So I got bored with the switches on the steering wheel. They seemed quite basic to me and seemed to blend in too much with the rest of steering wheel material. So I decided to change it to carbon fibre style.

So I decided to compile a DIY guide on how to remove the steering wheel control switches and wrap them in 3M Di-Noc Carbon Fibre Vinyl Wrap.

Firstly, I'd like to say that I was never actually a great fan of these Carbon Fibre Vinyl Wraps. I always thought they looked quite cheap. Until I purchased a small 20x30cm sample and saw the actual 3D texture that they have. It's not a printed carbon pattern. The film actually has an embossed finish resembling true carbon fibre, which reflects light really well and changes the highlights of the pattern depending on the viewing angle.

So lets begin...

TOTAL COST FOR THIS MOD: £3.99

TOOLS/MATERIALS NEEDED:
  • 3M Di-Noc Carbon Fibre Vinyl Wrap
    For this mod you will not need anything bigger than 20x30cm's.
    I purchased a CA-421 - Black 30x20cm sheet from eBay member carbonfibergeneration for £2.99 + £0.99 P&P
  • 200 Grit sandpaper
  • Sharp utility knife
  • Hairdryer or Heatgun
  • 2 small zip/cable ties
  • Socket Wrench with T30 Torx Socket
  • Socket Wrench with 10mm Socket


Step 1:
DISCONNECT CABLE FROM NEGATIVE BATTERY TERMINAL (Using a 10mm Socket Wrench)

Step 2:
Press down brakes and wait for 90 seconds after disconnecting cable from negative terminal to prevent airbag deployment.

Step 3:
Using a flat-head screwdriver wrapped in tape, remove the two side steering wheel covers. (Left-side cover is pictured below)

Step 4:
Using a "torx" socket wrench (T30), loosen the "torx" screws (1 on each side) until the groove along the screw circumference catches on the screw case.

Step 5:
Pull out the steering pad (airbag unit) from the steering wheel assembly and support the steering pad with one hand. (You do not have to remove the airbag. Holding it with 1 hand gives you enough room to remove the switches)

Step 6:
Remove the 2 phillips screws (one on each side) that hold the switch modules onto the steering wheel.

Step 7:
Gently pull the switch module out. If the connector is zip tied to the module, cut the zip tie being very careful not to cut the wire. Then remove the connector and your module will be out.

REMEMBER - When you re-install this module, you will need to use a new zip tie to secure the connector cable.


Step 8:
Next you need to take out the buttons/switches. To do this, turn the unit upside down and remove the 3 phillips screws:



Step 9:
Keep the back trim that you just unscrewed held down with a finger or 2 and turn the unit around. Push the buttons gently so that the buttons starting poping out. The purpose of holding down the back trim at the same time is so that while you are pushing the switch out and the unit is turned around, the small components inside the buttons dont all get seperated and fall out.


Step 10:
Put the removed switch buttons aside, making sure that the buttons are not seperated from the circuit board.


Step 11:
Now you are left with the following bare shell:


Step 12:
Next you want to cut-out 2 pieces from your 3M Carbon Fibre Vinyl. I wanted to make sure that for the left switch I cut a piece that had the pattern going from bottom right corner to top left corner. And for the right switch I wanted the pattern to go from bottom left corner to top right corner. As pictured below:


Step 13:
Next, you will need to sand the openings for the switches slightly. If this step is not done, then your buttons will be very sticky and may not work properly.
Gradually go around the openings with 200grit sandpaper. Dont rush, take your time and do it evenly so that you get consistent gap throughout. Once this is done, give it a clean.


Step 14:
Next you will need to have your utility knife and a hairdryer or heatgun ready:


Step 15:
Gently apply the 3M wrap and use your hairdryer to heat shrink and get a perfect wrap around corners and curves.

Please watch the following youtube video, which shows how to heatshrink and apply the 3M vinyl:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1s2XIoZxChM 



Thats it... you are now done with it and ready to put back the buttons and install everything into the car in reverse order.


REMEMBER:
Take your time on the wrapping procedure and do it properly. DO NOT RUSH. The vinyl is very forgiving. If it looks wrong, lift it and apply it again with some heat.


Once everything is installed back into the car and the airbag unit is put back in, you can re-connect the negative terminal on the battery.


Below are some photos of my wrapping process and my final installed photos










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