Hydrodipping Centre Console Trim

[PaulR1993]

Hi all

A couple of months ago I started a topic about getting all the centre console trim hydro dipped in red

But has anyone got a guide on how to remove all this trim ?

Thanks

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[troy45]

If it's on a Mk2.5 Focus the painted section of the console is heatstaked to the plain plastic grained pieces, you'd need to probably cut the fixing points away then plastic weld it all back together afterwards.

Didn't look an easy job when I looked at it.

[Invisible Man]

Mk2.5's are an absolute nightmare to hydrodip....

I tried it and failed....badly

The heated windscreen/rearscreen switch area was easy enough, as was the garage door under it.

The top piece around the stereo was hard work. The water rushes through the holes and stretches it out. I did back tape them, but it still didn't look great.

The worst piece was the centre trim. It is all plastic welded together and as I didn't want to break it apart I tried to do it as one piece.

Since this i have taken it all back out, stripped it back and painted it the same colour as the exterior of my car. Much happier with that.

To get the trim out you will need to take the following steps;

1. Take a trim removal tool (or flat screwdriver with tape round the end) and gently prise the edges of the top trim out. They can be quite stiff so a little force is required. There are also 2 clips in the centre just under the stereo.

2. Once the top piece is removed, you will see 2 torx screws at the bottom holding in the panel with your heated screen buttons on (T20 I think), undo these and pull it away, disconnecting the three wires at the back. These can only go into one plug so don't worry about which connectors go where.

3. Next, lift up your armrest lid and undo the two torx screws at the front (T15 i believe), This will allow you to move your handbrake cover up and out of the way. Then remove the rubber covers in the drinks holders and remove the T15 torx screw.

4. Take your trim remover/Screwdriver with tape on it, and carefully prise of the chrome surround for the gear stick, you will then be able to detach it from the gear stick gaitor. Lift the entire piece and disconnect the wire going to the 12v socket. Your piece should now lift freely.

Hydropdipping can be very tricky if you haven't tried it before, and you won't be able to remove it afterwards without respraying the entire piece. Ensure that you back tape all holes and put it in at an angle (30-40 degrees). Make sure you tape the edges of the sheet so it doesn't break apart easily.

Always try and put about 3 inches spare around the edges so you don't end up short once it starts getting pulled about. I struggled to find a box big enough to do the big piece in, so I used the bath....the Mrs was well chuffed with me.

if you don't have a Mk2.5, then I don't have a clue :)

Good luck anyway

[ben1191]

You could just spray it,probably easyer

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[PaulR1993]

Will probz just spray it and mask up the grey bits but also thank you for the tip on removing the trim that is really helpful :)

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