DIY Network

Mitsubishi 3000GT: Leather Interior Door-Panels From "Tricked Out" episode DTRK-103

Host Andrew Totolos demonstrates how to recover the door panels with leather upholstery.

In this segment of Tricked Out, work continues on the leather-interior upgrade for a Mitsubishi 3000GT. Host Andrew Totolos demonstrates the steps in re-covering the door panels with leather upholstery.

DIY Difficulty Rating for Repair: This job is fairly advanced. We gave it a difficulty rating of 4 on a 5-point intermediate-level scale.

Materials used in this segment:

Leather for door panel
Phillips head screwdriver
Flat-head screwdriver
Upholstery adhesive
Scissors

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Leather Interior: Door Panels

• To remove door panel, begin by removing screw in door handle.

• With the screw removed. ift door handle with one hand and, with the other hand, grasp the trim ring and pull it out (figure A).

• Remove the carpet trim panel by removing the Phillips-head screw and the two clips in the center of the panel. The panel should pop off easily (figure B).

  Figure A

  Figure B

  
  

• Remove three brass screws underneath the panel.

• Remove last two remaining screws at the rear of the door (figure C).

• Lift up on the panel to release the upper fasteners and pull it slightly forward (figure D).

• Carefully twist and pull the courtesy light from its housing. Release power window and lock connector. You can now remove the panel and work on it at the workbench.

  Figure C

  Figure D

  
  

• The only part we re-covered on the door panel was the insert (figure E).

• To remove insert, pry up retaining tabs behind the panel (figure F).

  Figure E

  Figure F

  
  

• Using flat-head screwdriver, pop out panel from the front (figure G).

• Spray down both the factory-covered insert and the back of the new cover with upholstery adhesive (figure H).

  Figure G

  Figure H

  
  

• Let adhesive "tack up" per the manufacturer's instructions on the spray adhesive.

• Carefully place the panel in the center of the new piece of cover (figure I).

• Spray inside edges of cover with additional adhesive before wrapping the upholstery around the back.

• Use scissors to trim the upholstery until it lays flat (figure J).

• Reinstall the insert into the door panel, making sure to replace all electrical connectors and screws.

  Figure I

  Figure J

  
  

Important: Included in this segment are the steps in this automotive procedure as shown in the episode. These steps are general guidelines that are applicable to most vehicles. With any particular vehicle, there may be procedures, specifications, settings, tolerances, components, etc. that are specific to that vehicle. There are also variations according to the type and brand of repair-kit you select. Always consult your vehicle's service manual when undertaking significant automotive repairs, and read and follow the manufacturer's directions and precautions that come with your kit or replacement parts.

RESOURCES :

Ultimate Auto Detailing
Model: 0879389419
Author: David H. Jacobs
(1995)
To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.
Motorbooks International

Auto Detailing: Step-By-Step Procedures for Complete Automobile Detailing
Model: 0801983940
Author: James Joseph
(1998)
To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.
Chilton Book Company
Westchester, PA 19380
Phone: 610-738-9280
Fax: 610-738-9354

Automotive Detailing: A Complete Car Care Guide for Auto Enthusiasts and Detailing Professionals
1557882886
Don Taylor
To order this title from Amazon, click here.
H.P. Books

Sport Compact Bolt-On Performance Guide: Import Cars (Sport Compact Bolt-On Performance Guides)
Author: Joe Pettitt
Order this book from Amazon.com.
Voyageur Press (October 2000)
ISBN: 1884089526

Bend-Pak Inc.
www.bendpak.com
Bend-Pak manufactures automotive hydraulic-lift equipment and other specialized automotive equipment.

GUESTS :

Jeremy Paysnoe
Leatherseats.com
Phone: 866-639-7328
sales@leatherseats.com
www.leatherseats.com