DIY Recaro Door Panels

[Chazwick05]

This DIY is for those of us who refuse to spend hundreds of dollars on the OEM Type-R door panels, or who don't want to scour the internet for weeks and/or months to find a good deal.

I am by no means a professional, and as you can see it was my first attempt at this and is not perfect. However, I believe that following this DIY you yourself can make some improvements and enjoy a new look to brighten up your interior.




Materials:

1. Fabric. Some people get the alcantara suede from Joann fabrics, others find other means. Personally, I purchased the precut authentic Recaro fabric off of club ep3/rsx.
2. Fabric adhesive.
3. Masking tape

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f160/Chazwick05/DIY%20Recaro%20Door%20Panels/P1030301.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f160/Chazwick05/DIY%20Recaro%20Door%20Panels/P1030302.jpg

Tools:

1. A means to tuck the fabric - screwdrivers, chisels, spatulas, etc.
2. Phillips head screwdriver
3. Flathead screwdriver (to pop off one of the panels on the doors)





Step 1:
Using the flathead screwdriver, pop the small panels shown out. There is a small recess made specifically for a flathead. Be careful not to tug too hard and break a clip.


Step 2:
Remove all of the screws that you see, there are a few so don't miss any!


Step 3:
Remove silver insert in door handle. There is a small hole in the back of the door handle. Push something in the hole to pop out the silver door trim insert. I used a needle for pumping air. Once the trim piece is popped out, there are a couple more screws that need to come out.

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f160/Chazwick05/DIY%20Recaro%20Door%20Panels/P1030296.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f160/Chazwick05/DIY%20Recaro%20Door%20Panels/P1030297.jpg

Step 4:
Remove the door handle and the triangular portion with the window controls on it. The control piece has a wire attached to it, so unclip it from the system.

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f160/Chazwick05/DIY%20Recaro%20Door%20Panels/P1030298.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f160/Chazwick05/DIY%20Recaro%20Door%20Panels/P1030299.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f160/Chazwick05/DIY%20Recaro%20Door%20Panels/P1030300.jpg

Step 5:
Mask off the area you will be spraying with adhesive. It is a wise idea because the spray isn't entirely controllable, and it cuts down on cleanup time. No mess, no fuss!

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f160/Chazwick05/DIY%20Recaro%20Door%20Panels/P1030304.jpg

Step 6:
Now it's time to start applying adhesive. Follow the instructions on the can. My can said to apply 2 to 3 coats, allowing a 5 minute dry time between coats. Each coat should be applied from the opposite end of the previous coat. Additionally, as the third and final coat was drying in the 5 minute period, i sprayed a single coat on the fabric, which ensures a stronger bond.

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f160/Chazwick05/DIY%20Recaro%20Door%20Panels/P1030305.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f160/Chazwick05/DIY%20Recaro%20Door%20Panels/P1030306.jpg

Step 7:
Here is the tricky part, a huge PITA if I may say so myself. Apply the fabric to the door panel, but align it so that there is even overlap material all the way around the existing grey panel. I thought that I had aligned it pretty well, then realized I hadn't. I didn't want to take off the fabric, fearing it would be ruined (which it probably wouldn't have), but I wanted to be sure. Because it wasn't lined up perfectly, I had too much fabric at the top and had to trim it, and too little at the bottom, so I didn't have quite enough to tuck it as well as I wanted to.

As soon as you have the fabric aligned and applied, get to work on tucking the overlap material into the panel gaps. THIS IS TIME CONSUMING AND RATHER FRUSTRATING. I didn't have any professional materials, so I was using a flathead screwdriver, and a thin garden trowel. Someone had suggested using a pizza cutter, and that may be a golden idea, something I will be using on the driver's side panel as soon as I finish this DIY.

Be sure not to get any wrinkles in it. Using the screwdriver I couldn't get an even tuck, so I have a fold or two on the bottom, and it doesn't look that bad, but I'm obsessive and I can tell lol.

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f160/Chazwick05/DIY%20Recaro%20Door%20Panels/P1030307.jpg

Step 8:
Once you finished applying the red fabric and have sufficiently tucked it in, start reinstalling the door panel pieces. Clip in the window button, screw everything back together and you're done! Just repeat the process for the other door.

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f160/Chazwick05/DIY%20Recaro%20Door%20Panels/P1030308.jpg

[ghettotech]

great DIY!

thanks man!!

[frm_808]

cool, hows it holding so far

[Chazwick05]

it's holding great! cure time is 24 hours, and i definitely used a liberal amount of adhesive so i don't think it'll be coming off any time soon.

just an update: i used a pizza cutter the second time around on the driver's side door to get the larger swatches "initially" tucked and that made it a LOT easier (and quicker) to finish up with a flat head screwdriver or other tool.

[.colin]

looks good chaz!

[mattism78]

Looks good. I haven't had any luck with spray glue in a can (I'm a 4th generation upholsterer). I stick to industrial trim tac that you need an air gun to apply. You can use a butter knife as a tucking tool around the edges to help get a nice tight edge.

[benkieboy]

nice nice! i'll probably try this once the laziness from me goes away.

[frm_808]

hmmm now where to find and old recaro seat laying around?......:shrug:

[MugenReplica]

Looking good Charles!:mbiggrin:

Any chance we can throw this in the DIY section also? Maybe make another thread or let me move it up there?

[Chazwick05]

Looking good Charles!:mbiggrin:

Any chance we can throw this in the DIY section also? Maybe make another thread or let me move it up there?

yeah totally, i was going to make it there, but i figured i'd pique some interest in the interior section first :mbiggrin:

[EP3_U_SEE]

where did you buy material???

[shivic]

your final product looks good. have you had 100 degree days on the glue yet.

[Yo_KyleEP3]

you didnt take off the stock grey piece ???

[JDMtunerEP3]

It looks really good bro!

[k-powered]

Did a great job for your first time, very Nice

[Chazwick05]

where did you buy material???

bought it off of clubep3, there's a guy selling the fabric there, already precut.


your final product looks good. have you had 100 degree days on the glue yet.

i have had a bunch of hot days, and the fabric is holding strong :mwink:


you didnt take off the stock grey piece ???

nope, you can't really. and thanks to everyone else for the compliments :)

[SiN05]

looks good I was thinking about this but i wasn't sure how good it might look. But the way it looks i might hit that dude up on clubrsx

[vUpac]

beautiful outcome

[The.O]

Looks really nice.

I have one question.
Do you have pictures of the result on the driver's side?

[rburdios]

im amazed at how many comments this got. back when i did mine, there were alot of people that didnt like it when i posted. im glad to see people are starting to like the recaro inserts. anyways heres mine from about a year ago.

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a357/ryanburdios/IMG_0324.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a357/ryanburdios/IMG_0320.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a357/ryanburdios/IMG_0322.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a357/ryanburdios/IMG_0318.jpg

[!@#$%]

im amazed at how many comments this got. back when i did mine, there were alot of people that didnt like it when i posted. im glad to see people are starting to like the recaro inserts. anyways heres mine from about a year ago.



that's really sweet.

[Chazwick05]

Looks really nice.

I have one question.
Do you have pictures of the result on the driver's side?

i don't have any pics, but the end result came out much better than the passenger side. no flaws :mbiggrin:

[mattism78]

Upholstering flat panels is pretty easy if you take your time and are smart about it like the thread originator was. You tape off to prevent overspray, and make sure to get the edge really good. You don't want to use too much glue that it puddles, or soaks through the new fabric. Also pay attention to the glue's strength. The stronger the better.

A technique I frequently use is putting a trash bag over the panel and slowly pulling it back while laying the material. That way you can have the material laying flat on the panel without it touching. It helps when you're trying to flatten in curves.

[rburdios]

i took off my door panel and arm rests. with the glue, u just gotta remember not to push down on the recaro inserts cause it works like foam. i just gently laid mine over and the glue is pretty strong. for the edges, i didnt use glue, i just rolled it into the creases a pizza roller

[dynamic_I3oi]

thanks this will realy help

[vlkter]

The best way to install these inserts are with these directions. These are for the newer civic but its the same steps. I would suggest replacing the hot glue with liquid nails

http://fiberupholstery.com/civic.html

[sirsol66]

As I've heard though, our panel isn't removable. So, those directions don't apply to ep3's as far as I've heard. Prove me wrong though, only thing holding me back from doing this is I hate creases and only way to guarantee no creases and clean edges is to remove the upholstered section.

[vlkter]

As I've heard though, our panel isn't removable. So, those directions don't apply to ep3's as far as I've heard. Prove me wrong though, only thing holding me back from doing this is I hate creases and only way to guarantee no creases and clean edges is to remove the upholstered section.

They do apply to the EP3. they are the exact same for the newer civic it cant be removed either. but by drilling out the two tabs that hold it you can. Remove your door panel and take a look

The two tabs are located on the front end of the door panel. Around the door bolster there should be a few screws also that need to be removed.

[sirsol66]

Not trying to question you, but are you 100% sure of this? As in, have you physically done it yourself? I've asked on this site quite a few times and everybody says that no, our door panels are not the same and they can not be removed. Not that it needs to be drilled out, but that its one piece. If what you're saying is true though, shoot, i'll do this mod this week! I love the red inserts, but I hate doing it when the panel is on the car.

[usedep3]

i think vlkter is the guy that sell the inserts in the classifieds. i believes he does installs as well. seems to be pretty legit

[kevinlopezzz]

where did u guys buy this fabric adhesive. i checked joanns and it was 22 bucks!

[DrZfInEsT]

Nice diy I'll be doing this before IA

[thaseint]

I was going to post a DIY for this myself; but found this thread and thought I'd add to it. :mbiggrin:

Total cost including recaro material, glue and screws ~$25.

Here are my panels. I went ahead and removed the plastic welds/rivets which hold the armrest to the panel. I used a dremel to remove the welds. This made the install 100x easier and cleaner IMO.

Here's a pic of the welds (there are 8 of these per panel):

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w15/thaseint/DSC03381.jpg

I then used some screws and finishing washers to reattach the armrest.

Here's a pic of the screws and washers that I used:

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w15/thaseint/DSC03379.jpg

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w15/thaseint/DSC03378.jpg

I also used 3M Super 77 adhesive which is some pretty tacky stuff. The 3M stuff is pretty cool in that if it gets on your panel its pretty easy to clean with some interior spray detailer and a microfiber cloth.

I'd say the key to this DIY is patience. There were a few moments where I looked at my door panels and said "What the hell have I gotten myself into?!?" but I kept working with the panels and they came out great!

Another tip is to by some bondo spreaders which are bendable plastic pieces which are great for wedging the fabric into the panels, without tearing up the material or scratching the panels.

Also if you have access to them, use a model knife to help you cut the material. I found scissors didn't work all that great for the recaro mesh material.

And finally the finished product:

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w15/thaseint/DSC03387.jpg

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w15/thaseint/DSC03388.jpg

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w15/thaseint/DSC03392.jpg

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w15/thaseint/DSC03375.jpg

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w15/thaseint/DSC03405.jpg

[PRODIUS]

Great idea to remove the armrest, that does look clean.
Any movement in it once re-bolted in, or good as stock?

[thaseint]

Great idea to remove the armrest, that does look clean.
Any movement in it once re-bolted in, or good as stock?

Nope. No movement and as good as stock...actually better than stock because if you ever wanted to change out the door panel fabric you'll just have to unscrew the panel and replace. No trying to wedge a pizza wheel in the arm rest. :mbiggrin:

One thing I will say about this is that if I had to do it over (which I may end up doing), I would use the Super 90 adhesive or the general interior trim spray adhesive that 3M sells.

The Super 77 is fine for the most part but I noticed that on a hot day some of the fabric came unstuck. I was able to push it down and rub it down and so far so good (no more lifting even on a hot day); but I have a feeling when summer hits it'll come up again.

[PRODIUS]

Good advice!

[lemonhead228]

Great DIY! I really want to do this now. It makes a big difference in the interior.

And you can use your credit card, license, id to tuck it.

[cvicep3]

Nice! I gotta do this mod. Do you have to remove the old cloth?

[thaseint]

Nice! I gotta do this mod. Do you have to remove the old cloth?

You could if you wanted; but the old stuff is on there pretty good.

I just left it...I figured it's probably better to have a fabric to fabric bond plus I didn't want to risk creating an uneven surface with any left over glue. The original fabric is fairly thin anyways so it wouldn't do a whole lot of good to waste your time removing it IMO.

[its a ivtec]

Question for everyone whos done this...wat are u guys using to tuck in the bottom part of the insert where the arm rest meets..ive tried flatheads and butter knife still wont tuck ..does this piece come off?