In my 2006, the previous owner scratched the plastic portion of the center console when removing the seats. I have tried to minimize the scratches by taking a fine sandpaper to them, but you can still see the areas where the "grain" of the plastic is missing due to the scratches. Other than replacing the parts ($300+ from Majestic) anyone tried any methods to fix this? I found a few "how to" articles online of heating the plastic with a heat gun and applying a graining pad to recreate the grain. Would love to hear from anyone who has gone through this process (or something else).

 

I have used some stuff called "Bar Keepers Friend" with good results. Just be very, very careful as you can't undo over polishing very easily. With Bar Keepers I make a thin paste with water and use a soft cloth to apply and rub into the target area. Then wipe it off with a damp cloth. I'd try it first on some area that isn't in the open.

This works pretty well on rubber and plastic parts.

 

Thanks for the input, I think that might work with some fine scratches or the like, but in my particular case the plastic is more gouged than anything. I will take some pictures to see if I can show what I am working with.

 

Here's a picture of the affected area

 

I would fill the scratch and paint the entire console black with a good vinyl paint, lots of great paints out there now for painting vinyl. OTake all of the small parts off the console - shift boot, switch cover, cupholder, elbowpad, then concentrate on the damaged part.

 

Repair,and wrap in carbon fiber,like 3M.

 

^ that's a great idea

 

So I tried the heat gun route, it certainly minimized the visibility of the scratches but it left the plastic "shiny". I then used a Magic Eraser to scuff the finish and return it to the same look as the rest of the console. For now it's an improvement, but eventually I'll just replace the whole thing.
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