Phaeton door material failure

[Mr. Banker]

Greetings,

Please see attached photos. Trying to figure out the best way to secure the fabric back to the interior door without damaging the door frame. Any suggestions are appreciated.

[Ranger Smith]

I would possibly try some spray glue behind it and then maybe a plastic putty knife to push the material back in.

[brandss]

This kind of thing drives me crazy and I don't know that the fix will be easy. Not being there to feel it, look at it, my first reaction would be to research a glue that would bond fairly quickly but also go through a syringe. I would start on a section the farthest part from the door frame, window frame, and insert glue. I would then roll out the material on the glue and work toward the door frame.

The problem with this method is I don't know how pliable the material is and I wouldn't want it rolling over on itself creating a crease. I think I would go into with the attitude of it doesn't hurt to try something but I may have to replace the entire material, top to bottom. Let us know how it turns out.

[Hpozzuoli]

As much as it sucks the fix is somewhat easy. Pull off all the trim, handles, etc and wallpaper the door. I wouldn’t mess with the faux leather anymore. I just went thru and recovered all my seating in my 2012. Nothing is that original flex steel chosen crap anymore. The door is my last project when/if it fails.

[DRM901]

Unfortunately, since so much of the covering has failed, I think the best option it to redo the whole door.

Pull the door lock hardware off, the window trim, etc. The glue you use will depend on what material you use.

I would use a wide plastic putty knife to push the material under the door frame trim. Use a roller to smooth it out as you go. Then, cut your holes and reinstall the trim.

[ernieh]

My first question would be "why has it failed"? I suspect that water is involved.

[DRM901]

Originally Posted by ernieh

My first question would be "why has it failed"? I suspect that water is involved.

Agreed. Our 2014 hasn't had this issue.

[High Road Travelers]

This exact issue has been going on for a while with Tiffin doors. There is another thread on this issue from maybe a year ago or so; I'll try to find it and post a link.
My door did this exact same thing on my 2018 Open Road and I called Tiffin and they shipped new material to a body shop that I selected and the body shop fixed it and Tiffin reimbursed me for it. I think this was in 2019.
It has held up great so far.
Thanks,

Edit: Here is the link. There are others you can search for also.
https://www.irv2.com/forums/f278/mai...ng-548865.html

[Mr. Banker]

Originally Posted by Hpozzuoli

As much as it sucks the fix is somewhat easy. Pull off all the trim, handles, etc and wallpaper the door. I wouldn’t mess with the faux leather anymore. I just went thru and recovered all my seating in my 2012. Nothing is that original flex steel chosen crap anymore. The door is my last project when/if it fails.

Unfortunately the steel trim at the outside edge is the problem. I don’t see any way how to insert/slip any material under that edge. The other trim for the glass and handles I agree are all easy to work with. Thanks for your comments.

[Mr. Banker]

Will do, and thanks for the comments.

[Mr. Banker]

Well I tried the plastic putty knife and it can’t get under the outside lip of the frame. I think when PTL builds these, the door must be built and then dropped into the frame. I only see a few screws on the door shell that looks like it holds it together. Thanks for your comments.

[DRM901]

Try a wide metal putty knife then, with masking tape folder over the end. Ideally, a thin bladed knife. Take it slow and easy.

[Mr. Banker]

Originally Posted by Mr. Banker

Greetings,

Please see attached photos. Trying to figure out the best way to secure the fabric back to the interior door without damaging the door frame. Any suggestions are appreciated.

Well I contacted PTL customer service and they advised that my door was out of warranty, but they would send the door skin and adhesive to me at no charge. I thought that was acceptable. Here is their response on how to remove and install the new skin:

“ ENTRY DOOR VINYL REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE
1)Remove the hardware, window, and plastic trim around the perimeter of the entry door.
2)Peel the vinyl off slowly to make sure that the wood panel beneath does not separate. A heat gun can help with this process if the vinyl is difficult to remove.
3)Apply a contact spray adhesive to both the exposed wood interior panel of the door, and to the backside of the new fabric. (product suggestion: 3M Hi Strength 90 contact adhesive) Follow instructions provided on the can.
4)Apply the vinyl to the door. Smooth out any wrinkles or bubbles toward the perimeter. For best results use a roller. Use a utility knife to trim the vinyl around the perimeter. Leave extra vinyl around the latch area, so it can be wrapped and adhered to on the back side.
5)Re-install the hardware, window, and plastic interior trim.”

Now all of us now that these doors have a very tight pressed edge that covered the material. So these instructions are not quite accurate as to how one can easily get the fabric under that edge. I did respond and ask to speak with a technician to clarify how to get the edge lifted etc.

Kevin

[DRM901]

I suggest you practice with your existing skin.