Does anyone have the slightest clue on how to remove the rubberized coating from the cup holder in the multipla?
I tried standing it, nope, just clogs the grit....
Tried scratching it with my thumb nail, which works but takes forever and leaves the gum and globs of rubber.
Is there a solvent or method for removal?
Ta

not too sure what your doing is it a glue type.
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/search/Adhesive+Remover/N1833/C0090.oap
thinking something as harsh as poly cleanse+ may melt more than you want

carb spray or thinners?

I used my thumb nail then Cif cream.

Not sure of the exact material that they'll have used, but it will be some kind of TPE (thermoplastic elastomer). A typical trade name for this type of plastic is Santoprene.

It's not readily affected by many solvents. Check this page out, though most of the chemicals it names that will remove it are pretty exotic (scroll down to the Santoprene bit):

http://www.vp-scientific.com/polypropylene properties.htm

You may find that leaving the whole thing immersed in something like a jam jar full of turpentine for an hour or two will soften it up quite a bit and make it easier to peel off. They other thing to be a bit wary of if you do you an agressive solvent is that it may also attack the base moulding. I notice alcohol is also on the list. What a waste that would be.....

If you're feeling brave, a wipe over with a rag soaked in petrol looks as though it'll have a strong effect. Best of luck!

Thanks for the responses and links guys. I'll let you know if I have success.
Ta

Yep! very irritating. Will be going over with light rubbing paper and spraying dark grey to match other dash trim.

Ah, see, I'm going blue with mine so in dire need for a good surface finish.
Ta.

Hi I used acetone to get through the two layers of crud to the hard plastic underneath. Now looks great

Did my cup holder and gear surround today, i used turps and a scourer. The gear surround was easy but the cup holder was a pain! I havent done the best job but a rough spray in matt black looks alot better than the sticky grey rubber

I used a combination of finger nail and thinners , the thinners can melt it though so you have to apply a little at a time.

Les Holloway said:

Hi I used acetone to get through the two layers of crud to the hard plastic underneath. Now looks great

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I used acetone also. Worked very well. Bit time consuming but worth it!

Devious said:

Does anyone have the slightest clue on how to remove the rubberized coating from the cup holder in the multipla?
I tried standing it, nope, just clogs the grit....
Tried scratching it with my thumb nail, which works but takes forever and leaves the gum and globs of rubber.
Is there a solvent or method for removal?
Ta

Click to expand...

I found that the best solvent to remove this rubber coating was nail varnish remover. Ive actually just started to refurb my whole dash as its quite scuffed. The nail varnish remover works well without damaging the plastic underneath. It does take a little time rubbing with a microfibre cloth, but i think that its worth it as it takes years off the car. I previously used the nail varnish remover on the window switch surrounds of a ford mondeo, which were coated in a similar rubber material.

matt78900 said:

I found that the best solvent to remove this rubber coating was nail varnish remover. Ive actually just started to refurb my whole dash as its quite scuffed. The nail varnish remover works well without damaging the plastic underneath. It does take a little time rubbing with a microfibre cloth, but i think that its worth it as it takes years off the car. I previously used the nail varnish remover on the window switch surrounds of a ford mondeo, which were coated in a similar rubber material.

Click to expand...

Defo works, that is acetone!

Mine has a removable round ashtray with a cap on. Only realised today when I lifted it out today about reading about cup holders.:shakehead: