NCSUtrey

The rear interior panels on my '82 (where the windows are) are slightly warped, I'm assuming from the sun/heat. Is there a good way to remedy this?

NCSUtrey

Yeah, yeah, yeah, search function. I found what I needed.

jwillman

Can you share the answer you found?

Thanks

SeanR

Tint the windows real dark, so others cant see them. When opening the hatch, get what you want out quick, so others can't see them.

/what I have to do anyway.

NCSUtrey

Compliments of Rob Budd. I went to the search tab and entered: "panel warp," and it was on the top of the list.

"I've run across some pretty bad RQPs and often they look like they're beyond hope. This one was warped and busted up pretty well, but I managed to get it straight. I figured I'd pass along a few tips.


Take the mounting brackets off. You can rivet them back later.
Take the foam off. It won't survive the repair process and its cheap and easy to replace.
Heat the warped area along the edge and toward the inside about 6-10 inches.
Use a real heat gun. A hair dryer doesn't get hot enough.
Get it hot enough so you can't touch it but not enough to burn it.
Clamp two pieces of 3 inch flat metal stock to each side.
Tighten the clamps enough to hold the metal in place.
While its still hot, slowly tighten the clamps.
Turn on some music and have a couple beers nearby.
If you hear cracking, stop and apply more heat.
Take your time. It took years for them to warp. It'll take a few hours to get them straight.
Once the clamps are tight, reheat the entire area.
Let it cool overnight.
Repeat the process if it didn't get it completely straight the first time.
If the curved B pillar or top section is warped, the same process works using a 2 inch pipe clamped into the concave area and a piece of sheet metal on the opposite side.
Replace the foam and mounting brackets & cut out the speaker holes

I didn't get a pic of adding resin and fiberglass to repair the cracks and adding broken sections back. Laying fiberglass is a whole other project for another time.

I've yet to add the leather cover but will post a pic when its done.
__________________
Rob Budd
80 928 Automatic"

jwillman

thanks Trey. Search can be hit or miss depending on the term you enter.

Rob M Budd

You can also use steam heat instead of dry heat.
I use a professional upholstery steamer but a typical clothes steamer works well too.

cali4sun

I was fortunate to find a same year model (same speaker configuration) used pair in like new condition to replace my warped panels on Craigslist for $130. I have not changed them out yet that will be fun....

'89 S4 GP White/Black
'76 912E Silver/Black

SimonC

I have the same problem, but don't know how to remove that huge rear trim panel. I tried to search for that, but didn't find out how to remove it.

Is it a beast to remove, or easier than it looks? Anybody have or seen a write up, or willing to share their experience?

SimonC

jwillman

try this write up for removal.

https://rennlist.com/forums/928-foru...intensive.html

Whitesands

+1

SeanR

I tried that route, bought a set of "great" panels. Got them and they were not usable, worse than what I had already.

Since then I'm changing my entire interior color so I will have two sets of crap ones laying around.

ducbil

Since we are on the subject, I was thinking about replacing the leather with alcantara when I fix the panels. Where do you buy sheets of alcantara?

cali4sun

Ran across this site...

http://www.gulffabrics.com/

'89 S4 GP White/Black
'76 912E Silver/Black

S4ordie

Send them to Paul Champagne.