Power window/trunk switches (Page 1/1)
1985 Fiero GT JAN 01, 02:05 AM
I will be opening and cleaning my power window, trunk, and mirror switches, i have found threads on the disasembly and electrical cleaning of those, but what has eluded me is the cosmetic part of the cleaning, what gets done to the visible grey part of the window/trunk switches, they seem to have had a rubbery coating that is half scraped off, i have seen worse, but would like to know what can be done to make them look good, is there a specific paint that can be used on them or something else to get them looking clean uniform grey and durable enough to last another few decades? Thanks.
richard in nc JAN 01, 07:56 AM
just buy new switches from the fiero store.
Vintage-Nut JAN 01, 09:40 AM
Window Switch Rebuild - Step by Step by Synthesis
https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum2/HTML/140112.html

In the link above has another link:

Power windows/mirrors sluggish, slow, or not working? (How-to) by Doober

As your question on "How-To" clean the visible grey part of the window/trunk switches, I use S100 Total Cycle Cleaner. This stuff can loosen and remove decades of oils and filth.

EDIT
To me, add Rodney Dickman's Electric Window Helpers before he discontinues them.....
https://rodneydickman.com/p....php?products_id=271

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Original Owner of a Silver '88 GT
Under 'Production Refurbishment' @ 136k Miles

[This message has been edited by Vintage-Nut (edited 01-01-2024).]

1985 Fiero GT JAN 01, 10:26 AM

quote
Originally posted by richard in nc:

just buy new switches from the fiero store.



I have spent my entire years Fiero money on Rodney Dickman already, so when I saw they could be rebuilt, I will prefer doing that.
1985 Fiero GT JAN 01, 10:30 AM

quote
Originally posted by Vintage-Nut:

Window Switch Rebuild - Step by Step by Synthesis
https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum2/HTML/140112.html

In the link above has another link:

Power windows/mirrors sluggish, slow, or not working? (How-to) by Doober

As your question on "How-To" clean the visible grey part of the window/trunk switches, I use S100 Total Cycle Cleaner. This stuff can loosen and remove decades of oils and filth.

EDIT
To me, add Rodney Dickman's Electric Window Helpers before he discontinues them.....
https://rodneydickman.com/p....php?products_id=271



Yes, I read that thread in its entirety, this thread I made is about refinishing the grey part, thanks for the chemical suggestion, will that make the grey look like new again? If not I'm still looking for some paint or coating to use, I know there's something out there, I just have never looked into interior paints before.

Edit: as for Rodney's power window helpers, I am not inconvenienced by window speed or lack thereof, I will be cleaning and lubricating the mechanisms when I replace for seals and window glass, if I really want to make them faster, I have found another relay control thingy that is half the price of Rodney's, whether it works or not, I don't know, but I've already given Rodney very nearly $1000 in the last month and a half, and faster windows are not a priority right now haha.

[This message has been edited by 1985 Fiero GT (edited 01-01-2024).]

theogre JAN 01, 10:39 AM
The switches Are Not "rubber coated" or otherwise.

Dirt/oil from hands, Heat & UV "melts" the top layer & looks bad after time.

Cleaning the faces may not help. You think cleaning but plastic is thin to start & "sun rot" makes it even thinner to have holes in some areas.

------------------
Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
(Jurassic Park)

The Ogre's Fiero Cave

1985 Fiero GT JAN 01, 10:45 AM
Ok good to know that that soft touch layer scraping off isn't normal haha, that would be considered premium in today's cars, the switches are still physically sound, if I discover that they aren't or that I break them in disassembly, I'll buy new ones, but for now I want to repaint/recoat/whatever the grey parts.
fierogt28 JAN 01, 04:15 PM
It’s not necessarily the switches that are the big issue, it’s the PW motors. Yes, I suggest replacing the switches also to start “all new”.

I bought Rodney’s PW motor kit, and a member on this forum and I did one side. (He did all the work)
There was a huge difference that is not comparable to the old motors.

Have a look at the sliding tracks and bushings riding on them. They can and will seize, and need to be lubricated. That’s a must. Do not over look this.
Plus, I’m looking to replace the bushings with a new aftermarket kit made by Dorman.
Once that is complete, I will report back if it’s a success for other members to know about the modification.
The drivers side window motors is always the most used on any car, so they will wear out quicker.
Make sure the junction connector at the door is clean.
That will save time and problems.
Do it once, do it right.

------------------
fierogt28

88 GT, Loaded, 5-speed.
88 GT, 5-speed. Beechwood interior, All original.

1985 Fiero GT JAN 01, 05:12 PM

quote
Originally posted by fierogt28:

It’s not necessarily the switches that are the big issue, it’s the PW motors. Yes, I suggest replacing the switches also to start “all new”.

I bought Rodney’s PW motor kit, and a member on this forum and I did one side. (He did all the work)
There was a huge difference that is not comparable to the old motors.

Have a look at the sliding tracks and bushings riding on them. They can and will seize, and need to be lubricated. That’s a must. Do not over look this.
Plus, I’m looking to replace the bushings with a new aftermarket kit made by Dorman.
Once that is complete, I will report back if it’s a success for other members to know about the modification.
The drivers side window motors is always the most used on any car, so they will wear out quicker.
Make sure the junction connector at the door is clean.
That will save time and problems.
Do it once, do it right.





Yes, I specifically am fine with the speed of the windows, they are... Average among Fieros, when I do the dew wipes I will completely clean relubricate and check functionality of the entire system, the switches were better then many, not perfect, but adequate, I took them apart today and found some duplicolor plastic/vinyl paint that works for the switches, I might install a relay pack to help the power windows at a later date, but for now everything is pretty much as I like it.