Counted Out

iTrader: (6)

So when I was taking the plastic tabs I cut them way too short and now I don't have any tabs to put them cardboard/material back onto the door panel. Did anyone else run into this problem or have a suggestion?

BIG_MIKE2005

iTrader: (116)

I believe you can go to a automotive uhpolstery shop & buy new tabs. But you'll have to attach them to the door & then also do the other end to hold it all together.

Counted Out

iTrader: (6)

Are you talking about the little plastic tabs that hold the cardboard onto to the door panel? Or the plastic tabs that hold the door panel to the actual door?

I'm talking about the little plastic tabs that hold the cardboard onto to the door panel. I can't see these being sold anywhere as they are really just a little piece of melted plastic.

v7guy

iTrader: (1)

If the tabs will push back though the panel you can use some quick setting epoxy to fix it back together. Just push the panel down so the tab shows and put a glob of epoxy on it. Hold it till it dries. Move onto the next tab. keep going till they're all done.

BIG_MIKE2005

iTrader: (116)

You'd be suprised with what you would find in those shops. Just call a local one & ask. Or drop in & look. They should sell virtually every piece you could ever need to restore a interior.

Counted Out

iTrader: (6)

I'll have to try that.

I think I'm having such a problem because I put them vinyl on right over the carpet (I thought it looked better that way) so now the tabs have to get back threw the cardboard, carpet, and vinyl.

Counted Out

iTrader: (6)

I'll have to call around for sure. I know what you mean though, I've been surprised at what pieces can actually be found.

Do you think I'd be able to plastic weld on some studs and just push the stubs threw everything?

BIG_MIKE2005

iTrader: (116)

I'd kinda be afraid to micky mouse it up honestly man. You might be alright if you could find some similar plastic in a decent thickness that you could melt or epoxy to the panel & then heat it up & bend it over to secure the inserts tightly.

Counted Out

iTrader: (6)

Exactly what I was thinking.

BIG_MIKE2005

iTrader: (116)

Be careful though. Some epoxy wonly hold up as strong on plastics as you would think. Pick carefully. And watch what plastic you use too casue some will catch fire easy while tryin to melt it.

Counted Out

iTrader: (6)

I have a new plastic welder that came with a bunch of different kinds. I'll let you know how it works out.

69TA

iTrader: (263)

you can always use a hot soldering iron and golf tees

VIP1

I put new silver cloth over the existing charcoal/black cloth. I don't remember the tabs being short though. Mine were long enough. I used a blob of LockTite Plastic Epoxy on each post and kept some pressure/weight on the panel to hold it together untill the epoxy hardened.

Here is the write-up I followed:
http://www.lastofthebreed.com/Instal.../DoorPanel.htm
(Except I used plactic epoxy instead of re-melting the tabs)

You can find pics of my results here:
http://www.fadingarrow.com/DoorPanels.htm

Counted Out

iTrader: (6)

That was also another idea, I didn't think of using a soldering iron though.

Counted Out

iTrader: (6)

When I was taking off the tabs I cut the majority of them way too short, it was my own fault.

Those panels look great. Good job.

VIP1

ooopps.

I guess you'll have to lengthen them somehow. If I remember correctly, some of them are hollow tubes. For those, you can probably use short/fat screws. As for the rest... there have been some good suggestions in here.

If you use a soldering iron for this, just remember that melting plastic generally stinks. Do it with good ventilation or outside. Also, don't use your good tip that you use for electronics soldering. Use an older tip you don't mind not being able to use again for electronics. The reason I say this is because the plastic can stick to the tip and leave a film (even if it looks fairly clean) that may not let it quite work well for electronic soldering and may contaminate solder.

Thanks.

69TA

iTrader: (263)

guys post some pics of your door panels with different inserts

Counted Out

iTrader: (6)

I'll have some pictures up in the next couple of days. I finished one panel but one of the corners looked a little weird so I'm re-doing it.

TheRedBird

I used the plastic barrel of a Bic pen to solder and make a larger tab to press down. Those really crappy white pens than you buy in a package of like, 100.

69TA

iTrader: (263)

golf tees.....golf tees