Pioneer AppRadio2 Scratch

[aboss]

Hey all,

So I picked up a Pioneer AppRadio2 on Friday (from Rick at Garage16). Got a great deal - but it was used as a display model in the store and there is a sizeable scratch on the silver plastic part on the front. Leaving a big scratch on my fancy new deck will bother me... so I'm trying to figure out a way to cover this up.

My first thought is to somehow remove that strip from the deck and refinish it... but I can't figure out how to get it off and I'm worried about snapping it in the process. Has anyone with this deck ever tried this or even know if it's possible?

If that's not possible - I may try to paint it flat black right on the unit... just tape it off and go for it. In that case... does someone know what the best paint to use on the plastic would be?

I know it's pretty specific so this is a longshot... but figured I may as well ask...

Thanks!

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2012/01/appradio2.jpg
(not my photo... obviously... since mine has a scratch, but just showing the silver strip I'm referring to.)

[Stathakos]

Email Rick?

[mazdathree3]

Vinyl it

[aboss]

Email Rick?

lol he knows -- that's part of why I got such a deal on it. I bought it knowing about the scratch... I'm just looking for ideas of how to make it look nicer.

[aboss]

Vinyl it

Like one would vinyl the exterior? It's a pretty small piece... how would that work?

[Stathakos]

Yeah, its pretty simple to vinyl it just look up vinyling vids on youtube

[greyseason]

you would just cut the vinyl to fit, and carefully lay it on the cover plate and trim. Fairly easy especially since its a flat piece

[aboss]

you would just cut the vinyl to fit, and carefully lay it on the cover plate and trim. Fairly easy especially since its a flat piece

Thanks guys... Vinyl looks like a good option.

I watched a bunch of videos of Vinyling -- most of the application seem to be large interior parts or whole car exteriors. And the part isn't actually flat... it's curved at the ends... hopefully I can manage it, though. Doesn't look too difficult.

Would I be able to put the vinyl on and then use an exacto knife to cut out the holes for the buttons after, or should I try to cut hole for the buttons before I apply it? It will have to be some pretty exact exactoing... lol.

[greyseason]

ive always meant to do this, but what you can do is tape wax paper to it, and 'shade' in the outline for the appradio and buttons, than pre cut out the buttons and leave a little around the edges to trim/fold around. Also on the corners, cut a 45 so theyll overlap and not bunch up around the corner.

good luck!

[greyseason]

Double post but ill add a bit more. If you use the knife after its applied, you run the risk of knicking it, and wanting to start over to cover up your new scratch. Its totally doable and may be easier, but will take alotta patience haha

[Jackal]

^^ Or get onion skin or tracing paper to create the cutout.

[greyseason]

^^ Or get onion skin or tracing paper to create the cutout.

^this, im lacking paper description haha

[aboss]

Thanks guys... much appreciated. Now I just need to find somewhere where I can get a really small piece of vinyl wrap to keep me busy while I wait for the rest of the install parts. :)

[greyseason]

you wont be able to find little pieces. i think they only come in 12x12 sizes. What you can do, if you like CF vinyl is grab the little package from CT of the stuff for like $13-$15 and its textured slightly and that comes in a 6in width i believe and im not sure how long

[Astig02]

just throwing this out there.. how about Plastidip?? just cover everything up and easy to remove too!

[aboss]

you wont be able to find little pieces. i think they only come in 12x12 sizes. What you can do, if you like CF vinyl is grab the little package from CT of the stuff for like $13-$15 and its textured slightly and that comes in a 6in width i believe and im not sure how long

I was at CT today, actually... and couldn't find anything of the sort! Must've missed it. Damn. I'd prefer a flat black or a brushed steel kinda look... but honestly I don't even care as long as it's neutral looking and covers the scratch. Maybe I'll have to check CT again.

[aboss]

just throwing this out there.. how about Plastidip?? just cover everything up and easy to remove too!

I thought of that, too, but I'm worried about spraying around the buttons... I'm not sure I could tape them off effectively... has anyone tried plastidip on something that small/detailed? I feel like that would be the easiest... I just don't want to mess up the buttons in the process.

[greyseason]

If i remember ill take a picture once im home, and looking on the CT website didnt reveal the one i bought but similar dealio

Click here (http://www.canadiantire.ca/search/search_results.jsp?bmForm=form_endeca_search&bmFormID=1375187795076&bmUID=1375187795076&bmIsForm=true&bmPrevTemplate=%2Fstorelocator%2Fstore_locator.jsp&bmHidden=OMNITURE_FROM&OMNITURE_FROM=Search&bmHidden=event26&event26=true&bmText=quick_search_term&quick_search_term=carbon+fiber&bmSubmit=quick_search&quick_search=&bmHidden=PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524443350596&bmHidden=FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=1408474396676571)

[greyseason]

If i remember ill take a picture once im home, and looking on the CT website didnt reveal the one i bought but similar dealio

Click here (http://www.canadiantire.ca/search/search_results.jsp?bmForm=form_endeca_search&bmFormID=1375187795076&bmUID=1375187795076&bmIsForm=true&bmPrevTemplate=%2Fstorelocator%2Fstore_locator.jsp&bmHidden=OMNITURE_FROM&OMNITURE_FROM=Search&bmHidden=event26&event26=true&bmText=quick_search_term&quick_search_term=carbon+fiber&bmSubmit=quick_search&quick_search=&bmHidden=PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524443350596&bmHidden=FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=1408474396676571)

[aboss]

Thanks for all the info. Went back to CT armed with a product number... but they didn't have it of course - and the only vinyl they had I wasn't crazy about. Bought some aluminum repair tape on a whim, hoping that I can slice it with a sharp heavy-duty exacto. Kind of a weird solution, but it would keep the stock look of the deck if it works. If I can't make it work... oh well... I'm down $5 and back to the search for vinyl.

Thanks again!