Hi - Does anyone know of a fix for a sticky centre console and centre tray. I'm assuming the best option is to try and get originals from a breakers yard, but from previous posts it looks like its a common problem so potentially they are all the same ? Has anyone had theirs refurbished, if so any suggestions who could do this in the Birmingham area. Thanks.

The forum is your friend.

Excellent thanks. Being cheeky I don't suppose there is anything similar for removing the central tray (around the handbrake) which is the worst bit on my car ? Cheers

There's a bin at the back of the tray. Remove the rubber mat at the bottom of it and there will be some bolts.
The tray is secured at the front around the area of the gearstick gaiter.

The howto section is always worth visiting Clicky

Even though it says don't I used thinners on a cloth for my central tray it got it down to the plastic in no time and a bit of rubbing ..but I was careful !!

Thanks both. I might have to give the thinners a go as its taking an age with the methanol.

Crikey- you definitely want to get that out of the car to do it...

Don't worry its out☺ but I still not pleased with the result so I awaiting delivery of some Autoglym Vinyl & Leather cleaner as recommended on the Alfa forum & will have to paint it afterwards with Halfords Black Satin as recommended here !

Or have it dipped like I have...

Very nice

I'm not sure that is the best course of action, Spinky

Vinyl & leather cleaner is a great product for certain things (temporarily, I seem to find), but I'm not sure it'll serve as a primer for paint...

Methylated spirit is the stuff I found to be the most efficient as said in the how to guide. I choose a piano black finnish. Had it done ages ago.

Still haven't fitted the console yet as something more important keeps poping up...

This is what I used and also found it very easy, although messy.

Painted mine with VHT Hood, Bumper and Trim Paint. Very happy with the satin finish. https://www.vhtpaint.com/products/hoodbumpertrimpaint/

Hi
This is ROSI. Long time away - sorry - hubby really ill.
Just had my central console refurbed.
Excellent job. Stripped down & re-sprayed. Looks like new.
Washington coachworks, West Sussex.
They've done similar jobs on Lambos who used the same compound that degraded just the same.
Nice to know we're in good company......

Hi - what sort of price did they charge, Rosi?

£170 plus VAT. But worth it as previously used audio fitters had trashed the finish.

Thanks everyone for all the advice - RusH where did you get yours dipped and how much did it cost as it looks the business !

A1 Hydro Dip - Witney.

£60 for the facia.

I had the ash tray dipped as well.

£80 all in including VAT.


I'll take a picture of it all fitted. Along with the Chrome rings it looks rather smart and almost OEM.

Excellent - nice and close, RusH. Some pics would be great.

This. And plenty of it. The green scrubbers seem to work well in lifting the material off the plastic. Did mine yesterday, happy with the result but the finish isn't good enough to keep as is.

RusH - do A1 take the gunk off, or do you have to do that yourself first?

I did most of the prep.

Can always ask as it's a body shop business also, so I'm sure they are used to all sorts of bodywork/car prep.

Guys that do the work are really nice.

How do you take out the central console?

Look in the "How to" section on the Forum List. There are different instructions for the 16v and 20v and both are very good.

Followed it to do mine and all went well, as did the one on removing the head lining.

Just thought I would add that Mr Muscle oven cleaner works a treat with the consols out. Spray on, leave an hour, quick gentle scrub and and raise with warm water. Repeat if required!

Jules