Due for another update I guess. As per my Facebook posts a few months ago I created exact reproduction artwork for waterslide decals to replace the faded icons on the pod switches. In each set I have included extra (spare) symbols in case you ruin any when attempting to apply them. As the decals are so thin they can be challenging to apply.
- Decals for AU-UK vehicles (RHD)
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- Decals for US vehicles (LHD)
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If your pods are anything like mine then you know what I’m talking about.
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Took a while to find the right printing supplier but I’m finally happy with the supplier and the product.
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But firstly to help others who want to refresh their pods back to new-looking condition I’ll break it down as much as I can.
THINGS YOU NEED
Can of black gloss, satin or matt spray paint
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Can of clear satin acrylic spay paint
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Sheet of extra fine sand paper (optional)
Isopropyl alcohol (or methylated spirits, paint thinner)
1. Remove and disconnect the pod/s from the dash instrument cluster
2. Take as many pics of whatever symbols are left on your pods for placement reference later on. Plenty of reference material on Fb and Google if your existing symbols are too faded.
2. Thoroughly clean and if necessary lightly sand and smooth with very fine sandpaper as I have done (to create some etching for the paint to bite into) and thoroughly wipe down the pod switches with isopropyl alcohol to ensure oily/dirt deposits are removed when painting.
3. Mask out the rest of the pod/s to prevent overspray.
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3. Apply 1 or 2 light coats of black paint. Don’t be impatient by applying thick with the paint as you still have to lay down 1-2 coats of clear coat later on. Check for paint imperfections. If necessary lightly sand back any affected areas when fully dry, and reapply the affected area with another light coat of paint.
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4. Allow the paint to dry properly (refer to drying time on can). Once dry you are now ready to apply the decals.
THINGS YOU NEED
Replacement waterslide decals (please send me a PM for decal requests)
Fine tweezers
Small lukewarm bowl of water
1-2 sheets of paper towels
Small scissors
Several cotton buds
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Take the time to view this YouTube link which should get you more comfortable with applying waterslide decals.
https://youtu.be/QNYdd3Aley8
1. Using the scissors carefully cut the decal set into smaller individual pieces within the line of the boxes. Note: each symbol is enclosed by a faint white box which is a cutting edge guide. Cut inside those lines otherwise the faint lines will show up when you apply them on the black switch.
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2. Drop the decal piece into the bowl of water for about 5-6 seconds. Tip1: you don’t have to submerge the decal under the water - you can let it float on the water. Tip2: if you can’t make a clean grab of the decal in the water push it out to the edge of the bowl with your tweezers.
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3. Dab a drop of water on the area where the decal is going. Gently grab the edge of the decal with your tweezers and I with a wet cotton bud tip gently slide the decal off the backing paper into position. Note: be aware the decals will have a tendency to curl up, so you must act quickly to prevent them from closing in on itself. Gently weed/roll out the water from under the decal with the dry end of the cotton bud (refer to the YouTube clip for this tip). Before weeding all the water out check the symbol is in the exact and straight position.
4. Repeat steps 2 & 3 for each decal piece.
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5. Allow the switch to dry for a day or so (or use a hairdryer if you can’t wait). When the decal is dry you may find what appear to be air pockets underneath the decal. Do not be concerned. The clear coat will application will remedy this.
6. Apply 1-2 light coats of clear acrylic spay paint and allow to fully dry (refer to drying information on can). Once dry, the clear will protect the decal from being scratched and prevent wearing off over time like the original symbols did.