72 Re-decal the Door panel insert woodgrain

[73737373]

With a metal straight edge ruler and 2 other people to hold it, it is possible to cut the vinyl that covers the raised silver "lines" on the panel. You have to "free hand" it around the corners, but if you use a scalpel (my wife is an RN) it is doable and comes out real nice. Of course, prep work is the key and getting the raised silver line to shine must be done before you apply the vinyl.

On ebay, if you search for "woodgrain vinyl" you'll come across a place that sells it in all sizes, widths/lengths and different hues of wood. I've had great success w/this product, especially when redoing the lower woodgrain trim pieces.

[El Dorado Jim]

looks great!!!!

[special-K]

Originally Posted by special-K

Looks great. A person with really steady hands (like a pinstriper/sign painter) could paint that raised rib silver.

Originally Posted by SWB

The raised trim/edge is still there, I just covered it and pressed it around it real good. I might razor it and expose it. If I do I'll post pic's

And thanks for the kind words...

I see the bead is still there. What I was saying is since it's raised, it could be painted/highlighted by someone with steady hands such as a sign painter/pinstriper. Also, you could always mask, cut, paint. This is if you don't feel good about cutting out.

Originally Posted by 73737373

With a metal straight edge ruler and 2 other people to hold it, it is possible to cut the vinyl that covers the raised silver "lines" on the panel. You have to "free hand" it around the corners, but if you use a scalpel (my wife is an RN) it is doable and comes out real nice.

If you do go ahead with cutting, the bead itself will be your guide or straight edge. If you can't get your hands on a scalpel, a fresh razor blade or Exacto knife will take care of it.

[SWB]

Originally Posted by special-K

I see the bead is still there. What I was saying is since it's raised, it could be painted/highlighted by someone with steady hands such as a sign painter/pinstriper. Also, you could always mask, cut, paint. This is if you don't feel good about cutting out.

If you do go ahead with cutting, the bead itself will be your guide or straight edge. If you can't get your hands on a scalpel, a fresh razor blade or Exacto knife will take care of it.

I'm fine the way it is, if the cut is made at the base of each side of the raise edge it would more than double the area that it could start raising and peeling and it's just a driver..

But thanks for your input..

[73737373]

Originally Posted by special-K

I see the bead is still there. What I was saying is since it's raised, it could be painted/highlighted by someone with steady hands such as a sign painter/pinstriper. Also, you could always mask, cut, paint. This is if you don't feel good about cutting out.

If you do go ahead with cutting, the bead itself will be your guide or straight edge. If you can't get your hands on a scalpel, a fresh razor blade or Exacto knife will take care of it.

Wish my hand was that steady to free hand it. That metal ruler trick did it for me after I screwed it up once.

[BrianG]

Am I correct in my understanding that this is not the same material that was used originally on these panels? This is more similar to the vinyl used to wrap automobiles correct? I'm not saying that is a negative thing at all. Actually really opens up the possibilities for these panels. There are soo many more patterns available. I would like to know how it holds up though. Hope it holds up well because my idea gears are really turning.

[special-K]

I don't think the original woodgrain was a sticker at all. I think it was photo-etched. Look at where it's worn off, it's more like paint.

I've redone these using a GM vinyl (whatever they call it) and cut along the raised bead. It's not free-hand, it's the same as using a straight edge except you are following the actual line you need to cut. Now painting? That takes a steady skilled hand, even if you use a rubber roller. Can't tilt one way or another. Well, you could always wipe the mess up I guess.