HOW TO: Repair Broken Tabs on Switch Plate Cover
Thread Starter
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,581
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From: Southwest Georgia
HOW TO: Repair Broken Tabs on Switch Plate Cover
Okay - so I got tired of replacing these things at $70 a pop. After my second one broke, I decided to try my hand at repairing it before I bought another. Here are the results.
Broken tab. Plastic is very thin at the end of the tab and breaks easily.
fix1h_zpsf4078f0e.jpg
I cut a piece of tin after mating it up with the side that wasn't broken and scoring the cuts. The center gap that accomodates the tab was cut out with a dremmel. I attached the tin with 3 small rivets.
fix2h_zps1385b553.jpg
Reattach your tab and you are ready to roll!
fix3h_zps999f673b.jpg
Broken tab. Plastic is very thin at the end of the tab and breaks easily.
fix1h_zpsf4078f0e.jpg
I cut a piece of tin after mating it up with the side that wasn't broken and scoring the cuts. The center gap that accomodates the tab was cut out with a dremmel. I attached the tin with 3 small rivets.
fix2h_zps1385b553.jpg
Reattach your tab and you are ready to roll!
fix3h_zps999f673b.jpg
Pro
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 618
Likes: 2
From: Coral Gables, Florida
You guys gotta be kidding me! It's the top switch cover on the center console, and these things DO brake easily.
Chad, this was a great solution, and I'll take a couple of the aluminum tabs if you have some to spare. I have both the top and the bottom covers broken, and couldn't justify paying $150+ for each of them at the local parts guy!
Great solution!
Chad, this was a great solution, and I'll take a couple of the aluminum tabs if you have some to spare. I have both the top and the bottom covers broken, and couldn't justify paying $150+ for each of them at the local parts guy!
Great solution!
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Southwest Georgia
I figured most people would know what a PITA this part is - but glad to hear you don't. Here's a picture of the part. And if you don't see how it can be broken, then you've never had yours out. The end part of the tab is a flimsy little piece of plastic. When it breaks, the metal retainer falls right off. If you look in my first picture, you can see the small piece of plastic that broke.
SwitchCover1_zps5ae9614c.png
SwitchCover1_zps5ae9614c.png
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Thread Starter
Rennlist Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,581
Likes: 180
From: Southwest Georgia
You guys gotta be kidding me! It's the top switch cover on the center console, and these things DO brake easily.
Chad, this was a great solution, and I'll take a couple of the aluminum tabs if you have some to spare. I have both the top and the bottom covers broken, and couldn't justify paying $150+ for each of them at the local parts guy!
Great solution!
Chad, this was a great solution, and I'll take a couple of the aluminum tabs if you have some to spare. I have both the top and the bottom covers broken, and couldn't justify paying $150+ for each of them at the local parts guy!
Great solution!
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Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Dallas, TX
I have had good experience using the ABS plumbers cement to reattach broken off interior trim/part tabs. It is not really a glue more of a solvent jell that melts the plastic and allows it to fuse back together. I have had success using it on my 2001 Jetta and my daughter's 2000 New Beetle where interior trim and switches are designed to break when removed for servicing.
Andy :-)
Andy :-)
Thread Starter
Rennlist Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,581
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From: Southwest Georgia
Chill out, man. First off, the original post states that it's a switch plate cover in the title. How many of those are there in these cars - 2. And I guess you must be blind, because I posted a frontal view of the switch plate after I read your first post. If you don't know what I'm talking about after seeing that picture, I can't help you.
Thread Starter
Rennlist Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,581
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From: Southwest Georgia
The funny thing is that mine just broke. I didn't even take it out. I just hopped in the car one day and they cover was popped up on one side. When I tried to push it down, it wouldn't stay put. After removing it, I found the metal securing tab laying inside of the console with the broken plastic bit inside.