Has anyone replaced the door switch plate cover on a 350Z? Looking for hints re: re-finishing or replacement. Problem is the "rubberized" paint used by Nissan does not hold up under the constant contact with finger nails or rings. Carbon fiber covers are available but they look like a cover only and do not cover all the sensitive areas.

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2007 350Z Grand Touring Roadster "OURZ"

Trying to picture this.....I guess you're describing an electric window switch in the door panel?

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1970 240Z

Kind of an arm rest that holds the window, mirror knob, and lock/unlock buttons. The original is coated with a rubber/plastic paint or whatever that scratches when ever in contact with a sharp object i.e. fingernail, ring, etc.. Nissan asks $100 per side for replacement with the same problem part.
There is one on ebay in the same condition for reasonable cost. I might just get it and experiment with completely cleaning, priming and repainting. If that works, I have solved my problem.
to be continued...

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2007 350Z Grand Touring Roadster "OURZ"

Here are the estimated 350Z sales stats available so far:


2003..... 36,728
2004..... 30,690
2005..... 27,278
2006..... 24,635
2007..... 18,957
2008..... 10,337
2009..... 13,117
2010..... 10,215
2011..... 7,328

Total 350Zs... 149,625 (03-08 models)

Total 350/370Zs ... 30,660 (09-11 models)

Total 180,285

If you're having this problem on your perfect 350, others have, too.

Why not fabricate a durable replacement part, maybe ceramic coat it different colors to mix & match with Nissan interior colors, and offer them for sale?
You could retire before you're 30.

Frank

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1970 240Z

I have the very same problem on my car Alan. Let me know what you decide to do!

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Ross Williams
1978 280Z Black Pearl Edition 38k Original Miles

I just purchased the used part on ebay. The intent is to strip the coating and re-finish. I have no idea yet if this part is metal or plastic. My thought is to strip, prime, paint, and possibly clear coat. According to the gentleman I spoke with at Nissan, the part snaps on. The passenger side requires removal of the pull bar.
If this works, there are a lot of members who have the same problem.

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2007 350Z Grand Touring Roadster "OURZ"

Hi Alan, If the part snaps in its most likely plastic.. Your best be would be automotive interior paint. Or somrthing like krylon fusion its formulated for plastics. See ya soon

This photo should clarify what is being discussed.

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2007 350Z Grand Touring Roadster "OURZ"

That looks like deliberate sabotage. Keep your cat away from your Z.

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1970 240Z

Mine looks almost the same although a little less severe. I am very careful not to scratch surfaces inside my car. The only explanation I can think of is that buttons on my winter coat may be doing this. I can't understand how I have this damage and it looks really bad. At some point I may just spring for a new part from Nissan.

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Ross Williams
1978 280Z Black Pearl Edition 38k Original Miles

Ross,
Its very easy to do. A ring, fingernail, keys, etc.
Try by using a fingernail.
At the Cape till Thurs evening...will get. Back then. Sacrificial part should arrive today.
New oem part is expensive and will scratch the same.

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2007 350Z Grand Touring Roadster "OURZ"

["At the Cape...."]

If you get Down-Cape to P-town, stop at 69 Commercial Street and say hello to Alice Brock, of Alice's Restaurant. She runs an art shop there and paints rocks she finds on the beach. Tell her she's on my Bucket List and I'm planning on meeting her this year.

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1970 240Z