PART 1
Yesterday it was my turn to remove the dreaded air bubble from my steering wheel air bag cover. Removal from the car was easy and is described thoroughly earlier on ion another post.
The offending bubble that someone had tried to remedy by pricking with a pin!
With the airbag unit removed from the wheel, I carefully peeled back the covering with the aid of a wooden spatula that I had shaved down slightly at one end. The spatula was carefully eased under the fabric (it's not leather) using a pushing and twisting action. Having a large round end, there was little chance of pushing it through the material; a screwdriver or the likes could easily pierce through. Slow and steady was the way to go, but it worked a treat. I deliberately left the emblem in the centre to ensure correct register when sticking down the material.
I was easy to see why the bubble had occurred as only the top third of the cover had been glued down.
I found the best method to remove the adhesive residue was to moisten it with Xylene and let it sit moist for a couple of minutes. I applied the Xylene with a microfibre cloth and using a dabbing action. After it had soaked for a couple of minutes, I scraped off the majority of the residue with my nails (a wooden spatula would also do) then used the cloth dampened with Xylene to finish off.
The next stage is to key any shiny plastic by rubbish with 400 grit wet or dry paper. Use small pieces at a time and only drag each piece once across the surface. If you rub it back and fourth, it will have more if a polishing effect, and you don't want that.
Once keyed, ensure the surface is spotlessly clean before applying adhesive. If you don't, you will see blemishes shining through the fabric when finished.
My preferred glue for this job is Evo Stik contact adhesive applied by a brush. Because this clue is unforgiving during assembly I cut a circular sheet of greaseproof paper to prevent the fabric sticking to the plastic during application.
I then scrunched up the cover and applied glue to the plastic only and let it dry thoroughly. This is best done in a nice warm room, or get someone else to waft a hair dryer over it for you.
When completely dry, fit the greaseproof paper over the plastic and you are ready to apply adhesive to the fabric.