Chrome Control Buttons 2010 SG
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
I really wish I had known about the hot water earlier!! I had to buy two sets due to destroying the inside of the cruise switch. Did you actually use the little copper shimmys? I gave up on those. They wouldn't allow the switch to fully slide on. I will remember the HOT WATER next time!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,916
Likes: 31
From: earth
The tough ones are the small rocker switches. The covers have a tab on each side with a cogged hole that mates with the stubby cogged pin that actually drives the switch mechanism. It's a very tight fit and the covers are stiff so they don't want to flex enough to get the tabs over the stubs. Also the individual switches have to be released from the housing, but they remain tethered by a short section of wire harness. You end up trying to manipulate a big akward pile of mess in your hands while trying to perform a precise action at the same time. I recommend trying it after a rough day at work, with a few beers, some very sharp tools, and a box of band aids close by, or duct tape and a clean shop rag.
I like the black buttons. What did you think I meant? I put on black levers to match the controls. There's such s thing as too much chrome. The levers are easier than the buttons.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,449
Likes: 46
From: Roswell, GA
I've done the chrome caps twice; when adding cruise control and CB. I'd disagree with the OP's declaration that this is not a DIY job. It is a job that's tedious, and a good video would be a help since the instructions don't adequately explain what's involved.
Also, the amount of pressure required to properly seat the cruise and audio switch caps is quite high; higher than I thought necessary when I first did mine because I lost a switch cap on a trip running 75 mph on an interstate. A dealer sold me a replacement switch cap ($2) IIRC, and a tech installed it, and properly seated the others--I gave him $10 for the off-book job.
Carl
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,246
Likes: 19
From: Cypress, TX
Mild heat is the key. Hairdryer or hot water make it easy. Careful with the hairdryer you can melt the button.
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Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 695
Likes: 3
From: Kingwood, TX
I did exactly the same thing, it all matches now.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,006
Likes: 1,240
From: On the Front Range, CO
I didn't know about the hot water trick either, but I had no problems with mine.
I did have to dremel/shave the back trim of the volume button. The chrome switch was different from the black one it replaced. Made them look the same, and no issues since.
If it helps, you probably spent as much doing it yourself with several purchases of the buttons that if you had bought one button kit and paid the stealer....just sayin'! And you got the self satisfaction too.
I did have to dremel/shave the back trim of the volume button. The chrome switch was different from the black one it replaced. Made them look the same, and no issues since.
If it helps, you probably spent as much doing it yourself with several purchases of the buttons that if you had bought one button kit and paid the stealer....just sayin'! And you got the self satisfaction too.