic from the service manual.
If I can pop those pieces off I'll give the spray a try and will post the results, hopefully the operation will be a success.

[RoadRashTX]

I was curious if anyone came up with a good solution for this? Or has anyone brought it to the attention of the dealer and if so what did they say?

[Phedge]

I Had The Dealer Replace Mine And I Have Had No Problem Since With Scratching But If Someone Trys This And It Turns Out Good Let Us Know. My Warranty Only Lasts Sooo Long.


Thanks
Jeff

[smoketitan]

mine will be replaced, once I go pick up my warranty parts--that I have to install

[TallTexan]

I think I am going to buy a good dash kit of burlwood or something and not worry any more. Seen one the other day and it looked like factory installation. Less than 200 dollars. Dash looks great.

[darknight26]

I have had this problem with my Titan. Scratches showed up on mine about 6 months after I bought the truck with just mild usage. I have het to talk to the dealer about it. I would love to hear if the spray works. Keep us posted! Thanks

[greg w]

Dealer replaced mine no questions asked. The new ones look slightly different and I've had no problems since.

[homer]

I picked up the matte spray a while ago, but haven't gotten around to applying it. The covers didn't want to snap off and I was afraid I was going to break something. I believe Sammy Sandbag was going to try spraying a new set of covers before having them installed, if I recall from his post in one of the radio replacement threads. I think he found out from the stealer that the airbag needs to be disconnected (or something like that) before the covers could be removed, which is why I put this project on the back burner. I still might try just masking them off and giving them a couple of quick blasts from the spraycan, I don't think it will require much coverage to serve as a protectant. If I do this, I'll keep you posted. So far mine haven't scratched, but I figure they will sooner or later.

[tnbowhunter]

Hey Homer, just be sure before you spray to roll the windows up really tight and breath deeply. J/K
Good luck