Fine Wood Trim S435A - Cracking - Photos Added

[ttr]

All,

I noticed that my wooden effect door trim on the drivers side is cracking more, i assume its just the heat ( unusual for Yorkshire !!!) and the fact from what i have read its a common problem ?

My trim spec id S435A - can anyone confirm that this is Dark Poplar - ive looked and it seesm to indicate its Polar Smoke but really not sure, to be fair it does not look "smoked" at all.

Also, and more important i doubt if i can find or afford a new trim piece, but my OCD will not stop me from looking or touching the trim and its driving me mad.

Question -

Is it a real veneer stick on the aluminum trim piece ?
Is it just a plastic wrap that is then lacquered ?
Has anyone sanded and re finished these pieces at all ?
Could i use standard 2K automotive clear coat to re finish the piece ?

I am really tempted to wet sand and then cleracoat, then sand and buff, im am pretty convinced it could be done but thought i would ask the forum before i cock it up !!!!


All input gratefully received.

Cheers

[X5-D-Sport]

all mine have done this.... sunlight & heat i recon.

Fortunately, the door trims simply lever off with a plastic trim tool & are a 10 second job to replace.
Suggest you grab another set off ebay.

[ttr]

Eh up.

thanks for that, the getting off bit is fine managed to do the other passenger door when i took the door card off to fix a water leak back in March.

If i could figure out the exact wood trim its an option to look on the bay, but im stuck as to the precise colour match given what i think mine looks like ( dark poplar) verses what my VIN check says S435A which apparently is poplar smoke ?

Anyone confirm one or t'other ?

Otherwise might risk spraying - but i know the risks there too - the 2k clearcoat could end up not adhering or cracking also unless i guess the mix and apply correctly.


Cheers again

[henrym3]

Can you put up a pic of the trim piece.

[ttr]

Henrym3

I will post a pic Friday when I’m back home.

Will try and get decent light so colour comes out and you can see the cracks.

It would be easier if I could get a same colour replacement but if not I’m really tempted to have a bash at re finishing myself, it’s just the risk of reaction of the clearcoat. But these days 2k clearcoats are far more stable than cellulose ever was. ( I’m talking myself into this.......)

Cheers

[henrym3]

Do it, you know you want to. If it all goes wrong you’ll just have to bite the bullet and buy one off the bay. Fortune favours the brave

[ttr]

All,

Photos of the trim piece added - anyone confirm their thoughts on colour/trim type ( poplar dark v smoke) so i can look for a match.

Sorry you cannot see the cracking - pity as they look fine in the photos but up close cannot get the picture to show them.

I might try and get an old trim piece first if i try clear coating and see what the results are before i spray mine - which is another route to try i guess

Cheers for all the replies thus far.