Re-covering Door Panels

[wizard124]

I decided to give this a try. My desire is to match my Corbeau seats using their supplied Tan vinyl. The existing panel has enough scuffs and wear that a simple re-spray wasn't going to produce a satisfactory result.


The upper panel separates from the lower by straitening 3 cotter pin-like retainers. The ring around the door handle is like a big rivet. Using a Dremel grinding wheel, cut small grooves in the back of the retainer ring. Then these tabs can be bent up to separate and remove the front side ring. This allows this ring to be re-used. Finally, the rivets holding the window felt to the upper panel need to be removed. Use a small screw driver and hammer to break off the inside backing and the rivets can be pulled out.



I used the same black vinyl I used earlier to make new visors and to line the top frame. It is a leather looking texture in black. This went on the upper piece using Welwood Contact Cement. I bought 1/2 inch thick medium density foam to provide some padding. The felt trim was re-attached using 1/8 inch pop rivets an a washer.


The lower panel goes pretty fast. Trace the old one onto the vinyl and cut larger leaving about 1 1/2 inch margin. Use a T50 staple gun and 1/4 inch staples. Re-assembly is pretty straight forward.


A hint to others If you look carefully at the picture above you will see that the black vinyl is squished out below the chrome trim strip. I should have cut back the foam slightly along this lower edge prior to gluing the vinyl.
I used #8 stainless screws and finish washers to fasten the edges.


I painted the arm rests with a SEM color. It is a bit lighter than the Corbeau vinyl:


Looking for recommendations Would the armrests look better if they were black? Or, a shade darker tan than the panel?

Thanks,
Warren

[spiderdan]

Tx for sharing that detailed procedure Warren
My rec would be black. Matches the top of the door, center console and dash.
I think the two-tone tan would look like a mismatch.

[DieselSpider]

I understand what you were going for and you did a nice job. The contrast of the blue paint line from the door itself between the tan panel and the grey carpet does not tie well for me. If the tan starts showing scuff marks though you can always change it to black as you do have the technology.

[RRoller123]

Black armrests definitely. They are easily dyed, although I must admit that I have to redo them every year due to wear through. But it is very easy and not much of a burden.

[focodave]

I'd go with black armrests, also.
This might sound "hokey", but I sanded, primed, then painted mine with Rustoleum spray truck bed liner and they came out really great.
Good texture, good sheen, and very durable.

[RRoller123]

TRUCK BED LINER! That is brilliant! Was it applied over the original vinyl or had they been dyed before? I would go this route if it would hold over the prior dye. It breaks down (crazes) at the various stress points and I have to redo it every year. It is not awful, but my eye is drawn to it and it drives me crazy. Not a huge deal, but a durable black finish would be much better!

[focodave]

Pete,
Mine were never dyed before.
They were in very bad shape, though. They were dried and "dusty" if you rubbed them.
I sanded them, primed, and sprayed with the bed liner and they have not shown a hint of wear in 3 years.
I use the "Rust-oleum Truck Bed Coating" on many of my black plastic parts that I want to freshen up, as well.
It has a very subtle texture, semi-gloss sheen, and is very durable, obviously. It is available at Lowe's home supply stores in the rattle can spray paint section of the store.
I even used it on the plastic covers inside the tube bumpers that surround the bumper shocks and turn signal indicators.
Looks awesome with the slight textured finish.
Dave

[azruss]

I painted my arm rests using SEM vinyl paint with their prep. Replaced the chrome strip and ends. They came out like new and remain looking that way a year and a half later.

[wizard124]

Thanks for the replies.
Black it is! I am going to stick with the SEM since it will be compatible.

[81SPIDERMATT]

I painted my arm rests using SEM vinyl paint with their prep. Replaced the chrome strip and ends. They came out like new and remain looking that way a year and a half later.

where did you get the strips and ends ...please and thank you

[RRoller123]

Auto Ricambi has them, in 2 grades.

[focodave]

I painted my arm rests using SEM vinyl paint with their prep. Replaced the chrome strip and ends. They came out like new and remain looking that way a year and a half later.

where did you get the strips and ends ...please and thank you

Matt,
I know you are really asking for azruss's response, but I felt compelled to chime in anyhow.
I got my chrome strips from, of all places, O'Rielly Auto Parts on College Ave. They sell adhesive-backed rolls of it for very little $$.
It fits perfectly. It is slightly rounded (see my photo above). Sticks great (placed them right over top of the original old ones) and I like the look. I' haven't had it come off in about 3 years. I bought my new chrome end plugs from none other than our friends at AR, in Colleyville, TX.
Dave

[toplessexpat]

Hey -

I'm right in the process of doing the same color interior for my 2000. Similarly based around the Corbeau front seats.

Here's a door panel...



I've also worked into the rear of the cabin too...

The side panels...



.... and the rear seat which was pretty hard...



On the arm rests and the kick panels / map pockets - I'm intending spraying them in an Expresso kind of color, along with the door card caps.

Final work to do with the fabric is a dash cap (the tunnel and console are done, although I'm not overly happy and will probably be redoing before too long!).

Working against the clock now to get this ready for the Texas Hill Country drive in late March. Car now has all it's panels back on - just need to re do all the lighting and electrics, and get the interior back in.

Chrome strips - I've recovered the stock ones using chrome tape. The same chrome tape that I've renovated the rear light clusters with (having modified the rear end of the 2000 to take mid 70s lights).

Interiors are fun!

[wizard124]

Thanks for the replies.
Black it is! I am going to stick with the SEM since it will be compatible.

I lightly sanded the armrests (the SEM leaves a thin cover) and wiped down with alcohol. I used their Satin Black. Applied about 3 coats, it dries to a touch very, very quickly.


I have replacement chrome inserts for the armrest (bought from AR). Despite my care during the installation, these scraped bits of the black revealing the original blue color. There is a plastic film covering these new pieces. I hit it again with SEM. Later, pealed off this film. Some paint leaked in under this film but was easily cleaned up with a Q-tip and acetone.

[toplessexpat]

Quick Q - did you replace the vinyl from the piece at the top of the door card? If so - how did you remove / replace the studs along the inside channel?

Cheers

Andy