recovering plastic panels with vinyl

skierkaj · #1 11-14-2003, 09:04 PM

I was thinking of redoing the plastic panels by covering them with some white vinyl. How do u guys think that would look? The panels don't like to hold paint, and I know that it's probably just an issue with the prep job before-hand, but I just don't like the plastic. How would you go about fastening the vinyl to the plastic? I know to use a super-duty adhesive, and use a heat gun to slightly heat the vinyl to form to the panel, but what kind of fasteners could I use from the back side, without them poking through the front? I know yearone sells the vinyl (i might be able to get it cheaper than their price), and I have some Super-Strength 3M adhesive, and a heat gun, just need a method of fastening the vinyl from the backside. Opinions?

**Salvatore** · #2 11-15-2003, 12:04 AM

If I were you, I would re-do the vinyl paint correctly. It is just a matter of good prep work. Surface must be cleaned very well. Armour All is hard to remove. Take your time because the vinyl will look better than a cover IMO. Sam

skierkaj · #3 11-15-2003, 02:13 AM

Well, it's just that some of the panels are worn so much, they have become brittle, and are literally crumbling away. I hate how this looks, and want it to look really good, not all crumbly and scratched. The worst peices are the headliner trim, where it meets the A-pillar.

**Salvatore** · #4 11-15-2003, 01:28 PM

I am sure you can get another set in Hemmings Motor News or after market. Maybe a junk yard will have a set that you can re-dye. I am sure they are out there. I do like the way the original looks. I would try to replace or repair an original set. Sam

skierkaj · #5 11-15-2003, 03:44 PM

I'm not going to pay $150 a panel, and all the junkyards around my area don't have any cars that old, they crushed em already! I've made up my mind, and they're getting vinyl.

**Salvatore** · #6 11-15-2003, 03:49 PM

Make sure you pull everything tight! It will almost look original if you take your time. Sam

Enoch · #7 11-15-2003, 12:28 AM

If you would like I could paint them for you but it will cost $630.00 [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif[/img] Rich.

skierkaj · #8 11-15-2003, 02:10 AM

Ha! you're a funny guy! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif[/img]

72Heaven · #9 11-19-2003, 10:08 PM

I'm going to assume this is for your 1976(?) Camaro right? I'm a huge 2nd gen freak.... These panels aren't hard to find esp the '75-81 ones ('70-74 upper sails are getting difficult). Donor cars include all Camaros built '75-81 and all Firebirds (& T/As) '75-81 also (that's ALOT of cars!). I've never seen any that were recovered successfully with vinyl. You can clean them with laquer thinner and use a quality (check your local paint suppiler rather than Wal-Mart) vinyl dye. You can have it tinted to any color you'd like...

The problem with covering them with vinyl is that unless you use a VERY thin vinyl they tend to sit too far forward (the extra material pulls the assembly forward (this can be fixed by trimming the "lip" at the front of the door but do you really want to butcher the car for the panels?). Also the upper sail sits inside the lower panel (two or three plastic clips) unless you cover them as a unit there'll be a bulge. (and again there is the leading edge problem).... Anyway, my point is unless someone is really familar with your car and what it takes to make it right, it won't look "right" And getting it right will cost more than getting some good used panels. Check out www.nastyz28.com in the swapmeet there's always someone parting something...and of course E-bay is out there... but I'd hardly ever pay more than $40-$50 for both sides! ($150 is highway robbery unless it's NOS!)

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