Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

I realise that this sort of question pops up quite often but I would like to buy a product that does the job, rather than using the oft recommended Dot 5 brake fluid option.

(I actually tried Dot 5, didn't do much good and I noticed that a stray drop had done my dash lacquer no good! Luckily tiny and not noticeable but enough to put me off trying a repeat dose)

Suggestions please & where to get?

just an idea: us some wet 600grade sandpaper, making a nice surface and thereafter use some furniture polish: that's what i did to my toggle switches! sandy (try this method on a spare!!)

paint I did it in situ and very pleased with result.

I did the same as Ted.

I removed mine and painted with 'Plastic paint' The have held up well for 3 years with no chipping or dulling.
James

Silicon brake fluid...

I can confirm that silicone brake fluid brings them back from grey to black. You may need a few applications and buff them up with a polishing cloth in between coats.

Back in about 1994 or 1995 I used black "spray" carpet dye on my Sprint switches. It lasted till 2004 when the car went to Tom Smith in Texas. When it left I recall the switches still looked fine. Tom is on this list I believe, maybe he can tell us how they have held up.

Tony Vaccaro
Living the Lotus Life.....

I used this about 10 years ago and the switches still look black. It also did a good job on other black bits inside such as the rear parcel shelf vinyl
Richard

Thanks for posting the pic of the bottle Richard. Can?t believe I found a local retailer that apparently has the stuff. Think I will give it a try.

Stu

I think that the Sonus product is an American-market product; anything like it available in UK, does anyone know?

Sonus tyre gel is available in the UK - just google it and you will find a supplier!

At the risk of simplifying these fantastic chemical concoctions and their amazing creators, I would suggest the "active ingredient" common to Dot 5/Silicone brake fluid and the various tyre and plastic dressings is . . . Silicone. Which of course is the miracle ingredient in - remember this product? - Armour All.

I have a number of rocker switches from my car that were getting that white-ish accumulation on them. I believe it's the outer layer of black plastic being exposed to the environment (UV, polution, et cetera) and breaking down. I have buffed my collection of rockers and once you remove that outer deteriorated material, they come up beautifully. I'm assuming (and am encouraged in this belief by your comments above) that a little silicone dressing rubbed in will help maintain the new/original glow and ward off further deterioration.

At least that's my plan . . . YMMV . . .

Randy

Hi Randy,
Agree. I have been using ArmorAll Protectant Original for years to keep the switches looking good.
Cheers,
Colin.


quote="Sea Ranch"]At the risk of simplifying these fantastic chemical concoctions and their amazing creators, I would suggest the "active ingredient" common to Dot 5/Silicone brake fluid and the various tyre and plastic dressings is . . . Silicone. Which of course is the miracle ingredient in - remember this product? - Armour All.

I have a number of rocker switches from my car that were getting that white-ish accumulation on them. I believe it's the outer layer of black plastic being exposed to the environment (UV, polution, et cetera) and breaking down. I have buffed my collection of rockers and once you remove that outer deteriorated material, they come up beautifully. I'm assuming (and am encouraged in this belief by your comments above) that a little silicone dressing rubbed in will help maintain the new/original glow and ward off further deterioration.

At least that's my plan . . . YMMV . . .

Randy[/quote]

I used a product available here in Toronto, Canada on my switches which worked really well & they look like new after 6 years. The product I used is from Parasol Inc. http://www.parasolinc.com. I bought the adhesive promotor called Plastikprep & then Varibond S 9005 which is the finish coat. These are both available in aerosol cans.
The usual disclosure of no connection to the company etc.