Door Panel Painting

[Sno]

Does anyone have a procedure for painting the door panels? Instructions and whatnot... Thanks :)

[ptrudel]

take off reflector, take out screws...you'll need a special "tree lookin clip" remover tool...then just clean down the vinyl and dye it

[Sno]

i have vinyl/fabric paint... will that work as well? or should i use the dye stuff?

[eag182]

I've heard SEM is the paint of choice for this job. You should also consider placing dynomat while the panel is off, too.

Taking out/off the door panel:

(1) Remove the red reflector, theres one screw you'll need to remove in there (its in there a ways)
(2) Remove middle screws underneath handle (2) - after snapping out the little cover
(3) In the bottom left (using drivers side as an example) use a flathead wrapped in some cloth and wedge it between the metal and door panel, apply as little force as possible to pop the door panel out in this area. Be cautious about scratching the paint.
(4) Continue to pop out the door panel clips from by going around the edge of the door with the flathead. You only need to worry about the left/right/bottom sides of the panel.
(5) Once the clips are all out, push down on the black window thing (so you don't take it out with the panel) and push up on the panel, taking it off
(6) Hover it next to the door (have someone else do this) while you disconnect all the electronics (theyre all snap out/in)
(7) Done


Some have suggested buying new clips...you dont really need to buy them, even if they appear a little worn (if theyre bent sideways thats another situation). I've take off my door panel a million times and the originals still work great. I think I can do it in about two minutes now :biggrin: .

[Sno]

thanks for the help, i know how to take the panel off though, i've done that step allready, what i'm trying to figure out is the process needed to paint the actual vinyl, just clean it, and use one of the suggested dyes or paints on it? no prep or primer? what about a clear coat or something? is that necessary?

[SouthDakotAlero]

At the paint store I went to, the person said with SEMS vinyl dye, you can just clean it with soap and water and spray it on. No need for primer or clear coat. The clear coat will give it a more glossy finish, but is not necessary.

[Sno]

cool deal, thanks SouthDakota

[smlzalero]

Originally posted by 2000_olds_alero@Jan 2 2006, 10:32 AM
you'll need a special "tree lookin clip" remover tool..
Quoted post

yeah, those special "tree lookin clip" remover tools are f***in expensive. You can find em on the black market for body parts in the "fingers" category.



Good luck Sno!