Dave M
01-28-2005, 09:26 PM
Finally took both rear door panels off to assess the shrunken vinyl, puffy looking, dumbass affliction known to many e34 owners. The vehicle is stored for the winter, so its time to attempt some of the “I’ll do it later” repairs in my spare time. I know the fix is well documented elsewhere, but I thought this may inspire someone else who has been putting it off, as improving the situation is not all that difficult. I didn’t take pics of the bubbly panels, but they were as bad or worse as any I’ve seen on the forum. The worst areas were at the armrest and behind the ‘covering vinyl trim’ above the armrest.
Step 1) Remove door panels (read the Bentley). I was surprised how easily the rears came off. Just pull at a bottom corner to start releasing the clips (make sure there are all released), then give a good sharp pull upward to remove. I kinda pulled the panel outward while pulling up as I thought it may help release from the clip at the middle of the door. Anyhow, it was easy and I broke zero clips during removal.
Step 2) Since the molded vinyl (large single bottom layer) was shrunken at the armrest and behind the covering trim piece, pushing everything up with it, I peeled back the trim and voila, the previous owner had attempted the fix, but was not quite diligent enough. There was already a slit cut and glue everywhere. I decided I needed to do a better job. I cut some additional material out and stretched things into place.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/dave_macisaac/Bimmer/Body-Interior/DoorPanels_2004002.jpg
Step 3) I though about using Gorilla glue for everything, but wanted something a bit more reliable. I stopped at a small auto upholsterer around the corner and handed him the panel. 2 minutes later he handed it back stapled and said he didn’t want payment for it. Of course I brought him the other thinking I would pay him for that, but he again insisted no. Gotta hate nice people like that, wait till he gets the front ones.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/dave_macisaac/Bimmer/Body-Interior/DoorPanels_2004007.jpg
Step 4) In order to hold the armrest vinyl down, I used Gorilla glue (as the staples would have shown in this area). I used a couple of small 1”x2” pieces of wood and my penny collection to ‘clamp’ it down. This is where I damaged some clips, which I promptly added to a BMA order through Patrick. The glue seems to be mighty strong and will hopefully hold as well as the staples (assuming they hold). I Gorilla glued the covering piece back on, cleaned the panels and used some vinyl spray cleaner/conditioner junk, which, when still wet, explains the glossy sheen apparent in the photos.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/dave_macisaac/Bimmer/Body-Interior/DoorPanels_2004010.jpg
So, they’re far from perfect, but good enough for the girls I date. They also cost less than $20 Can. to repair, which is @ $680 Can. less than two new rear panels. And it was fun to watch glue dry.
Hope this might help someone.
Step 1) Remove door panels (read the Bentley). I was surprised how easily the rears came off. Just pull at a bottom corner to start releasing the clips (make sure there are all released), then give a good sharp pull upward to remove. I kinda pulled the panel outward while pulling up as I thought it may help release from the clip at the middle of the door. Anyhow, it was easy and I broke zero clips during removal.
Step 2) Since the molded vinyl (large single bottom layer) was shrunken at the armrest and behind the covering trim piece, pushing everything up with it, I peeled back the trim and voila, the previous owner had attempted the fix, but was not quite diligent enough. There was already a slit cut and glue everywhere. I decided I needed to do a better job. I cut some additional material out and stretched things into place.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/dave_macisaac/Bimmer/Body-Interior/DoorPanels_2004002.jpg
Step 3) I though about using Gorilla glue for everything, but wanted something a bit more reliable. I stopped at a small auto upholsterer around the corner and handed him the panel. 2 minutes later he handed it back stapled and said he didn’t want payment for it. Of course I brought him the other thinking I would pay him for that, but he again insisted no. Gotta hate nice people like that, wait till he gets the front ones.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/dave_macisaac/Bimmer/Body-Interior/DoorPanels_2004007.jpg
Step 4) In order to hold the armrest vinyl down, I used Gorilla glue (as the staples would have shown in this area). I used a couple of small 1”x2” pieces of wood and my penny collection to ‘clamp’ it down. This is where I damaged some clips, which I promptly added to a BMA order through Patrick. The glue seems to be mighty strong and will hopefully hold as well as the staples (assuming they hold). I Gorilla glued the covering piece back on, cleaned the panels and used some vinyl spray cleaner/conditioner junk, which, when still wet, explains the glossy sheen apparent in the photos.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/dave_macisaac/Bimmer/Body-Interior/DoorPanels_2004010.jpg
So, they’re far from perfect, but good enough for the girls I date. They also cost less than $20 Can. to repair, which is @ $680 Can. less than two new rear panels. And it was fun to watch glue dry.
Hope this might help someone.