XSeries-forum

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

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.

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

Can you put up a pic of the trim piece.

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

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

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.