No vehicle’s interior panels are the same. They’re all installed a little bit differently, using an assortment of fasteners and clips. As a result, we often find ourselves struggling to disassemble interiors – especially in models we haven’t worked on before.
Wouldn’t it be nice to know exactly what we’re getting into before starting a job? The Interior Panel Removal Guide by MOTOR Information Systems aims to do just that. With disassembly instructions of interior components for over thirty makes, it’s a must-have reference guide for every auto upholstery shop.
The guide provides exploded views of door panels, instrument panels, floor consoles, door handles and door latches – saving auto trimmers loads of time in locating those hidden fasteners that cause us so much grief. The chapter on airbag system precautions also helps prevent any dangerous surprises while we work.
I see a lot of benefit in this book. It’s definitely not the type to read cover to cover, but it’s a great resource to keep around.
For example, if you ever need to remove a dashboard from a Porsche, having detailed schematics and instructions could keep you from making a costly mistake. With OEMs charging an arm and a leg for replacement parts, breaking an interior component can seriously cut into your profit margins. This book will help you to prevent that.
The latest volume of the The Interior Panel Removal Guide is available through MOTOR Information Systems, and costs over $100. However, I picked up an older edition – which covers vehicles made from 1991 to 2001 – from Amazon for just $15.
Do yourself a favor and order a copy today. You’ll be glad you did!
No its easy to figure door panels…no need!!
You’re right door panels don’t cause much trouble but even seasoned pros sometimes scratch their heads when disassembling dashboards, especially on late model European vehicles. Referencing some build sheets before tearing into an interior couldn’t hurt.
That would definitely come in handy. I actually lost about two hours trying to figure out how to take the dash out of an 1985 911 a few months ago. Finally stumbled upon a forum article that mentioned the windshield had to come out to access a few screws on the front of the day. Who would have guess on that one? I’m putting this on my Christmas list this year.
It would be my luck that the one car I need help with isn’tn covered in the book. I’ve come to expect to be stymied by at least one fastener, so go into a removal expecting it. I’m normally never disappointed.
The best for me was removing the headrest on a BMW seat when I first opened. I worked forever trying to get it out, looking for every possible release mechanism I could think of. Finally I remembered Don Taylor used a BMW seat in the General Auto Upholstery handbook. Looked in there and was told to grab the headrest and yank. LOLOL, the one thing I was not going to try for fear or tearing it up, and bingo, end of problem.
The steel entire body of the auto is always worth one thing, even if it is getting scrapped.
Junk Cars Cash is equipped with its own fleet of tow trucks offering services across
the length and breadth of the city. Venturing to a business that involves making custom cars.