Plastic Door Membrane

[StokeyStag]

Hi,

I'm currently refurbishing my door cards; before I replace the trim on the new backing cards I want to ensure that I put the plastic membrane in the most effective place.

I have 2 options, the first is to fix it to the inner door skin or, secondly, directly to the door card- which I have varnished. Any thoughts, opinions or best practise ideas welcome.

TIA,

Mark

[trunt]

I put mine on the door skin, ISTR that's how it was from factory. Then after I had to open it up a couple of times to adjust/fix the window mechanism I Moved it to the door card

[Stagnant spark]

I used visqueen that I had left over from some building works. I cut it to size then used impact adhesive to sick it to the back of the door cards but I did a belt and braces job and also fitted same to the door frame and kept the cut outs to the smallest possible size.
Only problem I find is the little metal clips that push into the nylon receivers in the door don't grip too well.
I sourced some black plastic "Christmas tree" push in pegs with a 15mm circular disc that does show on the face of the door cards but does the job of holding the cards to the door frame - even when giving the doors a good pull to shut them (as you do on a Stag😉)

[Davem62]

from the factory it was fitted to the door cards , but I used the carpet protection plastic from screwfix, which comes on a roll and self adhesive , makes sticking to the door easily.

[Philip Wardle]

From several sets of door cards I've looked at when trying to find out how to renovate mine, at different times I believe the factory changed from fitting it in one position, they briefly changed to the other, and then back again - can't recall which position they started and ended up with though. I put mine on the door skin, but with hindsight i agree its best to put it on the door card to make it easier to access to the bits and pieces in the door. On doorcards where the factory did it this way I've seen them leave a flap of plastic which extends just below and parallel with the bottom edge of the card.

[RWB]

Hi Mark, I am considering refurbishing my door cards and the side panels to the rear. The current door cards do not fit very well, there are quite large especially on the rearward opening part of the door which are more noticeable when the doors are closed. It's almost as if the cards are too small. Are yours similar?

[Philip Wardle]

We're not knowledgeable on the subject of actually fitting the door cards to the frame but this is our experience ...

It is probably the most frustrating job we did on our car (and that's saying something). We finally managed to install a second set of cards provided by Aldridge Trimming after sending the first set back owing to having excess vinyl puckered-up on the return edge, however we also have what appear to be excess gaps at the edges - I don't know if they're all like this. but we take some consolation from it being less annoying to the eye once the rest of the interior is in place.

The problem we never solved was to get the cards to fit tightly to the frame using the original fixings or similar variants e.g. as suggested in other threads here. Eventually we resorted to Ford Mustang clips, not ideal as these are metal-to-metal, let water through, and are supposed to be single use. Not a perfect solution but the cards haven't fallen off - so far.


gap at front.jpg

gap at rear.jpg

mustang clip.png

[RWB]

That looks very smart Philip. The clips are a good idea. A lot of mine will not hold the card tight to the door.

[trunt]

I have to confess that after having to remove it a few times to address the window motor, I eventually gave up and added a strategically placed screw in the bottom front and back corners and one just tucked under the pocket (so that its covered) which holds the top front edge tight.

I did use nice screws though!

[Philip Wardle]

Having a screw tucked under the pocket is a very good idea, this seems to be the worst place of all to get a close fit. Must admit I've seen some very tidy installations using some carefully chosen screws all round the edges, it's only me being stubborn about that has stopped me going down this route - to be honest it has got to be easier and solves the problem once and for all. Still arguing with myself.

[APS]

I found the proper metal clips and plastic sockets work just fine.

Though at first it did seem a struggle. Until I realised it was the plastic sockets that did not to take the clips too well, and it was because they were not deep enough. But once I slit them with a Stanley knife the clips go into them quite well. Even with removal and refitting of the door cards there has not been a problem.

[StokeyStag]

Hi Mark, I am considering refurbishing my door cards and the side panels to the rear. The current door cards do not fit very well, there are quite large especially on the rearward opening part of the door which are more noticeable when the doors are closed. It's almost as if the cards are too small. Are yours similar?

Hi,

My original cards are the correct size but are warped from water ingress and damp over the last 50 years so didn't fit snuggly against the door. Trial fit of the new bare cards looks good so hopefully will also when covered.

Many thanks to all who replied.

Mark