DIY - ABL using EL wire, and 3/16" tube

[Jamison711]

Originally Posted by camarorick

Thanks

When we did RickRay's car, it took us about 5 hours. Probably could have done it quicker, but we were really taking our time.... The longest part is the sanding of the trim ( just tape off the area you do not want sanded, and go to work ).

So the part that you sand is on the top of the inside where the clips are? Im confused on if you sand the outside or the inside which side is the paint on??

[TAG UR IT]

sand the inside edge of the insert. Top part which is at an angle and a tiny amount below. Re-reaf the directions so you understand fully before starting or you could end up having to buy a new $90 part.

[camarorick]

Originally Posted by TAG UR IT

Yeah...dumb move on my part. Oh well...live and learn. That's what DIRECTIONS are for...lol

The clear paint adhesive is called Bond-Tec Mul-TIE Adhesion Promoter and Tie Coat. It says Transtar Autobody Technologies INC 1033 on the red/black can. It goes down like a clear coat, but makes the paint stick to the panel. Also, I can bend the inserts and there is no spider webbing....YET...which I why I do my absolute best to keep it straight!

Thanks Doug....... I used regular clear coat, but it still caused me some grief. I had to apply many " VERY " light coats ( mist ) before finally adding a nice thick one ( too thick all at once, and the clear would develop cracks ). This Bond-Tec is something everyone needs if they attempt to repaint their trim

[Jamison711]

Originally Posted by TAG UR IT

sand the inside edge of the insert. Top part which is at an angle and a tiny amount below. Re-reaf the directions so you understand fully before starting or you could end up having to buy a new $90 part.

Ok and I'm guessing you have done the mod, is the electrical part pretty easy I'm not a electrician or anything, is it pretty self explanatory when u get all the parts then rd through the directions bc I'm getting pretty lost without seeing the parts myself an actually doing it I'm hoping when I actually do this that it's pretty easy just rd and do and take my time

[tightchevelle69]

tag, i got another question for ya! how are you reapplying the clips? i assume youre using somethin like 3m double sided adhesive tape, but how are you actually applying them so it all fits back together straight? i was thinkin maybe putting the clips back in their places on the dash with the adhesive on them and then putting the plastic strip on so that im sure to get it lined back up correctly. let me know how youre doin it or if there is a flaw in my idea!

[FwyFlyer]

Originally Posted by tightchevelle69

tag, i got another question for ya! how are you reapplying the clips? i assume youre using somethin like 3m double sided adhesive tape, but how are you actually applying them so it all fits back together straight? i was thinkin maybe putting the clips back in their places on the dash with the adhesive on them and then putting the plastic strip on so that im sure to get it lined back up correctly. let me know how youre doin it or if there is a flaw in my idea!

I bet the it was fun taking off the acrylic clip strip too!

[tightchevelle69]

Originally Posted by FwyFlyer

I bet the it was fun taking off the acrylic clip strip too!

i havent tried yet, but yeah its probly not the easiest part of the project! im waiting to see the results that tag has before i convince the wife to let me do it!

[FwyFlyer]

Originally Posted by TAG UR IT

.........instead of sanding, used Paint THINNER and simply rubbed the paint off the top which left me with the most KILLER clean line I've EVER seen...., put the 3M replacement tape back on, added the backing back on it, added mirrored finish tape to the back.........

Hey Tag, looking awesome!
So, paint thinner huh? it didn't react/attack the plastic at all? Also, where did you get the mirrored finish tape? it looks bronzy in the pic or is that the reflection from your lighting?
I have the IO interior and I switched from the digikey to the EL wire too (for the same reasons as you did) but I don't think I have sanded enough and have some minor scratches to buff out still. This is the progress so far:




I still have some tricks to try, but it's getting there thanks to everyone one this thread!

[TAG UR IT]

Need a few minutes...but I can't wait to do the write up for ya'll. This install is by FAR the most gratifying thing I've done...and I did it all on my own with the help of some great members by posting THEIR experiences.

You guys are going to love this. AND, the install is PERFECT. LOOKS PERFECT....DAY AND NIGHT. Be back in a bit to answer a few questions...just got home.

[TAG UR IT]

Originally Posted by camarorick

Excellent.... Glad you figured it out

What was that paint adhesive called ?

[IMG][/IMG]
Pictures are so much easier...

Originally Posted by camarorick

Thanks Doug....... I used regular clear coat, but it still caused me some grief. I had to apply many " VERY " light coats ( mist ) before finally adding a nice thick one ( too thick all at once, and the clear would develop cracks ). This Bond-Tec is something everyone needs if they attempt to repaint their trim

You are welcome! And, I think this is where the shop that painted my door panels SCREWED UP. I think they used clear coat (or none at all) on the inside of the door panel (WHERE IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN AND WHERE I TOLD TEHM TO SPRAY)...... Ugh....This Bond-Tec is AWESOME and like you said, is a MUST for ANYONE doing this mod!!!

Originally Posted by Jamison711

Ok and I'm guessing you have done the mod, is the electrical part pretty easy I'm not a electrician or anything, is it pretty self explanatory when u get all the parts then rd through the directions bc I'm getting pretty lost without seeing the parts myself an actually doing it I'm hoping when I actually do this that it's pretty easy just rd and do and take my time

Yep...just look up a few posts and you will see my blue inserts.

The electrical is super easy as long as you follow directions and read the thread. ASK questions if you get lost. Realize that if you get stumped, you might have to make this a two day project. You won't want to. But, you can't move on unless you get answers. If you have quetions, post up and/or send me or Rick a pm. But, I stress that you READ the directions and LOOK at all the pictures that have been posted. Easy stuff...and anyone can do it. I am no electrician either. And, I had no issues.

Originally Posted by tightchevelle69

tag, i got another question for ya! how are you reapplying the clips? i assume youre using somethin like 3m double sided adhesive tape, but how are you actually applying them so it all fits back together straight? i was thinkin maybe putting the clips back in their places on the dash with the adhesive on them and then putting the plastic strip on so that im sure to get it lined back up correctly. let me know how youre doin it or if there is a flaw in my idea!

You are a smart cookie! Here ya go. This is what I did.
Shows backer in place.

LEAVE THESE TWO METAL CLIPS IN PLACE! It'll hold the ends of the insert in so that it'll be aligned for the applique when you attatch it. One on either side...


Then, grab your 3M double sided automotive trim tape. VERY easy to find......ANY parts store has them






Basically, you have the backer and the applique separated. After you clean both the applique and teh backer of the double sided trim tape, you take off ALL the center backer's clips. Take those metal things off and leave only the side metal connectors in place. That way, we can have a good refrence point and it won't be difficult for you to take off after you get it started.

You can see how I pulled it back off and it was easy...the clips are missing.

Originally Posted by FwyFlyer

I bet the it was fun taking off the acrylic clip strip too!

Not really. But, it wasn't difficult. Just use that exacto or razor knife to cut the adhesive that's holding them together. DO NOT SCRATCH your paint!

Originally Posted by tightchevelle69

i havent tried yet, but yeah its probly not the easiest part of the project! im waiting to see the results that tag has before i convince the wife to let me do it!

Originally Posted by FwyFlyer

Hey Tag, looking awesome!
So, paint thinner huh? it didn't react/attack the plastic at all? Also, where did you get the mirrored finish tape? it looks bronzy in the pic or is that the reflection from your lighting?
I have the IO interior and I switched from the digikey to the EL wire too (for the same reasons as you did) but I don't think I have sanded enough and have some minor scratches to buff out still. This is the progress so far:




I still have some tricks to try, but it's getting there thanks to everyone one this thread!

If you repaint your inserts, paint thinner is YOUR FRIEND. But, use the paint thinner as best you can while the paint is still wet. Paint thinner didn't hurt the plastic.

Mirrored finish tape. YOu can get it just about aywhere. I go mine at an autoparts store

[TAG UR IT]

You can fix those scratches easily. In fact, go to the hardware store and get the 3M headlight buffing stuff. Use the headlight buffer on fixing thte applique....SO Much faster....

[Mindz]

Wow Tag,

Can we get a picture of the whole dash?

That color looks awesome!

[tightchevelle69]

tag, you are awesome! thanks for all the info and pics, its gonna help out a lot!

[TAG UR IT]

Pix of the entre dash will come soon. I want to show everything at once.

chevelle, you are welcome! LOVE doing this stuff. Remember to take your time if you give it a go. Also, study the pix because there's other stuff I forgot to say....like using the soft side of velcro tape along the bottom of where the dash insert goes in. It's like using flock tape...which I can't find anywhere. But, the reason for using the soft velcro side (cutting it into VERY thin strips as you see above) is to keep the light from seeping out below the insert.

Also, you must be VERY careful at how high you put the foil (mirrored) tape. If you put it too high, you can see the shiny tape through the sanded, clear topped insert. Once you put it on, hold your insert up to the dash and see if you can see the tape (this is w/out the backer on it). If you can see the tape, it peels up easily and you can just fold it over and push it back down to a lower position. Thumbnails work just fine on it. You'll see.




ALSO....>Rick....


I think you mentioned not wanting to take out the speedo cluster for fear of something happening. It's so easy to do...and you get the other ABL connector too.

The telescoping steering wheel pulls right out and gives you so much room....you won't hit anything. Just pull the lever down below the steering wheel and pull the wheel down and then to you. You have TONS of room to remove the gauge cluster. Hope that helps.

If ANYONE wants to remove the gauge cluster, use that telescoping steering wheel feature.