On the rears the fabric usually comes off with no tools or anything. It's hard plastic underneath so you shouldn't damage it while removing it. Just rip'er off! Once the fabric is off you'll be left with dried glue. As I said, you'll need to purchase a mild adhesive remover and go to work. This is the most time consuming part of the project. You should only need a old soft tooth brush and some old towels. It gets kinda sticky and messy, not to mention smelly, so I recommend doing this outside.
Total project time (for both) should be around and hour to hour and a half.
As for the door panels, I tried to remove the fabric without damaging the vinyl underneath but it seems to be near impossible. I might try again after I finish some more projects. I'll experiment with different adhesive removes then post a little "how to" with pics.
No fabric on my rear panels???
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- Regular Member
- Posts: 140
- Joined: July 24th, 2006, 12:00 pm
- Location: Ann Arbor MI
I pulled my fronts off the other day.
However, I didnt have to use any adhesive remover and didnt have any left over glue. The cloth came off pretty easy.
Start by Pulling the ends from the inside.
Do it evenly down the side of the panel.
Also be gentle because this is where you
could pull too hard and end up ripping the
foam off as well.



After getting the sides, work your way around
the creases on the upper part of the panel.
Once you start pulling a little you can work your
way to the door handle part.
Also be careful in this area because this is
where a snag can pull more than just the cloth.


Work your way all around the creases
and you will end up back where you started.
Youll need to turn the panel over an have a screwdriver handy.
To get the cloth off, youll need to pop these rubber pins out
that hold the Touch "button"

Ditto for the Opposite panel.
The Passenger side will also need to have the handle removed.
Once the two screws are out the hanle slides up and out.

This is where a little patience comes in handy.
Start pulling the panel off in a circular motion...
working your way around the entire panel.
Once you feel the cloth isnt budging...move down a little
and start pulling from there.
Once you have a good chunk of cloth,
I recommend having a little warm water+soap to spray on and let it sit to loosen the cloth up.
Also, its best to pull and use another hand to press down on the panel at the same time.
This will help eleminate stretching the foam covering and getting bubbles.


This way only took me about 10-15 minutes per panel.
Any little "bubbles" can be pressed in.
I plan on doing my rears later on...
However, I didnt have to use any adhesive remover and didnt have any left over glue. The cloth came off pretty easy.
Start by Pulling the ends from the inside.
Do it evenly down the side of the panel.
Also be gentle because this is where you
could pull too hard and end up ripping the
foam off as well.



After getting the sides, work your way around
the creases on the upper part of the panel.
Once you start pulling a little you can work your
way to the door handle part.
Also be careful in this area because this is
where a snag can pull more than just the cloth.


Work your way all around the creases
and you will end up back where you started.
Youll need to turn the panel over an have a screwdriver handy.
To get the cloth off, youll need to pop these rubber pins out
that hold the Touch "button"

Ditto for the Opposite panel.
The Passenger side will also need to have the handle removed.
Once the two screws are out the hanle slides up and out.

This is where a little patience comes in handy.
Start pulling the panel off in a circular motion...
working your way around the entire panel.
Once you feel the cloth isnt budging...move down a little
and start pulling from there.
Once you have a good chunk of cloth,
I recommend having a little warm water+soap to spray on and let it sit to loosen the cloth up.
Also, its best to pull and use another hand to press down on the panel at the same time.
This will help eleminate stretching the foam covering and getting bubbles.


This way only took me about 10-15 minutes per panel.
Any little "bubbles" can be pressed in.
I plan on doing my rears later on...
1993 MX-3 (Converting in Oct)
2004 MS6 (Repairing)
1982 Limited Edition Me (.04Hp)
2004 MS6 (Repairing)
1982 Limited Edition Me (.04Hp)