Door Panel Renewal

[DenverSteve]

My door panels were beginning to get a little worn on the plastic parts. The gray finish had become a little scratched and I wanted the clean look back. I thought about replacing the panels but that was going to cost a bit as you know. I considered painting them but didn't want the paint smell permeating the car even for a short time.

After looking on line I decided on the 3M Carbon Fiber Vinyl Car Wrap in Anthracite. It has a very similar texture as some of the interior including the non-leather areas of the dash and door panels. It cost $25 for 5 sq. ft. of material and, as you know, that's far less than new door panels.

[schnellman]

You did a heck of job.

[Lobo1186]

what is that diamond pattern that the majority of your door is made out of...

[DenverSteve]

Just my factory door panels - dash too. I don't know how many different interior trims they had.

[Lobo1186]

crazy i have never seen a porsche with that pattern before.

[silverboxter]

DS-

That looks great!

[WhipE350]

Steve - that is nice! Does it just stick on...what is the process?

[DenverSteve]

You first cut the material to a size/shape that you can work with for the item you are covering. Then you peel the backing paper off and place the vinyl on an area central to the part you are covering. Then you heat the material up using a hand-held hair dryer which makes the vinyl much more pliable and stretchy. You continue to heat and stretch the material pressing it into place and pushing it into place. It adheres by the adhesive on the back and the hardening/shrinking process as it cools. It's very easy to work with and there are several instructional videos on UTube demonstrating its use.

Of course, it looks even easier on large symmetric pieces when shown on line by experienced installers. If I can do it, anyone can.

[rafibanez]

This does look good, I was planning on painting these plastic parts but this might be easier. I will try using matte black. Thanks!

[SeanZ4]

Yeah.... I kind of like it. Mine is space-gray. Do they make it in that color?

sean

[DenverSteve]

Try here. This is where I got mine. 3M is available through numerous sites.

http://stores.ebay.com/IMPORT-CAR-PARTS-PLUS?_trksid=p4340.l2563