Scratched and overall ugly key fob!

[arni0202]

I acquired my beautiful Caspian Black Genny a few weeks ago.
It has been heaven but of course there are little niggles that I would like to work out.

Both proxy keys are beat up from a few years of general wear and abuse.
The faux leather is nicked up and the shiny black plastic has worn down and faded.

I bought a silicon sleeve for the fob I use daily, but dirt and grit gets in there and I know this will only exacerbate the problem.

I've found a few tutorials on "painting" your fob, but I worry that will make it look cheap.

Anybody used some custom paint to restore theres?
Used plastic polish?
Hell maybe somebody 3D printed a new body for the keys guts??

Any ideas, suggestions, ridicule, is welcome

Cheers

 

[Aquineas]

Curious about your fake leather observation- which model do you own and what part is fake?

As for the FOB, some people have turned to this solution. Note to get it programmed, you will need to take all FOBs (including the credit card one) to your dealer for programming. Also note that the dealer machinery (and most locksmiths) won't be able to cut the key in the FOB; the key in the FOB is too small. You will have to find a specific locksmith that can do it (but it can be done).

 

[arni0202]

Damn, my Genesis does have all packages included and I don't believe I have the Key Card or I didn't get one with purchase....
Programming and separate custom locksmith cutting? Bet that $$ adds up

Key photos attached, you can see the textured portion that is meant to resemble leather.
(it's not actually leather or any cloth it's just grained to look as such)

I may end up purchasing some Caspian black touchup paint anyway and give the key a matching look.
I just don't want it to look cheap.

Cheers for the reply!

 

[Aquineas]

The key card FOB was not a US option, though some US owners (like myself) have switched to it. Programming for me was like $50 at the dealer, with maybe $35-40 spent on the key being cut (the challenge was finding a locksmith who could do it). All told I spent about $350 on it. Well, technically I spent double that as I inadvertently left my first key card fob in my shorts and it ran through the wash. I usually keep it in my wallet, but I had taken the FOB out for an oil change or something.

 

[EdP]

Damn, my Genesis does have all packages included and I don't believe I have the Key Card or I didn't get one with purchase....
Programming and separate custom locksmith cutting? Bet that $$ adds up
/QUOTE]

The card is an optional accessory and yes, can be expensive. More than I'm willing to pay for small convenience.
Proximity Card Key?

 

[arni0202]

Thanks Ed,

Yea looks like you can get them on Ebay for around $187 + programming + cut.... Asking for an estimate on programming from a local hyundai dealer just out of sheer curiosity. I think a $12 can of spray paint to cover the scratches will more than get the job done.... Then again having a slick card in your pocket is REALLY COOL! Damn cool things so tempting all the time

 

[arni0202]

The key card FOB was not a US option, though some US owners (like myself) have switched to it. Programming for me was like $50 at the dealer, with maybe $35-40 spent on the key being cut (the challenge was finding a locksmith who could do it). All told I spent about $350 on it. Well, technically I spent double that as I inadvertently left my first key card fob in my shorts and it ran through the wash. I usually keep it in my wallet, but I had taken the FOB out for an oil change or something.

LOL OMG! I would be crushed if I ran that through the wash. Thanks for the info though, that's much less than I thought it would be..... We'll see what I hear from this dealer. Still not super stoked on dropping that much $$ but ya, I mean it would be nice to have a new Key for my "new" to me car cheers.

 

[Mr. Incredible]

search ebay for a replacement key fob SHELL,. it's just the plastic case, you take your electronic guts and key and swap them into a new shell, usually $6-$15

as for the smart key card, I just got mine for my 2018,, the smart card is around $200, the key for it is $80, and the programming is $120 give or take.


you have to order the key from your dealer, they will have to order a precut key from the factory, so you need your key code, the dealer can look it up for you but you have to show proof of ownership of the vehicle (bill of sale, car registration, and ID).

The key is $4, the cut is $75. Most dealers do not have the milling machine required to cut the key for the smart key card, as it is thinner than the standard key, and I went to 4 lock smiths who had the same issue, the standard key from the regular fob isn't an issue, but the smart card key is half the thickness and their normal cutting machines won't take it.


I had one of these for my Lexus and it is a good investment for me, I have no keys, my house is all smart locks and work is all RFID badged doors, so one less thing to carry, the smart card goes in my wallet and stays there.

 

[sgrenald]

Thanks Ed,

Yea looks like you can get them on Ebay for around $187 + programming + cut.... Asking for an estimate on programming from a local hyundai dealer just out of sheer curiosity. I think a $12 can of spray paint to cover the scratches will more than get the job done.... Then again having a slick card in your pocket is REALLY COOL! Damn cool things so tempting all the time

Watch out...the ebay dealers charging $187 are usually charging $40-50 for shipping. There are other dealers charging $237 with free shipping. Funny how that works out...

 

[SuperKing]

Mine is scratched up as well even though I usually keep my key in the little 5th pocket of my jeans. Planning to wrap my key fob with vinyl when I have time. I have all sorts of textures and colors I can try out. I sell phone skins on eBay as a hobby so I have a lot of vinyl scraps laying around.

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[arni0202]

Mine is scratched up as well even though I usually keep my key in the little 5th pocket of my jeans. Planning to wrap my key fob with vinyl when I have time. I have all sorts of textures and colors I can try out. I sell phone skins on eBay as a hobby so I have a lot of vinyl scraps laying around.

COOL! Take some pics when you do it. I'd love to see the finished product. Thank you!

 

[Alfer]

I'd think a vinyl wrap would end up looking worse in a short amount of time due to inevitable peeling and ease of being scratched.

 

[SuperKing]

I'd think a vinyl wrap would end up looking worse in a short amount of time due to inevitable peeling and ease of being scratched.

Sure if you use cheap or glossy vinyls. I'm planning to use 3m Di-Noc architectural vinyls. This stuff is what you see in office buildings, it's a lot thicker and durable than the typical car wrap vinyl. Most wrap shops will use 3m 1080 for the exterior and Di-Noc for the interior.

Here's a pic of my Ridge wallet I wrapped over a year ago and my mouse that I wrapped over 3 years ago. Di-Noc is durable enough for it to be in my hand 40 hours a week for 3 years and still looks new.

 

[SuperKing]

Had some time to play around last night. Wrapped it with some Ebony Wood Metallic and black chrome. Just a bit of an experiment with something other than carbon fiber. I don't expect the black chrome to last, it's a cheaper vinyl and I didn't use any primer. The wood, I expect to last a long time. I might wrap the rest of it a different wood but the difference between Di-Noc and 1080 is night and day depending on your use.

If you want to do this, contact 3M. They'll give you free samples but keep in mind, you will be taking a razor to your key fob. A sample sheet should be enough to do one fob.

 

[carguy75]

I acquired my beautiful Caspian Black Genny a few weeks ago.
It has been heaven but of course there are little niggles that I would like to work out.

Both proxy keys are beat up from a few years of general wear and abuse.
The faux leather is nicked up and the shiny black plastic has worn down and faded.

I bought a silicon sleeve for the fob I use daily, but dirt and grit gets in there and I know this will only exacerbate the problem.

I've found a few tutorials on "painting" your fob, but I worry that will make it look cheap.

Anybody used some custom paint to restore theres?
Used plastic polish?
Hell maybe somebody 3D printed a new body for the keys guts??

Any ideas, suggestions, ridicule, is welcome

Cheers

I would just buy the rubber key fob covers that covers the buttons with only the rear logo and the metal key ring section exposed. The case works for me without any dirt getting inside, however I never put my key in a place that would attract a lot of dirt.

My rubber case protect my key fobs from scratches and cover up any cosmetic issues perfectly.

However, the rubber case does not look as good as custom vinyl wrappings, but it does look good in my opinion.

I use the rubber cases that has the red and white lettering to keep a clean stock looking key fob.
I believe sometimes the simple solutions are the best.

 

[EdP]

Had some time to play around last night. Wrapped it with some Ebony Wood Metallic and black chrome. Just a bit of an experiment with something other than carbon fiber. I don't expect the black chrome to last, it's a cheaper vinyl and I didn't use any primer. The wood, I expect to last a long time. I might wrap the rest of it a different wood but the difference between Di-Noc and 1080 is night and day depending on your use.

Looks good. You can make a good business doing it. Equip a van with the tools you need and some vinyl sheets. You can travel a cross country route and Genesis owners can call ahead for an appointment when you pass through their town.
When will you be in CT?