Centre Console Back Panel replacement

[mallan Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close mallan]

Hi All,

New to the forum. so hi!.

Just writing as i am after some information regarding the back panel of the centre consol- just below the rear aircon controls. I recently drove back home and had something rested up against that panel. Once i got home after a 8 hr drove i noticed that the paint/finish has worn off the panel do to items rubbing against it. I was quite angry as i have only had the car for 4 days!!

With the car being brand new i want to know if anyone knows of any products that will return the black finish to the panel. Currently there is white mark about the size of your hand on it. Or if you know if this panel can just be simply replaced and if it's easy to do so? I have attached a photo and if anyone can suggest anything that would be awesome. If i had the car for a few years i wouldnt mind but a its a few days old, i still want everything perfect haha.

[RyanIAm Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close RyanIAm]

Give these guys a call and send them a picture - they may be able to suggest something.

https://www.carcareproducts.com.au/

[Toyo Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Toyo]

Try wiping it hard with a damp towel and maybe some rubbing alcohol?
Those plastic panels are made of solid black plastic and not painted so unless its been bent or cut i dont see how it could turn all white. Maybe im wrong?

[Guest Close Guest]

Try wiping it hard with a damp towel and maybe some rubbing alcohol?
Those plastic panels are made of solid black plastic and not painted so unless its been bent or cut i dont see how it could turn all white. Maybe im wrong?

By the looks of it, something white was against the panel.

Maybe try some eucalyptus oil.

[AussieAndy Find all posts View Profile Close AussieAndy]

Exact same trim, exact same issue. The missus jammed a plastic tub in the gap and it left a mark. I went to town on it with some interior cleaner from meguairs and a nail brush that I keep in my car cleaning kit (the type you get from woollies to clean under your fingernails). Then some protectant sprayed over it and wiped down, you would never know it happened. Like Toyo said the mark is actually transfer from whatever was against it.

[Toyo Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Toyo]

Yeah, i didnt know how to say it but that was my first thought. I think its just the color from the object that was on the panel rubbing against the surface.

[mallan Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close mallan]

Thanks for the replies guys sorry taken awhile. What actually rubbed against the panel was a light bar which is actually black? I had rubbed vinyl cleaner etc on it but will try some rubbing alcohol. If all else fails i do have the replacement part here now, has anyone any idea on how to remove this panel?

[AussieAndy Find all posts View Profile Close AussieAndy]

It's just clipped on, pull it directly back and it should unclip. If you have a replacement part have a look at it and it will be simple.

[Coolcol Moderated member Find all posts View Profile Close Coolcol]

Hi all, modern plastic trim all have a similar problem. Their made from polypropylene with black pigment compounded into the plastic to make it black.
The problem is that when it gets stressed, bent or pushed on to hard the polymer (plastic) stress whitens. No real easy fix for badly damaged panels. You could as a last resort try heating it up with a hair drier or heat gun to try and relax the polymer back. BUT be very careful not to over heat the polymer or you will have a warped panel. Good luck.

[retroenduro Member Find all posts View Profile Close retroenduro]

heat gun does work but be careful...do it bit by bit

[Rdae1981 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Rdae1981]

another option would be to get a replacement from the wreckers there are a few 150's getting wrecked now might be able to pick up that panel for maybe $50.