I wasn't too fond of the standard flat black window switch trim in the door panels so I decided to vinyl wrap it. For those interested, here is the DIY you can apply to any wrap. Of course, the standard disclaimer regarding myself or CL not being responsible for any damages, naturally applies here. With this out of the way, here it is.





Time: 2 hrs
Skill: low to moderate

Materials:

• Trim prying tool (or similar)
• 48" x 5" vinyl wrap (minimum amount)
• Rubbing alcohol (diluted with water to about 30% concentration)
• Microfiber cloth
• Scissors and/or Exacto knife
• Flathead screwdriver
• Hair Dryer or Heat Gun
• Fabric Tape (optional)
• Krazy Glue (optional)

REMOVING THE TRIM
With the trim prying tool, insert at the top end and pry upwards. You will feel a little resistance due to the clips. (Pic shown - front driver-side assembly)



Repeat at the bottom end and pull up the unit carefully just a few inches since the wiring is connected. (Pic shown - front driver-side assembly)




To remove the power connectors, insert screw driver and press against the clip while pulling the connector upward. (Pic shown - rear driver-side assembly)




REMOVING THE POWER SWITCH MODULE
To remove the power window and mirrors modules, insert screw driver on one end to slightly expand the plastic casing while pulling up on the module. Repeat on the other side. CAUTION: I broke the plastic on one end which I repaired with the Krazy Glue after re-insertion of the module. (Pic shown - rear driver-side assembly)




CREATING THE VINYL TEMPLATE
Place vinyl wrap upside down with the trim piece laying down on it. Draw an outline about 1/4" to 3/4" larger than the trim to allow the vinyl to wrap around and beneath. Cut. (Pic shown - front driver-side trim)




CLEANING AND APPLYING THE VINYL
- Clean all top surfaces including the edges underneath the trim with the microfiber cloth and rubbing alcohol.
- Remove the vinyl backing and place the vinyl piece on a flat surface.
- Carefully place the trim on the vinyl.
- Smooth out the top flat surfaces first then work around the edges.
- To prevent folds around the edges and curves, heat the vinyl while stretching it smooth and wrap the little excess amount around the bottom.
- For the switch holes, cut with the Exacto knife carefully around the long edge while leaving some excess to be able to wrap underneath to avoid future peeling from finger contact. (Pics shown - front driver and passenger side trim)







REASSEMBLY
- Re-insert the power window and mirror modules. They easily snap back in.
- OPTIONAL: Apply Krazy Glue and a small piece of vinyl trim on cracked plastic piece (if applicable)
- OPTIONAL: Add felt tape on clips and contact points as a precautionary step to avoid any possible future squeaking (plastic on plastic). It also makes the install even tighter. But note that any future removal of the trim from the door will be more difficult
- Re-insert the power connectors from the door and snap the assembly back in. (Pic shown - front driver and passenger-side assembly)

 

great job!

im doing mines with red carbon fiber accent.

 

corrado -

I LIKE!!!!!!

 

Thanks folks. I wish it were real CF, but for now, the spare CF wrap I had lying around will do.

alfaromeo3, post pics of the red cf wrap once you do it.

 

can you post the link on where you bought the wrap?

 

It's generic CF wrap. The quality is ok, but there's better like Avery Denison or 3M Di Noc.

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/5ftx1ft-Avery...7671d2&vxp=mtr

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/3M-DI-NOC-Gen...03d9bf&vxp=mtr

 

Awesome! Gotta get some vinyl wrap.

 

That is badass! I love it man

 

This is awesome!