Door Panel Insert question

**bberretta** · 04-30-2010, 08:56 AM

I'm looking to redo my door panels and I want to recover the factory insert. After looking at the inside of the panel, I noticed that the insert was held on by melted tabs. Anyone have any ideas how to do this in a semi-somewhat-professional way? I've seen some really nice jobs out there so I know it can be done- just need some advice on how to do it.

**97ramsst** · 04-30-2010, 10:49 AM

Originally Posted by bberretta

I'm looking to redo my door panels and I want to recover the factory insert. After looking at the inside of the panel, I noticed that the insert was held on by melted tabs. Anyone have any ideas how to do this in a semi-somewhat-professional way? I've seen some really nice jobs out there so I know it can be done- just need some advice on how to do it.

There are several write ups on it out there. Follow them for the most part.

But some advice I can offer is I found the best way to cut the tabs off the factory insert is to take a soldering gun with a tile cutting tip (flat triangle shaped tip) and melt the edges off to where the panel will pop off. This is better than cutting because when you go back with it you will have plenty of tab sticking through to use. Then use hot glue to put it back, using a piece of ice to cool the glue and smooth it out (thanks for BDowning for that tip...damn it was a good one!!!) As for the part where the arm rest attaches melt those tabs off then use screw with big washers to reattach them. Its kind of scarey at first but there really is nothing to it.

**bberretta** · 04-30-2010, 12:58 PM

Those panels look amazing- great work. And thanks for the tips- I've had a bunch of vinyl that I've been waiting to use but just a little hesitant to get started. I've also got to fix the cracks in the panels so it should be an interesting project that will hopefully not result in me looking for new panels!