[Mk2] [Generic] how to cover parts with alcantara (new project)

[kayjay0_7]

i am looking into covering most of my interior trim plastics parts with grey alcantara cloth which i found on ebay

i have purchase one metre to try and cover the plastic trims below the seatbelts (as i have a spare set), and if all goes well i will do the window surrounds and the a pillar trims

does anyone know how i would go about fixing the cloth to the trim ,would i just use spray glue as with speaker box cloth

[reddev1ll09]

I think you have got the right idea, just make sure whatever glue or adhesive you use can be applied to plastic/resin & jobs a good in

Keep us updated on your progress kj, i would like to do something like that to the centre section between the two seats, suede or maybe alcantara to match the seats

[Mike N]

I have done a fair bit of this myself,

Ensure that the surface to be covered is de-greased and as clean as possible first.

Test fit the rapped clearance gaps as items will grow with alcantera or leather stuck onto them and the part may need reducing in size prior to covering. Allow for enough rap around and wastage to trim off afterwards.

Use very high temp spray glue. Some times I use tiger seal if in a tricky corner that has to hold under tension, or tinned contact adhesive's.

Sometimes its best to glue just along edges as opposed to all over an item.

Different materials can sometimes stretch in only one direction.

Take your time and practice elsewhere first.

Before contenplating covering an area, consider whether the part will need regular cleaning ie some bits are best left as OE plastic.

Think about reflections from light greys onto the windsreen.

Finally think H&S with glue's and sharp razor type tools, and watch those sticky fingers touching the presentable surface's ruining all your efforts.

Good luck.

edit - spelling error

[kayjay0_7]

first attempt ,didn't turn out too bad

[nikaiyo]

Hey

Been thinking about doing something similar, where did you get the alacantara from?

[kayjay0_7]

got the cloth from ebay

http://shop.ebay.co.uk/martyw62/m.html? ... ksid=p4340

[as8133]

i have been doing something similar with red leatherette and cant get it to stick in the high temps of the car cabin in the sunshine. How has yours held up? What glue did you use?

[kayjay0_7]

centre box now done , didn't work out too badly although i had to re do the top as there were a couple of creases in the cloth

[GTS GAV]

very nice indeed fancy doing my dash

[C50]

that looks great!

[Hunders]

That looks really good! How are you finding the job? Is it straight forward enough? What glue are you using?

[reddev1ll09]

Looks really good m8, i'm doing the same parts. see the flat bit at the bottom is that done with a separate bit or is it all the one piece of material you have used ?
i'm finding it hard trying to shape it, in & around all the curves at the bottom (the bit that sits flush with the cubby lid)

any pointer would be appreciated

[kayjay0_7]

the bottom part of the trim , i covered using another piece of cloth as i could not shape it to fit, then used a small piece of grey speaker box carpet in the small rectangular area

[reddev1ll09]

the bottom part of the trim , i covered using another piece of cloth as i could not shape it to fit, then used a small piece of grey speaker box carpet in the small rectangular area

Cheers kayjay,

My effort so far...

[Smithmyster]

I like this ALOT!!!

Where can i get the various glues mentioned?

[reddev1ll09]

I used.......

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... :MEBDIX:IT

I would recommend it, good stuff & cheap (i think) also not a lot needed very sticky after about 10-15 seconds.
once you have sprayed the area/edge (what i did) let it evaporate for a few seconds, then apply fabric/material with a little pressure....