Buyer beware center console vinyl cover quality

Thomas76

Thomas76

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I struggled with writing this post and am using as much respect as possible, but feel Future buyers should know. Pay attention to methods used before purchasing. Ask for plenty of pictures.

Problem 1:
The panels have a different profile between ac/non ac cars so one will not fit on the other. This wasn't clear in the ad, but shame on me for not doing my own research. Passing that fact along for everyone, not complaining.

Problem 2:
I bought this set from a member here 2 years ago and stuck them on the shelf for a later day. This week I pulled my panels out and began planning the reskin when I noticed the ink used on the backside had bled through to the important side.
I contacted the seller first to inform them of the problem, and if there is anything that could be done. He said there is nothing he will do, they were perfect when shipped. Who's right? :)

Either way, don't buy a set that has ink on the backside, it will bleed through.

PXL_20240207_221729875.jpg
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O boy, that it happened is a bummer.

Some of the actions /fixes/trials that I conjure up need to be repeated a few times to reach a desired level.

Knowledge will make life easy, it's also true for our cars.

Luckily we have a vast collection of brains on the forum here, knowing sooo many obscure details, and they are more then willing to share.

If you ever hesitate again, feel free to ask for advice.
 
Paul beat me to it ... exactly what i would try before doing anything else. be sure to use the SEM vinyl prep before the SEM color coat
 
I'm not sure if painting will help here. The ink has been carried through the PVC likely by the plasticizers that are in the PVC to keep it pliable. I think (but not sure) it will also migrate through a added paint layer. But in this condition it doesn't hurt to try; the part is 'waste' as it is now, and not much to loose in that sense.

Looking into what happened here, it's been a chemical a process that just took time: it was sort of a 'time-bomb'. Knowing little details, i would find it plausible that the problem was not apparent when the part was shipped: the ink simply did not have time to reach the other side of the vinyl. But 2 years later it shows.

I also think this has never been intentional: I do not think the seller offered something that is less then what it appears ("selling glass beads for diamonds"). I think the vinyl must have looked perfect, at least the first few weeks after applying the ink marks. Thus the seller could not have known the parts to be problematic (unless he's a chemical expert).

There is a very good chance that I could be in a similar position in the future; on both ends even: I could well sell something that fails over time, having some sort of unknown internal time bomb. I can also imagine buying something that fails over time. It's just that you can't see it, regardless if you are on the selling or purchasing end of the story.

What if the steel panels from Walloth and Neesch that they sell next year are of a crappy steel quality, and they start rusting in a year? This is why there are warranty laws when buying from companies, but not from private parties - we just cannot expect private parties / forum members to be experts on all such 'time bombs'. Companies often are experts, or at least you can assume they are, and be protected by law on that point.
If i'd have a company wrap my console, and this would happen, then I'd claim warranty. But I'd probably would have paid 3* as much (compared to buying from a privateer) to begin with.

(I am confident however that W&N have their things in order, and I'll be happily buying e9 panels from them in 2024.. and 2025.. and 2026...)
 
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At some point, ink no longer has any ability to continue to migrate. if you used the SEM soap and the vinyl prep ... it will probably remove some of the ink on the outer surface, just like it does with other stains. it is not going to remove anything within the depth of the vinyl. vinyl prep loosens up the surface a bit to help the color coat stick to the surface. SEM color coat is a 'flexible' coating, its not just a paint. it has the ability to move as the vinyl moves.

If you are not able to encapsulate the ink or it telegraphs through the color coat ... you still have very good forms and vinyl templates. you can remove the vinyl (without tearing it), cut out new vinyl in that shape and install it. OR you can use the pattern to cover the forms in leather. i get that all of this is a PITA that you thought you had already solved by purchasing a set ... but i wouldn't think its a total loss or a throw away.

SEM Soap | SEM Products

SEM Soap is a mild abrasive cleaner used as the first step in refinishing flexible substrates.
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Vinyl Prep | SEM Products

Vinyl Prep is a strong solvent blend that is critical to refinishing vinyl.
semproducts.com semproducts.com
 
Problem 1 still exists, however. It sounds like there is a difference in the center console vinyl cover between AC and non AC cars and that Thomas76 has the wrong one for his car. I think the best option is for Thomas 76 to sell the one he has at at discount after stating which cover it is and let the buyer take a chance on the advice given here on removing the marks that bled through.
 
yes Dick, good point, i missed that one. i was thinking it was a complete panel. its best not to try to paint it until its mounted on a panel.
before selling it, i would try the SEM soap and vinyl prep to see if you can remove the ink stains. the product is worth having around if you ever have to use any vinyl paint like color coat
 
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