Repairing Dents in the Dash & Gloss center console??

[G UK]

Just given the new Elan its first cleaning only to get rained on , but whilst cleaning the interior I began to wonder how I could repair some dents in the dash around the stereo.

It looks as though somebody has tried to lever the stereo out and in the process has pushed the dash out of shape in a couple of places. If I remove the stereo is it just a case of shoving my hands in the hole and pursuading the dash back into shape or will I have to remove the whole instrument portion of the dash?

Also I've noticed that the center console doesn't seem to quite match the rest of the dash. The center console seems to be gloss and the rest of the dash matt, is this normal and is there any easy way of correcting this missmatch other than replacing the center console?

Thanks

[andyhaworth]

Ah, another local Elaner! Do you commute along the A611 towards Mansfield from Kirkby?

Your centre console may have been Hicote'd or had a bit of spray from Halfords. It'll come off with one of those rust sponges, but go easy with it as it'll bring whats underneath off as well if you're not careful

You might be better making the whole thing glossy if you dont mind it being non original

[G UK]

I work in Hucknall so used to commute up Derby Road, but for the last year or two have found hopping on the M1 between Jnc 27 & 28 to be quicker although that will probably change when they start widening it.

I'll have to try giving it a gentle rub in a corner somewhere and see what happens. Its a bit annoying it not matching and prefer the original look.

[dapinky]

For a slight imperfection on the dash, it may be worth pushing it into the right shape from behind whilst heating with a hair dryer (NOT a blow lamp ) and allowing to cool before taking your hand out - it worked for me!