Door cards: changing material: How-To?

[goltho]

I've searched but can't locate a detailed How-To for changing the sagging material on the door cards. There are a few posts here & there which refer to the plastic soldering & Tek screws etc. but I could really do with a decent How-To, preferably with photos.

Also might anyone have an old front door card they'd be willing to let me have for practice if I have it collected? Please and thank you.

Dougie.

[max75]

hi, sorry no answer that will be of help for you but since I am facing the same issue:

I would like to keep the original fabric (it is clean and propper) just the glue seems to quit its job - is there a way to "re-glue" with/without taking the whole thing (panels/ or even fabric off?!?)

Much appreciated! cheers - Max

[Dave47]

Hi, Yes I'm surprised there isn't a thread or how to on this forum,
being in the market to buy a 75, I'm seeing a lot of saggy door cards, more so than roof liners,
but if you search on YouTube you'll find a number of videos (on different makes) showing how to get around this issue,

PS. if you do a full strip down and rebuild then maybe a guide with photos would help others.

[Matt_75]

I need to do this job too and haven't been able to find a detailed how to either. As far as I can tell, it involves removing the door cards, drilling out the plastic rivets to separate the trim board, peeling off the old fabric, clean up the board thoroughly, apply new fabric with appropriate adhesive, reattach trim board to door card using pop rivets or screws, reattach door cards to the car.

Here's the back of the standard door card:


One with the trim panel reattached using pop rivets (I think):


Another with the trim panel reattached with screws:


I took the last two pictures from these YouTube videos:

https://youtu.be/qhV9UVSeyzs?si=SQTJxHEm7kMOoQTq

https://youtu.be/PBHO8D0J--k?si=nRjABZTh_6Oo3dYG

[alan richard]

Originally Posted by max75

I would like to keep the original fabric (it is clean and proper) just the glue seems to quit its job - is there a way to "re-glue" with/without taking the whole thing (panels/ or even fabric off?!?)

Much appreciated! cheers - Max

You prompted me to tidy up mine-

The backing foams must have a close-to-accurate 20 year lifespan and has turned a bit slimy.

Per attached pics. I was able to get inside the material by removing the door release trim.

I used (fairly cheapo) spray glue, tried to get it as far back into the cavity as I could.

then was able to fairly neatly push the fabric home starting from the edges and working toward the handle.

I was concerned the glue would bleed through to the front, but no, it was fine and the finish is not too bad, for minimal effort.
I should have applied a little more glue, further in, but it's near enough.

If I get another 20 years from it, I can live with that.

[goltho]

Originally Posted by alan richard

Per attached pics. I was able to get inside the material by removing the door release trim.

That's a really good result relative to the work you didn't have to do. So you didn't even remove the card in any way, just the chrome release trim?

Dougie.

[Francophile]

Hello Alan(?),

I used (fairly cheapo) spray glue

A brand and source would be helpful, please. Mine is distinctly floppy on the front doors.
Thanks in hope,
Derek.

[planenut]

Originally Posted by alan richard

You prompted me to tidy up mine-

The backing foams must have a close-to-accurate 20 year lifespan and has turned a bit slimy.

Per attached pics. I was able to get inside the material by removing the door release trim.

I used (fairly cheapo) spray glue, tried to get it as far back into the cavity as I could.

then was able to fairly neatly push the fabric home starting from the edges and working toward the handle.

I was concerned the glue would bleed through to the front, but no, it was fine and the finish is not too bad, for minimal effort.
I should have applied a little more glue, further in, but it's near enough.

If I get another 20 years from it, I can live with that.

Well done, and awaiting further info on that glue.

[Raven Black]

This is really interesting, I bought my 2002 with slightly sagging front door cards. The rears and roof still fine, although recently I see some sagging on the front left pillar. The car is under a carport but the left side exposed to sun and weather, likely the cause of the sagging.

The front cards became extremely irritating to look at as rest of the interior was practically perfect, especially with addition of the incredibly rare walnut armrest sourced from a club member.

I was incredibly lucky, thanks to another member, Philou, to obtain a complete set he had from a 2001 car in pristine condition. 3 years later they still perfect, but I always leave my window down a few inches. I just feel that helps to keep the temperature sort of even so it doesn't get to hot or cold inside.

Or, maybe the glue used on 2001 was better quality, or, just lucky.

[alan richard]

Originally Posted by goltho

That's a really good result relative to the work you didn't have to do. So you didn't even remove the card in any way, just the chrome release trim?

Dougie.

Yes Doug. I didn't even remove the chrome trim.
(my lad had just broken it off )
But, yes correct. Just the trim.

Originally Posted by Francophile

A brand and source would be helpful, please.
Derek.

Hi Derek, planenut
It was '151 brand high strength spray glue' for <£4 from Yorkshire trader.
(It's called high strength - but depends on application method - can be low)

I was wary in case it was (1) too aggressive or (2) didn't give me enough time to work it or (3) reacted with or soaked through the cloth.

But it was fine and very easy to work with. I should have used more and got it further back to the edges.

Long term - I don't know if the chemicals might react

If anyone can advise how to get the chrome trims off without braking the lugs I'd be grateful!

Originally Posted by Raven Black

. . . complete set he had from a 2001 car in pristine condition. 3 years later they still perfect, but I always leave my window down a few inches. I just feel that helps to keep the temperature sort of even so it doesn't get to hot or cold inside.

Or, maybe the glue used on 2001 was better quality, or, just lucky.

Interesting. Maybe temperature swings upset things or pre-project drive glue and foam was better. I wasn't sure if it were cleaning products that reacted but there seemed quite a few thread here recently on sagging linings.
??

Cheers all.
A