Sticky plastic trim - AliExpress

[curious]

The plastic air vent/heater control surround on my Vito had turned in to that horrible sticky mess. I took it off and tried all sorts of products to clean it up. Realising I was going spend more time and cleaner than it was worth I began to look for a used one on ebay. The used prices were anything from £70 upwards. Not a price I was keen on for a used item.

Googling for other possibilities, AliExpress cropped up with a brand new one for £40 +VAT. OK so we know it's not going to be the real thing but at that price I thought I'd give AliExpress a go for the first time.

After 7-10 days it arrived. Fantastically wrapped and packed. I opened it up and at first glance the quality and finish looked extremely good. Would it fit? Went to assemble it and it was perfect.

In future I'm going to look at AliExpress first (instead of used/scratched stuff from ebay).

 

[Northernsands]

Good to know. The same panel in our Viano went the same way. I found a 2nd hand one on eBay for about £50. It didn't include the vanes nor the closure mechanism; just the front panel.

Getting the old panel off was a pain, then I saw the screws for the heater controls through the vanes, but too late! I have some smaller vanes now kicking around in the bottom of the ventilation system. Oops.

I'll take your advice and keep an eye there. The side vent surrounds are also getting gummy...

 

[peterws1957]

People naturally worry about buying from AliExpress but they do seem ok cheap prices and fast delivery. You do get bombarded with emails though if you buy from them.
Just on the subject of sticky plastic in MB's I've found meth spirits applied with a q tip will clean it off, but you have to be gentle and take it slowly. Works though and doesn't seem to return. Extra creful with buttons otherwise you can rub through the black coating.

 

[AlanGunn]

AliExpress are getting a lot better and faster delivery.
Bought all sorts from them this year never a problem of duff item all good.

 

[00slk]

I have Acetone which removes the stickiness on these plastic parts. Unfortunately you can't buy the proper stuff anymore, so my bottle is precious and only comes out when really needed.

 

[V6Matty]

I have Acetone which removes the stickiness on these plastic parts. Unfortunately you can't buy the proper stuff anymore, so my bottle is precious and only comes out when really needed.

Try nail varnish remover, closest thing to it these days and almost as strong as the real stuff

 

[rf065]

I think it was a Wheeler Dealers episode with a Maserati where they found a guy in England who fixes this problem at a fraction of the cost of replacing with new parts. I think he strips them, repaints in black and even has a laser which burns the switch buttons with the correct white images.

 

[00slk]

Try nail varnish remover, closest thing to it these days and almost as strong as the real stuff

The nail vanish remover we had from the supermarket wasn't up to the job

 

[V6Matty]

The nail vanish remover we had from the supermarket wasn't up to the job

Try a hair dressing supply shop rather than supermarkets,

 

[00slk]

Try a hair dressing supply shop rather than supermarkets,

I do have a commercial tin of acetone, it's a number of years old now but still works great. Once that goes I will go to the hair dressers supply shop, thanks Matt.

I also have a very potent paint stripper, it takes 2 to 3 layers off at a time, you really best wear a mask, gloves and clear goggles for this stuff. It burns if you get it on your skin, I know......

 

[peterws1957]

I also have a very potent paint stripper, it takes 2 to 3 layers off at a time, you really best wear a mask, gloves and clear goggles for this stuff. It burns if you get it on your skin, I know......

That's proper stuff that is. Modern water based paint strippers are pretty hopeless but at least you keep your fingerprints intact.

 

[rifiki]

Try nail varnish remover, closest thing to it these days and almost as strong as the real stuff

Tried some and it took off the paint on central vent control on CLK.