How to remove this interior door trim (83 Cabriolet)

mhackney · mhackney's Garage

I've looked in the factory repair manuals, searched here and afar and have scrutinized this part and can't figure out how it is attached! It is VERY solidly attached, no movement at all when I try to wiggle it. There is 1 screw at the top that I removed but it feels like the part is welded to the body! This is an 83 cab but perhaps there is something similar on Targas or later year cabs.

Jonny042 · Jonny042's Garage

It IS welded to the body!

And covered with vinyl (or leather perhaps).

mhackney · mhackney's Garage

lol then! So if I wanted to redye the leather on these, I have to do them in place?

MattTHEpainter · 07-07-2025, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mhackney

lol then! So if I wanted to redye the leather on these, I have to do them in place?

Yes, or remove the leather and redye. Alternatively, put a new piece on. Thats a fairly easy piece to redo.

MTN930 · MTN930's Garage

Right in the middle of this project. The previous posts are correct, the part is welded to the body. The part has foam rubber glued to it, with then vinyl or leather glued to the foam.

To remove the old piece you'll need to remove the plastic trim on the upper end, and (most likely) the aluminum door threshold carpet trim. Once you've done that, the vinyl/leather piece should simply peel off (as you see in the pics).

Here are some pics of what's underneath the vinyl/leather - the foam - in two shots. The other picture has the original leather piece, then two new ones I've cut out for reinstallation using some 3M spray adhesive. It's a simple project but does seem daunting at first.

Also, search the forum for others that have done this. Good luck!

mhackney · mhackney's Garage

Thanks! What year is your cab?

MTN930 · MTN930's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by mhackney

Thanks! What year is your cab?

1986.

BTW - finished up the R&R install about 30 minutes ago. The most lengthy part of the whole process was masking off and covering everything ahead of applying the spray adhesive. Absent that it took about 30 minutes per side to remove, cut, test-fit, trim, and then install.

Here are some pics of the finished result.