interior door panels coming off - how to fix?

[rgraham1]

Help -

The interior passenger door panel is coming off of the door. It has a plastic-type inside (facing the passenger) and a grey foam backing on the other side (facing the door). This problem is something that has been happening for the last year or two, very slowly.

I would like to try and fix it, without buying an entire new door panel (ie. spending too much $$ on it). I was thinking I could glue it back in place, but this panel material doesn't seem like it was originally held in place with glue. Rather the outside perimeter of the panel material was underneath a lip on the door. (hard to explain without pictures)

Can anyone offer a good suggestion to repair this door panel? I know it is only cosmetic, but it is getting to be a nuisance.

It's a 96 and in reasonable good condition. The radio buttons are a little intermittent, but somewhat useable.

Ron
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[JDPascal]

There is a superceded service bulletin that says to use RTV157 silicone. That number denotes a gray version of the product that is not as easy to find as clear so using a clear would work too.

The service bullletin is no longer to be found but I remembered to write it down so I could look for it. The new TSB only tells you the part numbers for the replacement panels. BIG HELP - NOT!!!

I'd use many strips of masking tape to hold the trim in place while the silicone sets up.

JD

[rgraham1]

Originally Posted by JDPascal

There is a superceded service bulletin that says to use RTV157 silicone. That number denotes a gray version of the product that is not as easy to find as clear so using a clear would work too.

The service bullletin is no longer to be found but I remembered to write it down so I could look for it. The new TSB only tells you the part numbers for the replacement panels. BIG HELP - NOT!!!

I'd use many strips of masking tape to hold the trim in place while the silicone sets up.

JD

Thanks JD,

Just to be sure: RTV157 silicone is an adhesive, correct? This is probably something that will work with both the foam backing on the panel as well as the pastic surface of the door that the panel needs to stick to, yes? I will probably find this in an automotive supply store?

The strips of masking tape is a good idea, but I don't think they'll hold it in place until it sets. There's just too much curl there in the panel that is coming off. There isn't any type of "jig" that I could use to apply pressure to the panel to keep it pressed against the door??

So I should just disregard the Service Bulletin on the panels? Not worth doing I take it.

Thanks again for the help. Experience beats a good guess every time!

Ron

[JDPascal]

The vinyl trim on mine has curled out too. Just warm the vinyl up with a hair blow dryer so it is more plyable.

Several strips of tape will hold it if it is warmed up.....


JD