1985-1998 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup
Hi all,
To those contemplating re-doing the door inserts. I just did mine and they turned out pretty good.
Tips:
1: Don't waste time attempting to back out the push-nuts holding the inserts to the door panel. Cut 'em. You will spend more time and frustration by trying to save them. And you will still end up super-gluing a post or two on. They will not stand much pressure. I used a very small pair of side cutters, but I think a dremel tool would work. Save the little plastic washers that go under the push nuts. Replacement 1/4 in. push nuts can be found at Carquest. Part # 8122342; Bold Retainer. A box of 48 can be had for $4.14; almost enough to do it twice. Backs take 8; fronts, 7. They can also be had in a small package, but I don't have the part number.
2. Scrape ALL the old glue and residual, decayed foam off of the panel. Pay spedial attention to the back edge and get it nice and clean. You don't want the edges releasing. After scraping, give it a quick wipe with some MEK or acetone. Be thorough!
3. Material: 1 yard will cover if you are very careful about the overlap. I got a yard and a half, because I'm prone to screw-ups! When measuring the width, use a tailor's tape to follow the contour of the insert. Allow for a 1-1.5 in. overlap and then trim to aprox. 3/4" wraped around the back. I used some foam-backed headliner material. If you want to be really creative and use a non-backed material or leather, you will first glue up a 1/4-3/8" foam backing onto the material for some nice cush. Wait for several hours for the glue to set, then spray the whole works and attach to the insert. I sprayed both pieces 2 coats, one perpendicular to the other. I applied the material to the face first, then flipped the insert over and sprayed a coat of adhesive around the edge. Waited 5 min, then pulled the material around the edge. Use clean paper towels over your gluing newspaper or whatever. You don't want to get glue on your beautiful inserts when you flip them over. Wash your hands often, or buy some cheap white cotton gloves to use when working the material.
4 I used head-liner adhesive. Permatex was the brand. I was looking for 3-m but they were out. I think it will work fine.
5. Use a 10mm socket on a nut-driver to push the nuts back on. Superglue the posts you broke. I got two of 'em before I decided to cut the nuts.
6. Figure on spending 1 hour removing the door insert and cleaning. About 45 mins cutting, spraying and gluing. 5 mins to re-install. Depending on how many times you have removed door panels in the past, time will vary. Virgins will spend about 30 min to 1 hour removing their first panel, I've had lots of practice and can have one off in less than to min.
All said and done, it was a rewarding way to spend a day with the car. And she once again has pretty doors- now if the seats just matched....
posted by 74.135.14...
No Site Registration is Required to Post - Site Membership is optional (Member Features List), but helps to keep the site online
for all Saabers. If the site helps you, please consider helping the site by becoming a member.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
