I have noticed after taking my car out of winter storage the surface of the auto transmission console trim has become sticky.
This is the second time this has happened during the past few years, the last time I replaced due to scratch damage, is there anything you can recommend to clean it without damaging the surface.
Thanks in advance

 

Thats the dulso coating. You are not supposed to put silcone or any harsh cleaner on it. Dish washing soap cleans it very well and leaves it looking fresh. Lately< I have used leather soap on it and it absorbs it well and gets rid of that sticky feeling.

Recently I stripped my center console by spraying it with carb cleaner to remove old dulso coating. That took a while. Then I wet sanded it with 400 grit sandpaper, then 800 grit. I then recoated it using black Plastidip from Home Depot. It provides a rubberized coating. Required at least 4 coats. When it dries, it looks EXACTLY like dulso and your console will look brand spanking new.

I also did the radio console. It did not have any scratches, so I just cleaned it and put two coats of Plastidip on it.

After installing the console, I used soap and water to clean it. I was very clean but had that rubbery feel to it. While cleaning my seats, I just started coating everything with leather cleaner to remove that gummy feel.

New Consoles are about a buck 50 One can is enough to do all your consoles and about 2 hours of your time. Paint cost 6 bucks. Sandpaper 3.50. Sense of pride when done. Priceless.

 

I need to do this too. Is it hard to remove and reinstall the console pieces? Are there screws, clips, etc? I also have a 96 with an automatic.

Thanks for the help.

 

Very easy to remove. You need
1)a 7mm socket.
2)an external snap ring remover (to remove gear shift ****)
3) Torx screwdriver (dont remember size), to remove center upper air vent.

Place gearshift handle in neutral, and set parking brake.

Disconnect battery.

Open the cup door on the center console and remove the 7mm hex head screw.

Open armrest door and remove the two 7mm screws.

Remove gearshift "press button" by prying it upwards with a screw driver. Then remove external snap ring located inside of gear**** ****. Remove gear shift ****.

Lift up rear of of center console and gently slide it backwards about an half inch to disengage with radio console.

Lift console up gently and slide your hand beneath to remove two wire connnectors for hatch release button. Reach towards the front and remove cigarette lighter electrical connector.

To remove radio console plate . Remove upper center air vent. This exposes one of the screws needed to remove plate.

Remove 7mm screw head located on lower right.

Remove 7mm screw located on upper right of radio console plate.

Gently tug on the left side of the plate to disengage spring lock. may require a quick jerk.

To install, simply press plate into place and install the two screws and air vent.

That's it.! Takes 5 minutes.

When installing....watch for two things. One, the gearshift indictor must be properly engage before tightening down console. Two. Make certyain the two plastic tabs are properly engaged into radio console.

 

Thanks Jimihendrix,

I don't think we have this brand in the UK, but I am sure I can find something similar.
I have removed and re-installed the console and radio trim several times so I can do that.
This will be my project next winter, meanwhile I'll ask the wife if she has any dish soap as I am not familiar with things in the kitchen.
Thanks again, you guys in the U.S. are so helpful

 

My console cover is not mint in anybody's imagination, but the ugliest part is the 2 seat adjustment plates and the FX3 plate...just ugly. I'd paint them but they have white lettering.

Jimihendrix, I was going to run mine over to you until I saw you are in PA! That looks better than new.

 

What brand of carb cleaner did you use? Some might melt the plastic.

 

Spray can stuff from automotive store. Don't use the commercial dip type carb cleaner. if left in too long, it could soften the plastic. Certainly don't use brake cleaner. . . . that well melt and pit your console.

 

I have stripped the console, sanded it, and applied the Plastidip. It made bumps and brush strokes...., second coat didn't improve much.

Too thick?, too warm (82 degrees)?.....help