Repairing damaged fake wood

[ShaneHobson]

While I have my dash apart, I'd like to have a crack at refurbishing the fake wood plastic surrounds.

One piece had faded in the sun, another piece has scratches and glue stuck on it (some hideous crime committed by a previous owner).

Has anyone here tried sanding these plastic trims to restore their appearance ?
Much like light sanding to restore a paint finish, simply cutting away the top layer.

[1986nate]

I'll be willing to experiment on an already damaged piece, but I really don't believe it it all too thick of a layer. The upper dash vent piece "fades" because the actual plastic used is a purple/grey as opposed to the brown plastic used on all other pieces. I'd love to know why or who made that decision because they need a good slap!

In any case, I'll see if I can sand away in layers on a piece or two and take some pics that will hopefully show up enough to show the depth of the layers.

[flamestone]

I can confirm that the "wood grain" is very very thin. I already sanded one piece to test. It took almost nothing to get through to the base brown plastic.

[michael]

It's about this thin.

[edren1]

Get your parts filled, sanded, and primed then you can hydro dip your parts. Watch it on YouTube HydroDip.

[B 4 You]

I want to get all my pieces hydrodipped a light wood color with a matching nardi steering wheel and shift knob.

[steveherman]

Look at the 3m di-noc.
That stuff looks amazing.
I have some... thinking of redoing my whole dash and doors.

[Tim]

I've also done clearcoat on mine a long time ago to revive it. I messed up the radio cage though so that is the only part that didnt come out good.

[ShaneHobson]

so cleaning the glue off the stereo door isn't going to work, so next option is to replace the door (I have a good spare).
Before I go destroying things, are there any tips from the audience for removing the two small internal washers that hold the sides of the door in place.