Originally Posted by
UrbanE
The slats can be removed. Start at any point where you have the most wiggle room. Wrap a popsicle stick with electrical tape and insert it between the slats (in the center). Gently pry up and use the slack to pull the salt out of the holes on the sides. Try this out on the one that arrived in the incorrect colour
Good advice, these were assembled so they should come apart the same way. Do not put too much pressure on the pivots at the end as the area between pivot and the slat is the weakest part.
Maybe leaving the part in the Aussie sun will help make the plastic more forgivable. Carefully applied heat from a heat gun may be of use too, not enough to deform the parts. I bent the stalks on the steering wheel when I fitted the paddle shifters and it works a treat. The sides may flex as well to get more room. The actuator in the middle has got to be considered, making things a little trickier.
I stil think I would attempt a repair, it being the easiest solution, by carefully making the broken part and gluing it in position. Using acetone on this plastic is just like welding.