The Domestic Barbie

 

Every time I go to a drive-thru I always get the same reaction, "WOW! Did your car come like that?!?"

Most of the time it takes me a minute or two catch on too the question, then I remember not everyone has zebra door panels. :) I smile and say "No, I did it myself." Then the questions start:

-How did you do it?

-How much did that cost?

-Can you do mine?

 

So, I figured I'd write a little tutorial on how I did mine. So here it goes!

 

*Note- Not all door panels are the same! I suggest you do research on how your car's door panels come apart before trying any of this tutorial! As a disclaimer, I am not responsible for any project gone wrong!

 

Project Time: About 2 Hours 

Cost: $30 Approx.

 

Materials: 2 yards (to be safe) of a thick fabric

High-Temp Spray Glue (Auto Zone)

Old Spoon & Penny

 

Note- I do recommend you have someone help you during this project.

 

1st Step: I went to my local Hancock Fabrics store. I bought 2 yards of a Zebra Pique Fabric. It has a weave texture and is rather stiff. *You do NOT want to use a cotton fabric. Choose a thick study fabric!

 

2. Next you want to do some serious research about how your cars door panels remove properly. My civic was fairly easy, a couple screws and some plastic clips. Remove your door panel and be very careful not to scratch it!

 

 

 

 

3. Remove the velour (current) fabric panel and lay on your new choice fabric. (Wrong sides touching) Slowly trace around the velour piece then cut out the shape. You should have an identical piece to the original velour door panel but now in your choice print. Repeat the same steps with the additional door(s).

 

4. I then used newspaper and masking tape to tape of the door panel area that the fabric was not being attached too. After the area was covered I then used high-temperature spray glue on the actually door panel. Let the glue dry alittle so it will be tacky enough to hold the fabric. 

 

5. Slowly line up the fabric onto the door panel and be sure to account for any window lever, handle, or lock areas. (I glued my piece down then cut the window lever hole after the glue had dried) Be sure to press all the air bubbles out accordingly. This is where 2 sets of hands really helps!

 

6. Next, I used an old kitchen spoon and hammered it almost straight. It still had a slight curve and allowed me to push the ends of the fabric into the creases of the door panel. After I had 'tucked' the edges of the fabric into the crease I then used a penny and rolled it down into those creases to make sure the ends didn't come out. (This depends on the type of door panel you have. Mine actually fabric panels didn't pop out, the fabric was previously glue to the panel and I just reattached my new piece exactly like the old one. Different cars will have different door panels, reattach according to your panel style.)

 

7. Finally after about 45 minutes of dry time, we reattached the entire panel to my car door.  Be sure to remember which screws go where!!! 

 

I have had my door panels like this for almost 4 years! I did notice the passenger side door is coming loose but its an easy fix. My drivers side door is still holding up great! Next time I'll use more spray glue. I also used a scotch guard stain guard spray on the fabric. This way any rain water, drinks, dirt, ect will just wipe away. I haven't noticed any color fading due to sun either, but I do have tinted windows so that may help. 

 

Please feel free to leave any questions and I will try my best to answer them! Good Luck and be sure to post or email me pictures!!!