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Impala Carbon Fiber Trim Installation |
Introduction
The 2004 newer Impala SS and uses a carbon fiber
look trim instead of the simulated wood trim on the dash bezel and door panels
for a much sportier look. The trim is only available as part of the dash
bezel and door panels and is therefore a cost prohibitive swap. It's
nearly impossible to find the parts in salvage yards, so the only solution, do
it yourself...
Parts
Here is a list of the parts and supplies needed:
| Carbon Fiber Vinyl | Avery 15" x 2 Yards (Enough extra for practice) |
| Trim Screws | Qty 25, #10 1/2" Long (5/8" is ok, but will require spacer washers) |
| ABS Cement | Oatey ABS Cement |
| Spray Adhesive | 3M Super 77 Spray Adhesive |
Installation
Front Door Panels:
- The front door panels are attached to the door using 8 screws, 4 of which are #2 Phillips, and 4 of which are T-30 Torx. Remove the door panel by removing the 8 screws, the handle bezel, the window switch pocket and then prying the push-in fasteners from the door.
- In order to remove the trim from the panel, you must drill out the three trim posts that are melted to the back of the panel. Be sure that the post is completely free of the panel. Be very careful removing the trim because it is easy to break the posts off. Use a screw driver to push the posts back through the panel.
- Now that the trim is removed, clean the trim with alcohol and then apply the carbon fiber vinyl to the trim piece. Be sure that there are no air bubbles under the vinyl and that it wraps around to the back of the trim.
- After the vinyl is applied, insert the trim back into the door panel and using the trim screws, secure the trim from behind.
- Reinstall the door panel and repeat on the other front door.
Click On Image to Enlarge
Rear Door Panels:
- The rear door panels are attached to the door using 6 screws, 2 of which are #2 Phillips, and 4 of which are T-30 Torx. Remove the door panel by removing the 6 screws, the handle bezel, the window switch pocket and then prying the push-in fasteners from the door.
- The rear doors have a piece of Styrofoam that covers a couple of the posts. To remove it, use a putty knife and work it under the foam breaking the glue bond. Be very careful not to break the foam
- In order to remove the trim from the panel, you must drill out the three trim posts that are melted to the back of the panel. Be sure that the post is completely free of the panel. Be very careful removing the trim because it is easy to break the posts off. Use a screw driver to push the posts back through the panel.
- Now that the trim is removed, clean the trim with alcohol and then apply the carbon fiber vinyl to the trim piece. Be sure that there are no air bubbles under the vinyl and that it wraps around to the back of the trim.
- After the vinyl is applied, insert the trim back into the door panel and using the trim screws, secure the trim from behind.
- Spray the piece of Styrofoam that was previously removed with spray glue and re-apply it to the back of the door panel
- Reinstall the door panel and repeat on the other rear door.
Click On Image to Enlarge
Dash Bezel:
- The dash bezel is attached to the dash with five screws and push-in fasteners. The lower dash trim on the driver's side must be removed to remove one of the bezel screws. There is a bezel screw under each fuse panel cover and two screws above the cluster. The trim ring around the ignition key must be removed CAREFULLY as well. Disconnect the Traction Control and Hazard harnesses in order to remove the bezel from the vehicle.
- The trim pieces are attached to the bezel the same way as the door panels, the posts are melted. You must drill out these posts as well to remove the trim. There is a small collar that holds the trim piece to the rubber ignition surround. This must be removed as well
- Now that the trim is removed, clean the trim with alcohol and then apply the carbon fiber vinyl to the trim piece. Be sure that there are no air bubbles under the vinyl and that it wraps around to the back of the trim.
- After the vinyl is applied, insert the trim back into the door panel and using the trim screws, secure the trim from behind. BE VERY CAREFUL with the four screws nearest the passenger door. The trim is very thin and the screws may easily go through the front of the plastic.
- Reinstall the dash bezel.
Click On Images to Enlarge
Tips:
- A heat gun or hair dryer will make it much easier to form the vinyl around the openings for the light switch, fog light switch, ignition cylinder, and radio/hvac controls.
- The trim posts on the dash bezel are too wide for screws to catch, so put some of the ABS glue in the post and allow it to dry before screwing it in
- The trim posts on the dash bezel are narrow in spots, so be careful not to tighten the screw too much or it will come through the front of the plastic. Small washers can be used as spacers to keep the screw from going in too far.
- If there are some air bubbles left once the pieces are covered in vinyl, you can take a small pin to poke a hole in the middle. Force the air out of the bubble with your finger and make sure the vinyl is flat. The vinyl will settle and the pin-hole will not be visible
- A small drop of super-glue can be used on the edge of the vinyl to keep it from lifting, especially around curves