Gen 3 Custom Door Panel DIY - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

4Cyl'erThriller · 03-13-2010, 06:44 PM

OK Here it is. The Much Anticipated Custom Upholestry Door Panel DIY

This is NOT EASY to get 100% correct. I have done mine twice and Im still not 100% satisfied. With that in mind here is how I did it. I dont have pics from the first time I did it so you will have to bear with me a bit.

First remove all the screws and clips holding on the door panel. Here is a pic of the pieces I had to remove in their relative locations.

Next remove the arm rest and side pocket.

I believe there is 7 screws in the arm rest and 7 in the side pocket.

This is where it gets a little crazy cuz Ive already done it once.

The original fabric should be relatively easy to peel up from the vinyl underneath. This is what it will look like after peeling off the old fabric.

The first time I did this I just traced the old fabric piece I had removed to get the shape of the new vinyl to replace the old fabric. That didnt turn out as I had hoped. So.... This time I decide to peel up the vinyl underneath. Be very careful not to rip the vinyl. This takes a light touch and is maybe the hardest part. Also this was much harder on the driver side for some reason.

Ok now you can spray the front of the vinyl you removed with some spray adhesive and the back of the new material you would like to use. Then simply mate the two materials. Read the directions on the spray adhesive before applying if you have any questions on how to apply it. Once you have the old vinyl and new material glued together simply trim off the excess material from around the old vinyl.

Hint: Mark where the side pocket is and leave some overhanging material to fold over under the side pocket.

Also after doing this twice Ive learned. Leave about 1/16th of an inch of material overhanging the old vinyl. This will allow you to tuck the material into the grooves around the edges of the door panel.

After cutting out all necessary holes this is what the final product should look like. I would also poke or drill holes where the screws go to allow for easier alignment when reapplying this to the door panel.

Now this part is rather tricky also.

Spray the back of the old vinyl piece with the spray adhesive. I also sprayed the front of the door panel in a couple of spots being careful not to get adhesive on the door. Then apply the vinyl to the door panel.

Hint: Use a screwdriver or small putty knife to go around the edges and push in the excess material. You panel should now look similar to this.

Next just reapply the arm rest and the side pocket. Then put the panel back on to your door and You've got a pimp ass door panel upgrade.

Hope you 3rd gen'rs enjoy. And dont blame me when your panels dont turn out perfect. Chances are they will not be. Mine are still not perfect. This is not an exact science. It is difficult. On a scale of 1-10 Id rate this a 9 or 10. Just strictly on the issue of proper fittment.

Enjoy

JJ9284 · 03-13-2010, 07:08 PM

Sweet! I always wanted to do this but never knew where or how to start

now I just gotta get the courage to try it sometime

EEngineer · 03-13-2010, 07:14 PM

nice! since ur car is white the black white panel works out, but i guess material choise is simply owner's choice.

now how did you paint black your door handles and other plastic parts? what paint did you use?
black looks so much better.

4Cyl'erThriller · 03-13-2010, 07:31 PM

Its actually navy blue. As a matter of fact everything in the car was blue. That's what inspired me to brighten it up a bit with the white vinyl. Plus it matches the outside of the car It really gives it a whole new dimension.

Spitfire · 03-13-2010, 07:47 PM

thanks for the DIY! ive been wondering how to do this for a long time. ill prob practice with a basic until i do suede like i want to =]

4Cyl'erThriller · 03-13-2010, 07:51 PM

Good luck. Yeah practice!!! The first time I didnt take off the vinyl underneath and it was very hard to get it lined up properly and get any extra material tucked away. Always glad to help. Happy Modding!!

bigbird · 03-13-2010, 08:24 PM

nice man, i was going to attempt this with my coupe but i jsut cant bring myself to get rid of the SE trim. looks awesome.

4Cyl'erThriller · 03-13-2010, 08:27 PM

I really didnt want to give away all my secrets but.... The knowledge is gonna go to good use.
You guys better post some pics for me if you try it. Im interested to see what other people do with this.

FLIP K1DD · 03-14-2010, 06:26 AM

i would attempt it, but what color would go good with my shit brown interior lol?

outside i got that beige/black thing going..but the brown inside is darker

***eyeball96*** · 03-14-2010, 07:02 AM

Great DIY CW

When I replaced my leather with a Kit, It came with replacement leather for the my doors and panels in the rear of the coupe, but I didn't use them...now I may just go for it!

Thanks!

bigbird · 03-14-2010, 08:51 AM

i always thought you had that joe. that woukld look nice

.

4Cyl'erThriller · 03-14-2010, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FLIP K1DD

i would attempt it, but what color would go good with my shit brown interior lol?

outside i got that beige/black thing going..but the brown inside is darker

I think A goldish color might look good against that poo brown color.

Leviathan66610 · 03-14-2010, 09:40 PM

Did mine a long time ago, here's a pic of one

4Cyl'erThriller · 03-14-2010, 10:30 PM

Yeah I saw yours right after I did mine the first time. Made me feel pretty bad too. I thought I was the only one LOL. JK nice job tho I just figured I'd share the wealth.

Leviathan66610 · 03-15-2010, 11:01 AM

mine aren't perfect though. Instead of removing the stock fabric I took a flathead screwdriver and stuffed the fabric into the cracks until it was smooth. Looks good though, after reinstaling the arm rest it holds the fabric in place. But I tried painting the outer area black and I got ahold of a bad batch of paint because the clear gloss never cured, so thats why it looks so rough on the top area. Gotta redo them when I get the time