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[GMCnet] Refinishing switch bezels? [message #367525] Mon, 08 November 2021 11:58 Go to next message
Dave Stragand is currently offline  Dave Stragand   United States
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Registered: October 2017
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Senior Member
Hi All,

I'm in the process of cleaning/refinishing a set of Electrolevel switches. (These are similar to the porch/galley/floor/water pump switches on GM-outfitted coaches.)

While rebuilding the mechanical function has been quick, I'm a bit stuck on the cosmetic refinishing of the bezel part around the rocker switches. While the rockers have remained smooth & shiny black, the surrounding bezel surface has oxidized into a chocolate brown, gritty, waxy finish that I'm not sure of the best wasy to refinish.

In my research, I've found folks with similar automotive rocker switches have suggested sanding and painting with trim black, but I thought I would ask y'all if anyone knew of a better way. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks!

-Dave
1978 Transmode near Pittsburgh
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1978 Transmode (403) Pittsburgh, PA
[GMCnet] Re: Refinishing switch bezels? [message #367526 is a reply to message #367525] Mon, 08 November 2021 12:52 Go to previous messageGo to next message
sgltrac is currently offline  sgltrac   United States
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Registered: April 2011
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Senior Member
You might try “cleaning” the plastic with automotive polishing compound.
Something with abrasives in it. That will remove the degraded layers of the
plastic and give you a fresh surface to paint without distorting the
surface with sand scratches. If you paint, avoid heavy wet coats as that
can attack the plastic.

Sully
Bellevue wa

On Mon, Nov 8, 2021 at 9:58 AM Dave Stragand wrote:

> Hi All,
>
> I'm in the process of cleaning/refinishing a set of Electrolevel
> switches. (These are similar to the porch/galley/floor/water pump switches
> on GM-outfitted coaches.)
>
> While rebuilding the mechanical function has been quick, I'm a bit stuck
> on the cosmetic refinishing of the bezel part around the rocker switches.
> While the rockers have remained smooth & shiny black, the surrounding bezel
> surface has oxidized into a chocolate brown, gritty, waxy finish that I'm
> not sure of the best wasy to refinish.
>
> In my research, I've found folks with similar automotive rocker switches
> have suggested sanding and painting with trim black, but I thought I would
> ask y'all if anyone knew of a better way. Any suggestions would be
> appreciated.
>
> Thanks!
>
> -Dave
> 1978 Transmode near Pittsburgh
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>
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Sully 77 Royale basket case. Future motorhome land speed record holder(bucket list) Seattle, Wa.
[GMCnet] Re: Refinishing switch bezels? [message #367527 is a reply to message #367526] Mon, 08 November 2021 13:10 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Terence Taylor is currently offline  Terence Taylor   United States
Messages: 12
Registered: July 2020
Karma: 0
Junior Member
I started designing a replacement piece, but life got in the way (stroke and recovery). If there is enough interest, I could visit that again.

On Monday, November 8, 2021, 10:53:18 AM PST, Todd Sullivan wrote:

You might try “cleaning” the plastic with automotive polishing compound.
Something with abrasives in it. That will remove the degraded layers of the
plastic and give you a fresh surface to paint without distorting the
surface with sand scratches. If you paint, avoid heavy wet coats as that
can attack the plastic.

Sully
Bellevue wa

On Mon, Nov 8, 2021 at 9:58 AM Dave Stragand wrote:

> Hi All,
>
> I'm in the process of cleaning/refinishing a set of Electrolevel
> switches.  (These are similar to the porch/galley/floor/water pump switches
> on GM-outfitted coaches.)
>
> While rebuilding the mechanical function has been quick, I'm a bit stuck
> on the cosmetic refinishing of the bezel part around the rocker switches.
> While the rockers have remained smooth & shiny black, the surrounding bezel
> surface has oxidized into a chocolate brown, gritty, waxy finish that I'm
> not sure of the best wasy to refinish.
>
> In my research, I've found folks with similar automotive rocker switches
> have suggested sanding and painting with trim black, but I thought I would
> ask y'all if anyone knew of a better way.  Any suggestions would be
> appreciated.
>
> Thanks!
>
> -Dave
> 1978 Transmode near Pittsburgh
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:

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Re: [GMCnet] Refinishing switch bezels? [message #367537 is a reply to message #367525] Tue, 09 November 2021 11:15 Go to previous message
JohnL455 is currently offline  JohnL455   United States
Messages: 4447
Registered: October 2006
Location: Woodstock, IL
Karma: 12
Senior Member
Perhaps interior trim/vinyl paint would be better than SEM or Marhyde satin trim black as interior paint is safe on plastics and the exterior is for metal trim and might attack plastics. They also have vinyl and plastic primer for the prep step.

John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
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