How To: 300ZX Interior Switch Restoration
Before Reading I suggest watching this video:
Window Switch and Turn Signal Stalk Restoration has been a popular service among Blaster Z Customers. I thought I would write a quick guide on how to successfully apply these decals so that you all can do it at home.
Materials you will need:
- Small scissors or an Exacto knife
- Tweezers (Preferably Reverse Action)
- Small bowl of water
- Q-Tips
- Masking tape
- Matte Acrylic Clear Coat (I prefer SEM Matte Clear)
- Satin Black Paint (Prefer SEM Euro Black Trim)
- Blaster Z Garage Window Switch Decal
Optional:
- Microset solution
- Paint Brush to apply microset
NOTE:
It is up to you rather you want to paint your switches or not. I typically try to avoid the window switch buttons unless they are extremely worn. If you do choose to paint the switches, lightly scuff them with a scuff pad and thoroughly clean them of all dust and grease. It is worth noting that late 90' and up Z32 models have an illuminated ^ arrow, if you paint this button, the illumination will no longer function as designed.
Applying the decal:
- Neatly cut the decal with no less that 1mm of surrounding edge.
- Place in water for approximately 10 seconds
- Place on to item being restored.
- Apply liberal amounts of water with Q-tip.
- Wait approximately 1 minute for the glue to dissolve from the film.
- With a wet Q-tip slide the decal from the backing paper
- Arrange decal
- Once all decals are placed in desired position gently dab the decals dry with Q-tip
- Mask the areas surrounding the button/switch
- Apply thin coats of matte clear coat. Within the first couple of coats the edge lines of the decal should start to disappear. At a minimum, apply 4-5 coats.
- Continue to apply clear coat layers until you are happy with the look of your decals.
- Allow 24 hours for the clear coat to cure.
- Enjoy your restored switches!
My biggest piece of advice is to be patient. Do not try to slide the decal from the paper too early or it will rip. Also when trying to move the decal across a surface always make sure the surface and the Q-Tip is wet.
When you are done you will have a little detail that you will be proud to show off!
Couple of tips from my install:
- the switch rockers pop off the switch body easily, remove them to install the decal and clear coat… no need to mask the switch body and you can clean the gunk from under the rocker.
- I found the Q-tip decal positioning method from the video didn’t work well with the small arrow decals. I used the metal point of the tweezers to slide the decal into position. It was more precise and didn’t leave little cotton hairs on the decal. Do not slide the decal touching the white printed part, only a clear section. You will flake the printing if you’re not careful!
- To squeegee the water out from under the decal without moving its position, let it set wet and in position for a couple of minutes and gently press and hold the top of the decal with your thumb and roll the dry Q-tip down the decal to flatten it and squeeze out the water.
This kind of detailed information is key to a beautiful final product. Thanks for another great article. The Z community continues to impress me with the love and dedication to these cars.
This kind of detailed information is key to a beautiful final product. Thanks for another great article. The Z community continues to impress me with the love and dedication to these cars.