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MG TD TF 1500 - Reconditioning the turn signal switch

I cleaned up and regreased the turn signal switch and it's working the way it should... but I noticed that inevitable aging has left the black bakelite exterior very faded where sunlight got to it... so half the switch is a nice glossy black, the lower half that sat in the sun is a dull matte finish.

Multiple coats of armorall have done nothing to help...

Anything I can do short of repainting to restore the finish? I was wondering what would happen if I sanded it down with 320 and then took it back up to 1500 grit and then buffed it, would that 'restore' the finish or turn it all dull matte finish?

Suggestions appreciated.
Geoff Baker

Geoff,

Congrats on making the switch work!!

The original cars had a plastic handle (ivory colored) and black bakelite casing. I've had only moderate success with shoe polish for refinishing bakelite. My current excuse is that I like the aged patina of the bakelite housings and buttons. lol.

There is a product available for refinishing hard rubber pens that some swear by when it comes to refinishing bakelite.

I like your idea of working up to a buffed finish, but would start much higher than 320 as bakelite is relatively soft. If instead you paint, use an adhesion primer first.

Another point would be that if the switch is mounted in its proper place, just to the passenger side of the centerline of the dash with only the handle visible, you may be flogging a dead horse here. Bud has some great shots of the original location in T-Talk, enough that I easily located mine properly.

Good luck,
dave
Dave Braun

geoff, your post made me think of a series of articles auto restorer published a little while ago. (great publication in my opinion) they did a series on auto detailing and the professional detailer that was sourced for the article really had no good uses for armorall. in his experience/opinion it is silicone based and does nothing to preserve any material and attracts dust after application. if you ever decide to paint this part..really, really prep it to remove any trace of the silicone you applied. regards, tom
tom peterson

Geoff - I have found that the bakelite can be buffed to a high polish using a soft buffing wheel and the white, stainless compound. If the item turns out to be hard rubber (that buffs up to a mottled brown color) a follow up with the product that Dave B. suggests, brings back the black color. the product is available at: http://www.pensburymanor.com/Pensbury_Garage.html Other such obscure products are listed on the British Car Cottage Industries site at: http://www.britcot.com/ Cheers - Dave
David DuBois

If your bakelite is just faded and dull, i have found 100% tung oil works very well... did a plastic steering wheel hub from an Austin (that brown colour) a few years ago and it is still looking good.
Make sure it is 100%...dries very hard...!!!
gblawson(gordon)

This thread was discussed on 26/11/2009

MG TD TF 1500 index

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