Hi,

Has anyone tried to refurb seat switches? Do you have any ideas/suggestions what to do with them?
I know - buy new is always a good answer (also find used in great condition etc.). Are there any other options available?

 

I don't have your model and have never removed mine so a couple questions. Can you remove them while the switch pack is still assembled? If not, can the switch pack be disassembled?

My thought is to pull the switches and have them hydro dipped. Hydrographics will give them a new look but obviously can't do that with the buttons on.

 

Anything can be fixed, because everything was made at one time. It just depends on how much you want to fight to take it apart.
Yours does look pretty gross.
I'm sure with a bit of work and some reasoning you will be able to make it a wonderful thing again. Just remember it will need a modicum of durability.

 

New seat switches are expensive, so if you try to disassemble one and ruin it, here's what they cost in the USA.



I wouldn't disassemble it. Instead, I'd try this chrome nail polish and do one switch and see how that looks. Nail polish should be sufficiently durable for refinishing those switches. Here's the link to the product:




Watch the "How To" video on YouTube. Note that surface prep is critical for best results.


This might be a low-cost DIY solution to the problem of the chrome plating peeling off around the J-Gate shifter surround on the 4.2L models.

 

I did this on my MG. I used a "chrome" paint pen. It looks more silver but has a chrome sheen. That nail polish may be better.... Anyway, I peeled or scratched off the old chrome. cleaned it with alcohol, masked the unpainted areas with blue tape and carefully painted the new lines with the paint pen. This job looks much more involved because mine were just straight lines on a door panel but it can be done. It won't look totally chrome but will look better than that.

 

Can you link to the paint pen you used?
And we will also accept pictures of your MGB if the Jaguar is in the shot, too

 

I love that positive attitude! Reminds me of myself some decades ago. But then came disposable everything.
Young folks don't know what they are missing being able to actually repair instead of replace.

 

Looks like Molotow may be worth a try.
Search results for: 'liquid chrome' (molotow.com)
Available at Hobby Lobby too.

I'll give it a try and report back.

 

This looks interesting, as most 'chrome' stuff is merely metallic silver.

 

Yea that's the one. I bought this one. It's 2mm but they have a 1mm also. Pretty easy to use. 2 coats were necessary over black plastic.

 

I read the negative 1-Star reviews on Amazon and, while it works on model cars, it's not so great on the real thing. It's more like silver paint than polished chrome plating.

 

Nothing really is a suitable chrome for vehicles. It may be best to go another way, like gunmetal or something.

 

It is silver paint, with a reflective property. Nothing will recreate the original plating. But it is an improvement in my opinion. Not sure if it will hold up in a heavy wear area but worth a try for $12

 

The multi-stage application process of the Pretty Diva chrome nail powder product in my Post #4, above, appears to result in a more realistic chrome-like appearance than the silver paint products. If you haven't already done so, watch the video.

 

Has anyone disassembled buttons from a switch? Is it doable?
Tried with no success. And don't know if it's possible to do or already have done my best and can't separate them.

Why asking. I considered proper plastic metalizing (??) process, one you use to refurb headlights mirroring parts. But they need buttons to be disassembled.

 

Yes the chrome nail finish is quite effective in person, not certain how durable on plastic. The switches are friction fitted, perhaps even glue and not intended to be serviceable. They are not very expensive and come up on eBay quite frequently.

 

What about checking with a breaker to see if they might have what you are looking for. Pacific Motors in the Detroit area or Jaguar Heaven in Southern California and there are others.

 

Caswell’s DIY chrome plating claims their kits can be used on plastic with additional prep work as plastic is non-conductive. They have a brush-on system that might work for those with a steady hand.
Seems like a lot of work though if reasonable cost replacements are available. If replacements were unavailable then you may reconsider.

 

I bought both left and right switches from Pacific Motors via eBay last year for $110.00 shipped...

 

I will take a closer look at buying new/used. However never found them cheap, when in good condition. I bought couple of parts recently in UK and seller had them - around 350usd for both sides in good shape (and they were sold a day before I asked about them)...