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Interior door panel re-carpeting

Discussion in '1st Gen Tundras (2000-2006)' started by NomadicFrog, May 3, 2021.

  1. May 3, 2021 at 11:26 AM
    #1
    NomadicFrog

    NomadicFrog [OP] Took 5 yrs, finally got rid of "New Member" here

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    First mod: Gaffer tape over door lock/unlock beeper
    I want to replace the fabric covering of my door(s) with something more durable and easier to clean. I don't really want to mess with my door until I know what I'm doing, so I thought I'd get a spare, do it, then replace mine.

    I know somebody posted recently about this, and the general answer was "go to a junkyard", which is fine, but I have a second question, hence a separate post:

    1) Just to check: any chance anyone (preferably in the Phoenix - Flagstaff area) has a driver's side (or both) door panel laying around? I have a 2003 Tundra Access Cab.

    Here's the key: It can be pretty trashed, and the color doesn't matter. I am not looking for a nice clean whole door panel. I only need the cream-colored plastic bit indicated in the attached image, and I'm going to re-cover it, so the fabric can be torn, stained, whatever.

    2) How is that fastened in, and how can I replace it? It looked like some studs were fitted into place and then melted??

    So anyone who has re-carpeted / re-upholstered the door panels, how did you get them out (break them out?) and put them back together solidly?

    I imagine that the cream-colored piece itself is relatively small and light, so shipping might be an option if you aren't in the Phoenix / Flagstaff area.

    IMG_6045.jpg
     
  2. May 3, 2021 at 11:33 AM
    #2
    Professional Hand Model

    Professional Hand Model A.K.A ‘Golden Hands’

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    Melt out or a light surface drill/grind. Re-Melt in or use some FuzeIt by Liquid Nails or GoRilla Glue comparable type in caulk gun.
     
    NomadicFrog[OP] likes this.
  3. May 3, 2021 at 11:44 AM
    #3
    Kimosabe

    Kimosabe Slacker

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    I am curious about this too. I have new seat covers that came with door card replacements. I would like to replace them if possible, but only if I know it can be done well and look good. I'll be interested in what you find out.
     
  4. May 3, 2021 at 12:11 PM
    #4
    BubbaW

    BubbaW Been Real

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    Used Pan Head screws when I re-worked the leather on mine.
    Door Screws.jpg
     
  5. May 3, 2021 at 12:16 PM
    #5
    NomadicFrog

    NomadicFrog [OP] Took 5 yrs, finally got rid of "New Member" here

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    First mod: Gaffer tape over door lock/unlock beeper
    That looks nice and neat. Do they just screw into the remaining plastic? There's no nut or anything on the other (visible) side is there?
     
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  6. May 3, 2021 at 12:18 PM
    #6
    BubbaW

    BubbaW Been Real

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    Neg on nut....you'll understand more and even see choices you may want to try once you get the plastic rivets? out !
     
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  7. May 3, 2021 at 12:19 PM
    #7
    NomadicFrog

    NomadicFrog [OP] Took 5 yrs, finally got rid of "New Member" here

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    First mod: Gaffer tape over door lock/unlock beeper
    I guess a third question I should have asked is: what is a good material to use to replace the fabric?

    My knee rests against it when I drive, and has worn almost through the fabric. Also I just use this truck to get out in the dusty desert, so I want something I can clean. Durability and cleanability are key, not looks or luxury. I mean, I don't want it to look stupid or ugly, but I don't need fancy leather (unless leather is the best option for the other requirements).

    Oooh, what about spraying it with bedliner... might rub my knee raw though.
     
  8. May 3, 2021 at 12:20 PM
    #8
    NomadicFrog

    NomadicFrog [OP] Took 5 yrs, finally got rid of "New Member" here

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    First mod: Gaffer tape over door lock/unlock beeper
    Cool, good to know. Thanks!

    Hey, just noticed "FAA Tweaker" in your profile...I realize it's a huge agency and I'm not sure what "tweaker" means in your case, but any chance you know about drone commercial pilot licensing?
     
  9. May 3, 2021 at 12:22 PM
    #9
    BubbaW

    BubbaW Been Real

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    Mind showing pic of what you are working with. With all those rough places you tend to go, you might want to say fug it :pccoffee:

    Retired 9 years ago and can safely say the requirements have changed somewhat dramatically since we first started fooling with them.
     
    Last edited: May 3, 2021
  10. May 3, 2021 at 5:24 PM
    #10
    NomadicFrog

    NomadicFrog [OP] Took 5 yrs, finally got rid of "New Member" here

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    First mod: Gaffer tape over door lock/unlock beeper
    Not sure what you were asking re: pic, but here's my current door panel.

    IMG_6052.jpg

    While I had it off I tried to clean the fabric some, and massage it back under the trim pieces, but that won't last long.

    I'm interested in doing commercial drone photography, but navigating the FAA website on the topic to figure out what I even need to do is...non-trivial, to be polite.
     
    NewImprovedRon likes this.
  11. May 3, 2021 at 10:22 PM
    #11
    empty_lord

    empty_lord They see me rollin'

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    custom body work, Billies with taco ARB springs, Icon AAL, TRD FJ trail team wheels, 2019 Toyota 86 radio, Blacked out interior, Added factory power everything, heater mirrors, ETC
    do you remember the lengths you used? i need to do mine...
     
  12. May 4, 2021 at 1:53 AM
    #12
    tvpierce

    tvpierce Formerly New Member

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    My last employer wanted me to get my drone license for videography. A couple of my co-workers had done it, and the boss wanted more of us to be certified. I started studying for the FAA Part 107 and did some practice testing, but ended up leaving that job before I got around to actually taking the test.

    Tony Northrop has a comprehensive study guide with resources on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_ucCKFJUCU

    That should get you started. The bumper sticker version is that the FAA wants you to know what a beginning pilot is required to know -- which is way more than what's practical. But I guess their position is that if your going to be sharing the airspace with conventional/manned aircraft, it's not a bad idea to know the rules and know how to avoid trouble.
    Most of it is common sense, but reading the maps and the weather portions were areas that required some studying for me. Both my co-workers passed on the first try after studying.
     
  13. May 4, 2021 at 4:45 AM
    #13
    BubbaW

    BubbaW Been Real

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  14. May 5, 2021 at 3:11 PM
    #14
    NomadicFrog

    NomadicFrog [OP] Took 5 yrs, finally got rid of "New Member" here

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    First mod: Gaffer tape over door lock/unlock beeper
    Went to a local junkyard and found one first gen, in really rough shape. (In the "Premium Import" section!) I was disappointed at first, as the door panels had already been removed... looked around a bit, and realized they were both laying under the truck. Score!

    IMG_6076.jpg

    What a beaut!

    Also what a scam. Charged me $2 to get in, and since this was a "Premium" part, it was more expensive. The best part? They charged me $4.30 for a "30-day warranty", which I didn't notice until they handed me the receipt. I said I didn't want a warranty and asked for a refund: "You have to tell us that before we ring you up."

    Anyhow, this lovely part cost me about $26.75 (I found a quarter in the pocket, score!) and then I drove straight to the car wash to blast the gunk off for another $3. Still, I'm excited to try to break out that white part and re-cover it!
     
    Last edited: May 5, 2021
  15. May 5, 2021 at 3:15 PM
    #15
    Tundra2

    Tundra2 Zoinked

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    I'll be following your progress as I wouldn't mind reskinning mine with something more durable also.

    At work I can get pretty grimy. Drivers side door cloth is pretty well shot.

    Something easy to clean is the goal for me too, and looks nice.
     
  16. May 5, 2021 at 3:18 PM
    #16
    NomadicFrog

    NomadicFrog [OP] Took 5 yrs, finally got rid of "New Member" here

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    That was what I thought - I'd practically be a regular pilot, which is nuts. "Sharing the airspace"... up to 400 feet.

    Funny: that was the part of trying to figure out what I had to do where I thought I was in the wrong section. Having to read complex maps, air columns up to tens of thousands of feet, etc. What?

    Anyhow, thank you very much for the link, I'll have a look!
     
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  17. May 7, 2021 at 11:12 AM
    #17
    RR60

    RR60 New Member

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  18. May 9, 2021 at 2:00 PM
    #18
    NomadicFrog

    NomadicFrog [OP] Took 5 yrs, finally got rid of "New Member" here

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    First mod: Gaffer tape over door lock/unlock beeper
    IMG_6099.jpg
    IMG_6105.jpg

    I finally had a chance to go at this with an angle grinder and flap disc. Easy, and I see what you mean - makes sense when I see it!

    Now: any suggestions on how to remove the ancient gross fabric and padding? I can scrape at it, but I'm afraid of any solvents damaging the old plastic door piece. Edit from a couple hours later: I just scraped it off. Some coarse sandpaper helped.

    That video is awesome, and really helps to put it all into perspective, thanks! I watched it, took a practice test, and scored 96% ("passing" is 70%) and one of the two I missed was something Tony actually got wrong in the video, I think (regarding Crew Management vs Risk Management).

    I've scheduled the real exam for Tuesday, and I'll be studying between now and then. Really interesting learning about charts and weather reports, especially. (I like maps, so this is just another layer on that knowledge.)
     
    Last edited: May 9, 2021
  19. May 9, 2021 at 7:20 PM
    #19
    NomadicFrog

    NomadicFrog [OP] Took 5 yrs, finally got rid of "New Member" here

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    First mod: Gaffer tape over door lock/unlock beeper
    Got it all cleaned up! Depending on your situation, might be a project for a) when the wife isn't around or b) to do outside and not in the bathtub.

    IMG_6111.jpg

    Ick.

    IMG_6117.jpg

    ABS slurry?

    Unfortunately after getting the fabric off I discovered several small cracks. Hardly a surprise since it's from a 19 year old truck that has been in a wreck and then abused in a junkyard under the Arizona sun.

    But, it's ABS, and a little bit of quick research on the internet leads me to think I might be able to "melt" the cracks back together with acetone, and then even patch / reinforce with an ABS slurry.

    From this video the guy dissolves 50g of ABS scrap in 125mL of acetone, then just paints it on. Looks pretty good to me, anyone see a problem with this approach? I feel like slathering it all over the back, at least where I'm fairly sure there won't be clearance issues.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4LoMJGfhzg

    I've got ABS scrap ...probably only black though, but shouldn't matter, right?

    Tweeter grill?

    Much like this panel itself, the tweeter grill was installed by just holding it in place and melting the plastic studs. @BubbaW and @RR60, do you remember how you re-attached the tweeter cover? These are too small to screw into.
     

    Attached Files:

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  20. May 10, 2021 at 7:53 AM
    #20
    BubbaW

    BubbaW Been Real

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    Can’t help ya on that Mark, my tweet is hung on the inside trim opposite the mirrors
     
  21. May 10, 2021 at 8:20 AM
    #21
    Professional Hand Model

    Professional Hand Model A.K.A ‘Golden Hands’

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    Snap the ‘ears’ of the tweeter back in. Make sure you line the original mountings up with the holes. Use a flexible glue like FuzeIt or some other type of adhesive strategically placed on the post to hole snaps. Done both sides this way, as my door panel has been off at least 8 times that I can count. :annoyed::rofl:
     
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  22. May 18, 2021 at 1:00 PM
    #22
    NomadicFrog

    NomadicFrog [OP] Took 5 yrs, finally got rid of "New Member" here

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    First mod: Gaffer tape over door lock/unlock beeper
    Watching that video did indeed get me started. It really helped to demystify the process, and made it seem more accessible. So, you posted that on May 4th, and by May 11th I'd passed the exam, got my (temporary) certificate, and have already done a paid video gig!

    IMG_6197.jpg

    Drone pic of my Tundra in the Mogollon Mountains of eastern New Mexico for forum-relevant content. As for thread-relevant content... I haven't had a chance to work on the door panel any more, but I'll get back to that asap and report in with progress.

    PS: if anyone in Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, etc. needs professional drone photography lemme know! :cool:
     
    Last edited: May 18, 2021

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