Factory Radio Knobs-paint Scratched Off- Fixes?

[slalomking]

I think many of us has experienced this, but I did not see anything in the forum search mode.

I have a 2003 factory radio. The on/off/volume, and the 'tune' large rotary knobs are painted black, but are masked off so that function words (IIRC- VOL, and TUNE) are clear, and the back lighting shines thru for night backlighting.

Well, within a year, many finger hits have worn off the paint. Looks like a glowing blob at night now.

I'd imagine a re-paint would be tough (you'd need that mask to do it perfect).

Instead, can the knobs be bought as separate items, and installed without difficulty by the average slob (me)?


Don't want to bring a minor thing like this to the dealer........

[ptrudel]

ebay?

[Sinatra]

I have the exact same problem, thought I was the only one. I don't see it as a big deal though...as long as my car starts up every moring, I'm cool.

[comanche]

-I've had the same problem and there doesn't seem to be anyway to fix it without replacing the whole assembly. Most automotive recyclers should let you have an assembly for pretty cheap (very few people need them)
-Another common problem I've had on a couple aleros is that the gear shift indicators on the console (P,R,D,3,2,1) start to chip, so at night it just looks like bright lights.

[cherrington17]

you could try something like this...

compliments of ms. smlz

http://invision.aleromod.com/index.php?showtopic=12158&hl=

[cavaliers60]

I haven't had this problem yet with my 2000 alero... If you want to keep the factory radio, I would try going to some junk yards and see if there are any Alero radios there... You can get them pretty cheap there...

[slalomking]

I should add that this is the 200 watt system w/ XM, and is otherwise perfect...so this minor problem really does not mandate a total radio swap out of the junk yard or Ebay.

What is involved w/ assemblys that hold the knobs into the unit? Anyone ever look at the factory head unit guts?

I am guessing, things being as they are these days, that getting the knobs on and off without taking the radio out of the dash is a concept from a bygone era?

[trumpetplayer91372]

Invest into a new headunit, its worth it and you will have brand new buttons with all the paint.

[cavaliers60]

The only way to find out is to poke around at it...

[Wild Country]

New headunit

[BRalero01]

mine scratched off 2 different times. tell the dealer and they'll get you a whole new radio if it is under warrenty...doubt that now that they haven't made them for 2 years tho. get an aftermarket, you'll like it better anyways.

[steve-o]

i agree with everyone eles, get aftermarket

[Cliff8928]

Well, I'll be the one to say don't get aftermarket. I like the fit and finish of original GM units. I will do a little upgrade on mine to this one though.

http://www.gmc.com/images/yukon/photos/yknd_int_radio_lrg.jpg