How to Restore Sticky Window Switches Controls , Door Handles, Alfa Romeo GT, 147

[@willyzcro110]

Great job, your chanel is "must watch" for every 147/GT owner. Regards from Croatia!

[@arcgarage]

Thank you, regards...

[@DJ_MH_Remixes]

Also MiTo 🍀

[@StrayedIdea]

@@DJ_MH_Remixes 156 too

[@miui447]

Step by step as your video and I get the same perfect result!!! Thank you so much.

[@arcgarage]

Glad it helped, thank you very much for support...

[@jeanjacquesehrlacher1813]

Thanks for the topic. It is possible to remove the sticky varnish with acetone, hiding the leather parts well. The varnish is tinted black, it is easily removed with a dampened cloth, gently rubbing and repeatedly passing until nothing remains. This method can be used for door handles, which are made of black plastic and which acetone does not damage. For the covers of the switches, you can use acetone but you have to repaint them afterwards in satin or matte black.

[@sergeukraine8313]

Yeh, I've used gasoline instead for handles and panel. Buttons could be totally wiped with it so be careful with it. But no need to disassemble it. Good luck.

[@ForestForever-bl5fz]

Great video, from a GT owner in Australia 👍

[@arcgarage]

Thank you, greetings from Europe...

[@alanbeggs3172]

Have done this a couple of times but didnt know the top could be completely separated,solves the issue of trying to clean under the switches.Great stuff😊

[@popandu1170]

Brilliant result mate. Well done and thanks for sharing!

[@arcgarage]

Thank you, no problem...

[@evropaarise3092]

Great results! I never realized the plastic was actually white. I used a rag with some ammonia; the sticky came right off with absolutely no collateral damage! 😊

[@willbennett1949]

Did you try alcohol too? Could you recommend one over the other?

[@evropaarise3092]

@@willbennett1949 I didn't try alcohol (at least not for cleaning); the ammonia worked really well though. A few wipes and the sticky substance gave way while leaving the plastic and paint unaffected.

[@vincenzoprudenzano7424]

​@@willbennett1949 io ho fatto con alcol e de venuto bello

[@ysabeln8553]

Having tried both, it's easier with ammonia!! I am on my 4th interior with a 20% ammonia dilution. Some Alfas have more fragile plastics than the 147 so my principle is to dilute and add gradually if the dilution is not sufficient!!

[@jonnyware9061]

Excellent video! I have done my switch units this way after a lot of trial and error! I found heat works very well to shift the sticky layer, that and Methylated Spirits. The Meths shifts the sticky even when not hot like the alcohol you used. For the switch unit; I think it is a good idea to heat the whole unit slightly before disassembling to warm the plastic as it is very brittle and I had to repair broken tabs inside the main holding body. It might be able to be done without undoing the unit but around the switches could be tricky but not impossible. For the handles, as my 147 has cloth around; I used plastic sheet/ bags to mask where it joins by sliding the plastic in the gap. Otherwise it spoils the cloth. Great tips though I have watched most of your videos!

[@arcgarage]

That is a good idea, them plastic pieces break easily. For the door handles I used 70% alcohol, and it worked really well. Anyway thank you very much for support...

[@youtubeshowedmehow7546]

Excellent video. Well done ARC Garage. Shared to the Alfa GT Facebook group.

[@arcgarage]

Much appreciated, thank you for sharing...

[@Strike86]

I came here from that group! Second video from you I've seen posted there, very useful stuff. Thank you!

[@arcgarage]

No problem, hopefully there'll be many more videos... Check out the one for multimedia installation on GT with BOSE, that installation made a huge difference when it comes to interior...

[@soulbleed3338]

Great vid! Just a tip for sticky plastic - bugs and tar remover. You can find it in every car parts shop and can be used for parts that are pain to remove before restoring too.

[@arcgarage]

Great tip, although I was afraid to damage the base coat with any chemicals...

[@soulbleed3338]

@@arcgarage It will not damage any type of paint or clear coat. Bugs and tar remover is made for using on every car part no matter is it a car door, windshield, rims or a bumper, and it is 100% safe. I had a problem with sticky plastic on my alfa and all was done in 10 min.

[@robertdiamond6934]

Maybe this? Autoglym AG 193251 Intensive Tar Remover, 325ml

[@jonnyware9061]

I used Methylated Spirits on my switch units, handles and centre console 'tunnel'. Works a treat with little or no heat!

[@arcgarage]

@@jonnyware9061 Hard to get where I am at, good to know...

[@apostoloskatsanis1914]

I used tar spray removal and got excellent results too.

[@neelsmoney965]

Good work i watch all your vidz its really helpful.

[@arcgarage]

Thanks, glad to hear that...

[@darealwhistle]

Thank you for all videos, this is great!

[@arcgarage]

No problem, thank you for support...

[@IncApu2025]

I hitted "like" button twice and became a new subscriber. Amazing job man!! Thanks!! 🏆👍🏻

[@arcgarage]

Awesome, thank you...

[@pufifa]

Dude when you hit like or dislike button twice, you make it like you didn't press it at all.... :D Just saying! So you better press it just once! :D

[@kvallino1]

thanks again for this video ! I was able to find the screw which prevented me from taking out the left case ;)

[@arcgarage]

No problem...

[@marcofragomeni9914]

don't know if it happened on yours already, but be ready to clean the tweeter masks and the tunnel too. They end up with same problem

[@jonnyware9061]

The tunnel? The whole centre console between the seats? Yep done that and still going! I did that with my original one, cleaned it all over with a mix of heat and cloths and I found Methylated Spirits to work a wonder! The unfortunate problem is that it had a crack where the handbrake comes up (mechanic had left too much range in the movement from original so when I pulled it up it went to the side and cracked it!) I tried gluing the crack but I messed it up further so then I got a replacement centre console. Not as degraded as my one but still needs work. It has some marks on it so I plan to heat the surface and blend it in!

[@zorankazinjo6831]

Good job. Very useful vid. Subscribed! Thanks!

[@arcgarage]

Thanks for support...

[@rododendron968]

Good job, dude

[@arcgarage]

Thanks!

[@Strecter]

Awesome, thanks. What type of polish did you use?

[@arcgarage]

No problem. it is regular automotive polish...

[@Peter56Persson]

Once again; Thank You!

[@RemlichtFilm]

Thanks I needed this!

[@arcgarage]

Happy to help!

[@kopaxanderson]

So I don't understand what happen between 6:16 and 6:18 , did you use black painting and draw the white arrows with L and R letters ? How did you actually restored ? Thanks a lot for sharing !

[@arcgarage]

Ni, I just removed the rubberized paint. There is another coat of regular paint below it. That's why I used this process, I didn't want to damage the black paint underneath.

[@kopaxanderson]

@@arcgarage Thanks a lot for your reply and for your videos. I finally tried my luck today and the result is =====> Excellent

[@arcgarage]

@@kopaxanderson No problem, when it comes to passenger side, you just pull it up, and even the disassembly process is a lot easier...

[@kopaxanderson]

@@arcgarage I've tried to remove the one from the passenger seat but I was worried to break it, my final decision was to restore it in place, and the result is also excellent. Thanks à lot !

[@krtolebiohazardcs1.681]

Tnx. This looks perfect.is that polishing compound specific for plastic?

[@arcgarage]

No, it's a regular polishing compound for cars...

[@greg2063]

You can also use "chante clair" degreaser to clean the cover.

[@marcobasso6114]

I used Mafra HP12 to clean that gummy surface with a good result, this is a good method too

[@jvdl5146]

Hello does this heating procedure also works for the innerside door storage holders for the 156 left and right? Color is beige off white not black. They are also very sticky.

[@arcgarage]

Yes, and you can also use 70% alcohol, it will help out a lot

[@jvdl5146]

@arcgarage tried alcohol on the window switches turned white a bit so now i have to rework it with Polytrol. So no alcohol, will try the heather

[@zerocoll5069]

Nice video l will try this on me Alfa 147 😁👏✌️

[@arcgarage]

You definitely should...

[@thijss1272]

great video! they are very helpful :)

[@arcgarage]

Thank you, I'm glad you like it...

[@mehdoux]

Hey great video as always ! Just a little question, I'd like to replace this whole unit that controls windows because my buttons are broken. Can I fit one from an Alfa 147 on my GT ? A seller told me they're not compatible but I'd like a confirmation. Thanks !

[@arcgarage]

Thanks, no you cannot. I tried it in the past, and the controls from 147 do not work on GT...

[@jirivymazal8427]

Correct, the computer in doors is unique to the GT, no other Alfa from that time has frameless doors with all the complicated controls that comes with it

[@jonnyware9061]

If it's just the physical plastic buttons that are broken; the 147 buttons are the same. Is it the plastic toggle pins at the base of the button? Getting a hold of a knackered 147 unit off eBay may be an idea if you just need the physical plastic parts... I looked as advised by @Pawel Tyloch on ebay.it type in 'Alfa 147 pulsante'. It shows the buttons from the 147 do fit the GT. Not cheap for the buttons alone so maybe best to get the unit from a breakers I reckon...

[@karolsiadaczka5997]

Great! What do you think about at the end cover by transparent mat spray?

[@arcgarage]

I like the idea, but it might not be necessary, ever since I cleaned it it looks perfect...

[@vincenzoprudenzano7424]

​@@arcgaragescusa sapresti dirmi perché non mi funzionano i finestrini esterni che c'è il pulsante li con le 4 direzioni

[@elit3zotya764]

Thanks for the videos Are you planning to change manual transmission oil?

[@arcgarage]

Thank you for support, I am planning to do that, and I will cover it in the video...

[@elit3zotya764]

@@arcgarage thanks in advance for the video, so far you have helped a lot with your videos. Exactly the same gt.:D

[@arcgarage]

Thanks, I'm glad to hear that, I am waiting for a bit warmer weather do the oil change in the gearbox... It is a great car isn't it...

[@elit3zotya764]

@@arcgarage One more question. Would a Mobile 1 FS X1 Rally Formula 5W-50 be a good choice for a 1.8ts engine? Very good data, good viscosity, etc.

[@gianfrancopisciotta]

In mine there are already white parts due to wear. Do I need to paint them with a suitable paint?

[@arcgarage]

Yes

[@mrjourney5940]

Awesome cleaning man...i made a mistake when removing my window switches upright and all that plastic sticks to press window button flew off all over the place and even lost some 😬 now i just reinstall the switches without the top cover otherwise i can't roll down the window😬 awesome video dude! From Malaysia

[@arcgarage]

Thanks, cut the top of the nail the same length as the plastic piece and you can use it as replacement...

[@mrjourney5940]

@@arcgarage thanks for the tip. Gonna try that

[@mrjourney5940]

@@arcgarage hi. Tried the nail but hard to find the right size and difficult to mold it. End up using quality plastic fork, cut and sand. Then use a lighter to mold and press the rounded top end. Worked like a charm! Also used 502 glue and baking soda to fix the broken plastic switch hindge. All is well! Thx for your awesome video, got me moving to do more on my bella gt 😎

[@jonnyware9061]

@@mrjourney5940 great stuff! if you look on ebay.it type in 'Alfa 147 pulsante' (147 plastic switch parts are same as GT) someone there sells the pins if you ever need them. No way I also used superglue and baking soda to repair my switch hinge! They are so fragile! The baking soda is great to sculpt with isn't it!

[@mrjourney5940]

@@jonnyware9061 thanks for sharing! So far the cheap ghetto fix has lived up to expectation...still gonna see how long it will hold for now...really put alot of baking soda and superglue on the hindge with few mods...tested hard as a rock tho (mod hindge slot slightly bigger)...looked ugly on the inside but functional lol...hopefully haha...but thanks for sharing! Probably order the pins meanwhile! ✌👍cheers

[@BENJB220]

Great video! If that's to much work for you , you can also just wipe it away carefully with isopropanol alcohol. That's how I did it.

[@arcgarage]

Thanks, I did it with alcohol on the Alfa 159 controls...

[@vincenzoprudenzano7424]

​@@arcgarageio sul bocchettone sopra del aria centrale era tutto appiccicoso

[@matthieuvinkesteyn4782]

Ciao, do you also have a video about this for an Alfa 147?

[@arcgarage]

Hi. It is exactly the same as the GT

[@matthieuvinkesteyn4782]

@@arcgarage Grazie, but I meant the center console. 😊

[@carlosalher5797]

Outstanding!

[@arcgarage]

Thanks

[@TAG1801]

Any ideas on how to upgrade my main /dipped headllight output on my brera without changing the wiring loom ??

[@arcgarage]

I'm not sure you can do it any other way

[@krtolebiohazardcs1.681]

Do u have any idea how to fix leather on panels and doors?I have Gt and leather starting to detaches.

[@arcgarage]

Yes, since the same thing is going on my my GT, I am going to cover it in one of the future videos...

[@christophmartyn2063]

The screw to loosen the unit won't come off (at 1:07}. Any idea what to do?

[@arcgarage]

Try to separate panel from bottom, and hold the plastic piece in place...

[@christophmartyn2063]

@@arcgarage Thanks for your quick reply! It turned out that the piece of plastic that holds the screw was broken, so I didn't need to unscrew it. Thanks for all your helpful videos!

[@arcgarage]

You're welcome, thank you for support...

[@АлександрКоваленко-р5н]

Nice job!

[@arcgarage]

Thanks...

[@giuliano.dbz242]

GOOD JOB !!! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@user-jk7yz3xs8z]

Arc are you familiar with polytrol / owatrol? What effect would it have on the white buttons if you apply it on tghe console?

[@arcgarage]

Didn't experiment with it, but I have to remove rubber paint from the console as well as other panels on my Alfa 166, so I am going to have to do something, it will be in a video...

[@user-jk7yz3xs8z]

@@arcgarage thanks im afraid of using it for the area around white symbols. Because the white symbols are not on the direct surface but ‘inside’ the black panel

[@roberteleven927]

Do any of you guys have same sticky problem with central console where is gear shifter and handbrake. I have literaly same sticky problem on my AR 147 and i solve this problem with widnows button but i dont know what is best solution for central console?

[@arcgarage]

Not sure, but it would require a different approach...

[@jonnyware9061]

I have done this myself. I tried many things but simple cheap Methylated Spirits did it very well! I decided to uninstall the whole thing to get it done properly in all the gaps. Heat also works well, so heat combined with a cloth and Methys.

[@keremtimuraykal4521]

nice job...

[@arcgarage]

Thanks..

[@alessandrodanino]

Can i also use Aceton for the doorhandle?

[@arcgarage]

I wouldn't, rather use alcohol...

[@alessandrodanino]

@@arcgarage Thank you very much

[@arcgarage]

@@alessandrodanino No problem...

[@timj41]

I need to try this with the central dashboard console which house the gear level, the vertical surfaces your leg rests against when driving is sticky and pretty horrible really. Would you recommend the 70% alcohol solution or the heat gun method ?

[@arcgarage]

Test it out, see which one works better...

[@sim3598]

Спасибо большое!

[@arcgarage]

Welcome my friend

[@chrisgregory2840]

I've heard that the car will start sending you warning lights as soon as you re attach the electrical units. did this happen to you? if so then did you clear the codes yourself?

[@arcgarage]

No, I did not have any of those issues, I only made sure that the key was out of the ignition...

[@BineGorjanc]

If you replace the module you will need to do a proxi alignment procedure via the computer and OBD cable. Otherwise there should be no error.

[@Fiorano1978]

Hi ! Excellent work as usual with you ! 😉 that being said, you didn't show something very important ! when you disconnect the window opening control, the odometer automatically starts flashing ! and we don't know how to get it back to normal ! could you explain the manipulation please ? thanking you

[@arcgarage]

Thanks, that only happens if you turn the ignition on while the controls are off. All you have to do , if that happens, is do the proxy alignment

[@arcgarage]

You got video on the channel

[@Fiorano1978]

@@arcgarage I'm literally going crazy with this ! because since I cleaned my door handles and my electric window control while watching your video.....I had this problem which appeared and now every time I start it's like this ! I can't get rid of it ! could I have the link to this video please ? Thanks a lot

[@arcgarage]

@@Fiorano1978 Here you go, even though this is on alfa GT the method is the same kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJa9iYyinK5_d9k

[@markdasilva95]

Amazing!

[@arcgarage]

Thanks...

[@timj41]

Great video, do you have any experience with the wiper stalk which has the trip computer and intermittent wiper controls failing? The trip computer , rear wiper and intermittent wipe interval switch not working. Does this require a whole new switch assembly or could this be repaired? Thanks

[@arcgarage]

Not sure, I would have to test it first...

[@tsigo2]

I had the same issue, put any contact spray on the switch and play a bit with it, going from max sensitivity to min sensitivity multiple times and will recover!

[@oliwierkozanecki721]

Hey, thank you for the video ! I have a question, is it possible to open only the part where the plastic buttons are without dissassembling the whole panel ? I mean to only open the "top" of the panel, without opening the part where the little plastic pins would fall ? Greetings from Poland !

[@arcgarage]

You can, but in my opinion, it is better to disassemble everything...

[@oliwierkozanecki721]

@@arcgarage ok i will try, thank you !

[@paweltyloch6049]

If you happen to lose any of the small plastic pins when taking the unit apart you can find them on ebay.it, search for alfa 147 pulsante and scroll down until you find them.

[@arcgarage]

@@paweltyloch6049 I lost one of them in the past and I cut a top of a small nail which is the same length, and it worked perfectly...

[@paweltyloch6049]

ARC Garage It’s a shame I didn’t think about that myself.

[@zsoltszilagyi8822]

Window is hard to go down and up (get stuck). Can you make a video of this?

[@arcgarage]

Might do a video on that, I have a similar problem with passenger window, it goes up a bit slow...

[@zsoltszilagyi8822]

@@arcgarage You're great, thank you very much.

[@arcgarage]

Thank you for support...

[@kopaxanderson]

Hello. Thanks for the video. I also want to know how to fix the resilient window. I often have to close and open multiple times until I can reach the top. Thanks

[@markperera1877]

Hello, it is a common issue with GT’s for the outer door handles break/perish over time . Do you have video how to replace driver side and passenger side door handles ? Also the wing mirror folding tend to seize without it being able to fold anymore , any ideas on how to prevent that from happening? again another common issue with GT’s.

[@arcgarage]

Hi, didn't do a video on those two things, but I might do it in the future... When it comes to mirrors, lubricate the moving parts...

[@Art_Vandelay_Industries]

That should work for an Alfa 156 as well, right? Similar or same material.

[@arcgarage]

It should, but I am not positive it is the same...

[@deanusrjm]

Thanks for a great video. Please don’t use a bug/tar remover as suggested in the comments. This will remove some of the paint.

[@arcgarage]

Thanks for the tip

[@davidBarrel]

nice!

[@arcgarage]

Thanks...

[@djlosmi]

Nice!

[@arcgarage]

Thanks...

[@pelless]

Hello. Can you help me? I take off the passenger side electric window switch module,to fix the button and repaint it. I put back everything,but my windows does not working. I hear a beep when I press the buttons,but the windows not moving.. Same as passenger side. My odometer is not flashing. Any solution please?

[@arcgarage]

Not sure, I'd have to test it myself...

[@domenicogiannattasio9037]

Congratulations but i have a question for you: is long lasting?

[@arcgarage]

Yes it is, it looks today as it did when I restored it...

[@domenicogiannattasio9037]

Thanks sir

[@Namaride]

Ah something new to try. I had already gave up. It even become more sticky after i was done... 😂

[@sanelb1147]

Good job will do the same. Btw u should definitely buy different stear. I can't make a picture of mine, but it looks amezing. It's sort of original alfa romeo but in formula kinda of shape, too is round but button has kinda different shape and straights

[@arcgarage]

send me a photo at [e-mail]

[@sanelb1147]

@@arcgarage check your inbox 👍

[@arcgarage]

That steering wheel looks great, where did you get it?

[@sanelb1147]

@@arcgarage I have no idea cause I just brought the car 2 weeks ago and it was on it.

[@davidBarrel]

would you please send me a picture too? I have a 159 [e-mail] thank you

[@NitePro]

I cant believe its been a year of this video

[@danvol8719]

Io l'ho fatto con acetone e va via subito!!!

[@srdjanlukic8534]

The easiest way to clean platic parts is clean with cleaner for oven and cooker and part of cloth

[@arcgarage]

Abrasive product of any kind could possibly damage the black coat revealing the white plastic below. If that happens you have to repaint the whole piece, and it is close to impossible to do properly due to illuminated electric mirror arrows...

[@giuseppeagostino9216]

Please subtitol Italiano

[@arcgarage]

Will try...

[@giuseppeagostino9216]

@@arcgarage thanks🥰

[@MrSpeedkg]

Ne znam kako bi ispalo sa plasti dipom,da se opet povrati taj gumeni finis

[@arcgarage]

To je tesko izvodivo s obzirom da ima strelica za retrovizore koje je nemoguce zastititi kako treba...

[@BBolo90]

If you use the chanteclair cleaner is more simple and you don't need to dismount anything! 😉

[@lookaaaa]

Chanteclair is sold only in Italy, you can’t find it abroad. Plus, dividing the plate from all the rest will clean it perfectly, I would do it anyway also if I wanted to use any cleaning product.

[@ysabeln8553]

it's easier with ammonia!! I am on my 4th interior with a 20% ammonia dilution. Some Alfas have more fragile plastics than the 147 so my principle is to dilute and add gradually if the dilution is not sufficient!! On the other hand, I do not use acetone or synthetic thinner because I have encountered problems with certain plastics.

[@rhys3778]

You’ll need to hit it with a couple of clear coats afterwards otherwise the black will wear away

[@arcgarage]

Actually no, it has been like this for quite a while and no issues whatsoever

[@karimz9211]

use ammonia , juste 1 min for cleanning

[@davidvarela8739]

so is not restored, it just without the ruberized material that came with, wich I hate, thank you.

[@arcgarage]

Exactly, all you have to do is remove the rubberized material without damaging the back coat below...

[@HuskyRider250TC]

Ja sam bio samo proso sa mokrom krpom alkohola i otislo je ca, nisam skidao dole nista. Al ovo je bas kako treba, morat cu opet ovako kao sta si ti.

[@arcgarage]

Mislim da mozes bolje ocititi ako rastavis, pozz

[@33chebu]

Un altro metodo è passare sopra una gomma per cancellare e poi dell acetone

[@woyopol]

Just use acetone based nail polish remover and you dont need to disassemble anything. I removed this goo in this way in 20 minutes.

[@arcgarage]

Didn't want to risk it with acetone. It can potentially bite through the black base coat...

[@woyopol]

I used cotton pads, nothing for damaged in the process, but it was so fast and the effect stunning. I used the same substance to remove those terrible stains from rubber seals holding upholstery in place near the rear side windows. Nothing helped. The nail polish remover did its job in 10 minutes

[@jonnyware9061]

@@woyopol I can't see where you mean for the seals? Is it a 5 door?

[@fernandocalvocalvo1929]

Se puede hacer mucho mejor, si alguien sigue tus instrucciones, muy posiblemente acabará con el mando roto 😂😂😂😂😂

[@ukaszbendlin5571]

Can i will use hair dryer? :)

[@arcgarage]

yes

[@apeiron11yt]

Dude, it's much easier with alcohol.