Dodge Charger Door Panels v78

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This information will be educational for anyone in leather repair, vinyl repair, seat repair, car repair, aircraft refurbishing, painting and dyeing, and any mobile tech service.
This is not intended as a DIY channel.
I DO NOT SELL PRODUCTS. A detailed explanation is given for each step. As with all my videos, this illustrates my own personal preference based on decades of experience. Please note that I don't sell products and am not profiting from these videos nor are they sponsored. So if you have questions about the products then please contact your supplier. (Like they’ll know!)

[@BeRyan8923]

I followed the steps in this video to fix my very warped 2016 Charger passenger door panel, and it worked great. 3/8" staples worked well for me. For the epoxy step, I used J-B Weld plastic bonder but in hindsight, I would just spray paint the staples first to see how it looks. The epoxy covers the vinyl texture, making it noticeably different from the rest of the panels. If painting the staples doesn’t look good, I would recommend using a tiny amount, the equivalent of a drop on each staple, of the J-B Weld and finishing sandpaper (220, 600, 800) to smooth it out after it cures before painting. I used Krylon matte black plastic spray paint you can pick up at Lowes. Also, Dorman 963-227D push retainer clips are the exact match for Chargers and Chrysler 300s. This is the clip he mentions disappears, never to be seen again. You can get them at Advance Auto Parts but use their website to ensure compatibility with your vehicle. One last tidbit, if your doors are suddenly unable to be locked via the fob or switches in the car after putting the panel back on, try unlocking with the switch, then closing and opening the door from the inside. Finally, try locking with the switch or fob to verify it works. My guess is that opening the door with the inside handle resets the locking mechanism’s sync with the rest of the locks, and it starts working again. Thanks for the great walkthrough!

[@kathynewburn2707]

So I don't have a staple gun. I was going to buy one... It's there one that I need a certain p s I so it has enough power

[@kilroy2517]

@@kathynewburn2707 If you have access to an air compressor, buy a $30 air-powered staple gun from Harbor Freight. If you don't, you can rent an air compressor and staple gun from any local tool rental place, even Home Depot, for probably under $100 for a day. If that sounds like a lot of money, remember that to "fix" this the Chrysler way will cost about $1400. BTW, I did this fix about 18 months ago and it works perfectly and still looks great. This is the only way I've found that works.

[@gh0stcrz978]

What a stupid design, why the hell would they not just use staples in the first place?

[@brianweeks4584]

I just wanted to say thank you. This video was the best I found for fixing this particular issue. Thank you for the step by step instructions and including some alternative techniques. Your video is directly responsible for getting my charger's doors back in order. Thank you again!!

[@tave9011]

“Never to be found again “😂awesome!!!!

[@a.r.t.srealrepairsforrealc8247]

That's where all my tools must be!

[@joshinge3999]

2019 Charger all 4 doors doing this due to heat. Thanks for the video!

[@jacksonkline2275]

This happened on my 2014.. ended up replacing the whole panel. Thanks for the informative tutorial!

[@ynrt_5.772]

Wow awesome job.....good instructional video.....my 2018 charger door panels are doing this been wondering how to fix it.....wonder if an upholstery shop would offer this service as id probably screw it up 😂 kool vid appreciate the info 👍🏼

[@TheJoepeanut]

I just passed on one of theses repairs with all 4 doors damaged I was too afraid to break any of the panel upon removal they called another tech and they glued it down and it failed an hour later. I need to get out of my comfort zone thank you for posting now I know what to do

[@mwtriplett1]

I use two types of glue for these repairs. I use a slow drying gorilla glue that fuses the foam backing to the plastic door skin. Then I apply power gel for quicker cure. I clamp and weight the top of the panel to hold it all in place for 15min or longer. The powergel cures quick holding everything in place allowing the slower curing but much stronger bonding gorilla glue to continue curing over time. No failures as far as I know and best of all no door panel removal or staples to be seen from inside. Although I like this video allot and the staples I'm sure are a stronger repair I'm just not sure its necessary given dealers are looking for the cheapest fix to move the car off the lot. I own a charger btw and I charge $100 per panel for this repair. I'm not sayings it's the best way just offering up another option that's quick and durable.

[@a.r.t.srealrepairsforrealc8247]

@@mwtriplett1 Indeed I could have included a contact cement on the foam to panel connection to assist in holding. I may try that next time. Thanks

[@casheighty8]

I did this same repair but never thought about using a heat gun and epoxy to hide the staples! If only the factory used an inch more material for the uppers.

[@jimm1234]

so i did almost the same thing without staples as i was sure this material would rip at some point and a new door panel is 250 without shipping........... a heat gun , small clamps and epoxy. under the surface there is plenty of area for the epoxy to bond... first re shaping the material with the heat gun to relieve stress....then glue 3 points of your choice and clamp, leave it for an hour, do 3 more....and final edging with epoxy and all done.i used 2 double syringes and its hard as a rock now. breakdown of epoxy is about 150 degrees F so i think it should hold up...thanks for the video im 400 bucks richer today lol

[@Minkyu85]

Now I am ordering a stapler lol

[@a.r.t.srealrepairsforrealc8247]

Buy more stuff!😁

[@mttmg]

This is a very common problem on the Chargers, Chrysler 300s, and other cars too, in fact we did front door panels on a Porsche Cayenne the other day. Thanks for sharing, we often glue the material down with Weldwood contact cement first. As you have mentioned, there are different techniques , as long as the end result works and holds up and looks good that's what matters.

[@classsixupper3651]

My 300 had the same problem. I use gorilla glue. The 3 step one ( damp, glue, clap). It dries like a foam. It’s the only glue that works. It works perfect

[@poorboymike]

Could the gorilla gel work as well? I didn’t think just the normal glue would work

[@EAPonce-qr7sw]

Excellent Video, very detail, thanks a lot for sharing, you are the best

[@corporalsanders9981]

I've got a '23 charger. Looks like this has been an issue since around '14. Does anyone know if they addressed this issue in the newer models? If not I guess I'll be buying an pneumatic stapler in a few years. This was a good video. Thanks for posting!

[@JRRY-wb9js]

45K car and they couldn’t add an extra step to keep this from happening 🤦🏽‍♂️ like you said sir not too difficult surprisingly dodge would dare to say add the staple package for 2.5 k more

[@jayc4817]

Great video. What size staples you used btw ?

[@scottwathen7132]

Thanks for sharing. The epoxy is an interesting idea. I will give it a try.

[@guyhartal]

Just love your videos. Guy from Israel

[@cathylong3570]

Thank you for the info. Have 2 windows with the same issue on Chrysler 200 2015. Seems like its going to be a pain to take care. But appreciate the guidance.

[@friendlyworld5025]

Same on my 2013 charger 1st time dealer fixed it by replacing after 2 years warranty ended and it started again took it to a workshop who took a superglue and fixed it forever

[@amrindersinghrama]

Thank you so much

[@a.r.t.srealrepairsforrealc8247]

You're most welcome

[@mb4392]

I'm preparing to do one of these next week. Could you tell me what length of staples you use for this job?

[@boydlittou9446]

This is something dodge should replace for free. Im a gm man but my last chevy cruze bout broke that until i bought my dodge charger . Now my rattling front end and half ass built charger interior has put the cruze up a couple notches.

[@GerryWilton76]

Thanks for the video, it is exactly what I have been looking for... any tips on where to get stainless staples for the job?

[@a.r.t.srealrepairsforrealc8247]

Amazon

[@GerryWilton76]

@@a.r.t.srealrepairsforrealc8247 Thanks... unfortunately Amazon Canada doesn't seem to have them... I'll keep looking for a local supplier.

[@CIE504]

My 18 is doing that right now!

[@stevenclark640]

Awesome work thank you for the tutorial.

[@flippos]

Same in my GM Opel/Saturn Astra convertible.

[@mcmystos8803]

Thank you for the video

[@goose7574]

WOW! That looks so nice

[@transformationsawmillingst4110]

How much did you charge per door panel?

[@EON314]

I appreciate the video…but I’m not doing that I wanted to see how tedious it would be. Honestly I probably could but I don’t have to two tools you used and I’m sure I’m going to break off a clip and be pissed if I can’t put it back on(that’s what happened when I replaced the air vent)

[@scotthrivnak1986]

What kind of staple gun is that? My 2018 is now doing this because of heat

[@toran478]

Epoxy mix will bond without staples

[@alejandrovences1554]

Thank you sir!

[@rickeetaylor1721]

Thank you

[@dfwmb000]

What size of staples did you use ??? I need to do this to mine on both doors and center console too. And my driver door arm rest 😭😭

[@VTEC-YO]

this happened to my drivers side door and both sides of my center console on my 300

[@goose7574]

If you ever come across a 2014 For Explorer Sport with this issue that you fix, please let me know. This happened on my vehicle. I'm shocked, because I bought it new in Jun 2014, and it still doesn't even have 30k on it. I've "babied" it... Thank you PS- I have everything you're showing, stapler and heat gun. Maybe this video would be similar enough?

[@luknehyba5692]

im curious as to what type of paint you are using, and how you are getting a color match?

[@DurdenTyler21]

Is the door panel separation a problem for the 2020 and beyond models?

[@jaywockhardt]

you snapped❤🔥

[@IcarusTECH]

Any ideas on if the leather dashes on these (or more so the 300s) can be fixed in a similar manner? Mine is pulling from the front area and wrinkling badly now :(

[@silentagony1019]

Looks nice but I was hoping for a quick and easy fix without needing all those tools just to fix a panel. Can’t I just glue it back down? I don’t have a stapler, blow dryer, but maybe some epoxy. Can I just use that?

[@a.r.t.srealrepairsforrealc8247]

We are doing all we can here to steer people away from that. You should see the horror stories.

[@user-po3on8ws6j]

Very good

[@gelley46]

I'm wondering if this is a heat issue related to cars in the southern part of the United states. 🤷 I've owned three Dodge chargers a 2011, a 2015 scat pack, and a 2020 scat pack wide body. None of them have ever had door panel issues. However, I live in North and in the snow belt so my Chargers don't ever really bake in the Sun. Well not very long anyway.

[@sunshinewr123]

Where did you get your iron tip attachment for your ultra torch? Thanks for sharing your repair knowledge!

[@a.r.t.srealrepairsforrealc8247]

Yancey, I get everything from a couple of the major suppliers in the business. They'll have it for you. Thanks

[@Anthony-qj7qe]

Great video, well done. This door panel is one of the worst designs I've ever seen, the inner one is even worse to remove when you have to replace the lock actuator. the inner panel clips to the window!!... horrible design.

[@GOODINDAWOODS]

Are those a specific type of staple or size?

[@mikhanch1228]

I don't own a nail gun or air compressor or heat gun or clamps. Damn it.

[@tonyjaquez3595]

Nice video! You happen to have one of the shifter area? That's where mine is pulling back! Thanks

[@a.r.t.srealrepairsforrealc8247]

I have a picture of the shifter area all warped up. Not repairable as far as I'm concerned.

[@ML-pn5fx]

Lol to much work . I' need a simple fix. No extra . Some super glue will be just fine ,after seeing this.😂

[@ryanhuels5513]

What length staples do you use on the Charger doors? Thanks for the video.

[@BeRyan8923]

I used 3/8" and it worked perfectly. They look deep but the shallower staples don't get a good grip on the plastic. Make sure your staple gun power level is fairly high. You can use a hammer on any staples that aren't flush with the vinyl just don't hit it too hard.

[@badlilstang]

You don't mention the staples used or tool it's self!

[@Jesusrodriguez-fc1ei]

Do I need a compressor stable or it doesn’t matter ? Which one I get .

[@wootang1113]

My dodge charger is doing that above the center Ac vents.

[@Jay-oe2od]

So the door comes off in one piece or can you separate the bottom portion of the door?

[@sl5981]

Good deal, where are you located I need some work asap and how much?🙏🏾

[@NaifRumayli]

I have already fixed mine yesterday with stables but I didn't hide it , what's an easy way to hide the stables

[@a.r.t.srealrepairsforrealc8247]

I have started using a foam strip. Stick on with gel superglue.

[@JohnWhite-ll7ek]

Sorry if this has been asked, but what size staples are you using? And could you also use black caulking instead of two-part epoxy?? I use caulking to hide nails in base trim, just wondering.

[@a.r.t.srealrepairsforrealc8247]

3/8 leg 3/8 crown stainless. Yes use whatever you already have for hiding the staples. In one of the videos I did a follow-up showing the 1/2 wide self adhesive foam which I adhere using thick superglue gel which gives time for repositioning. Suggestion comes from Mike who comments here. Best appearance of anything I've tried.

[@broo148]

Which video shows the update with the foam? I can’t find it

[@WouterHendrickx79]

Just did this in my 2012 charger, except used a permanent marker for the black into the epoxy, does this work on the center console at the shifter ?

[@a.r.t.srealrepairsforrealc8247]

Thanks for reminding me! I'll post an example.

[@kilroy2517]

Not a pro, just a Charger owner. Been looking for a good way to repair my doors. Staples seem to me to have an inherent problem in that you're perforating the vinyl. Never had one tear?

[@a.r.t.srealrepairsforrealc8247]

No, in fast most of the time staples would be used in the industry except for the fact that in modern production there is always a way found to do the assembly of parts quicker and cheaper and with less human interaction. I've often said that every car should be sold with a sewing machine and an air stapler in the trunk!

[@kilroy2517]

@@a.r.t.srealrepairsforrealc8247 Thanks!

[@yeentem1570]

Staples are used on the door panel armrests to secure the vinyl, not sure why they didnt do the door panel consider this problem is years old.

[@kilroy2517]

@@a.r.t.srealrepairsforrealc8247 Did this repair about a year an half ago - worked perfectly and 18 months later still looks great. The one thing I didn't do is the epoxy to hide the staples. I just got a can of flat black spray paint and did that. I'm not worried about anybody noticing this repair - it's so common that anybody interested in buying a Charger probably knows about it.

[@paulandmegian9139]

I need that air powered staple gun! Will just a normal staple gun work?

[@paulandmegian9139]

A hand held staple gun will not work. doesn't have the power to penetrate the plastic consistently. I'm going to get a pneumatic gun and try again. I was using t50 staples and they kept bending.

[@kathynewburn2707]

Can somebody help me by what kind of stapler I need to buy and staples

[@stillltippin5758]

you think you used enough staples art? :P

[@usernamenotfound7479]

I’m having this issue but instead of it being on the top of the door panel it’s on the bottom where the leather meets the cloth jus above the armrest how would I go on bout fixing the leather peeling up from there

[@a.r.t.srealrepairsforrealc8247]

That can be stapled in place too but it's not pretty.

[@kathynewburn2707]

2 doors need fixed. And my console

[@marlenelebouef3362]

What kind of staple gun are you using. I just bought one and it putting the staples too deep at 70 psi.

[@a.r.t.srealrepairsforrealc8247]

Depth of staples is dependent on air pressure.

[@knightroddder]

Do u bend the staples on the back side?

[@a.r.t.srealrepairsforrealc8247]

no

[@morganadams7985]

Hey mate .I couldn’t find an email to send a question so I’m just doing it on here. Have you had to work yet on some of the new vehicles that have that synthetic material. It has like a stain proofing coating. I know Tesla’s have them like vegan leather or something like that. I’ve only had to repair one but it was quite problematic and have heard other techs having nightmares.I’m concerned about adhesion!With companies trying to go more green I’m assuming we’re going to see more of the synthetic leather than the real stuff. What are your thoughts, could you please do a video? I’ve seen them in Tesla, the new RAV4 and some Honda’s. Thanks mate. Love your video’s.

[@a.r.t.srealrepairsforrealc8247]

Yes, the Tesla urethane is especially slick on the surface. We addressed urethane fabrics at the seminars over the years but I haven't had one that I could video. All the Teslas I've worked on were "customer waiting" Welcome to wonderful world of crap the public is expected to just accept and be happy with. Tesla urethane is a picture of what is happening to every segment of society as I see it. Thank you, I'll look for an opportunity.

[@MLEB723]

Couldn't this be glued instead of stapled?

[@a.r.t.srealrepairsforrealc8247]

Anything that has pressure on it...say NO to glue.

[@poorboymike]

So I’m going to have to use glue instead of staples. Which glue do y’all recommend? I’m leaning towards the gorilla super glue gel but I don’t know if that’s the best option or not

[@a.r.t.srealrepairsforrealc8247]

Glue only works in applications where there is no opposing force. It won't work here.

[@TuffLuck392]

I went the same route. It held for only a few weeks. I'll be trying the staple option

[@jessicaeltringham530]

I used heavy dut DAP landau top glue. It worked for a couple months and then peeled again

[@mailerodriguez3117]

Liquid nails

[@mailerodriguez3117]

Theres another video about it but you have to fill in the gap and use wood and clamps to hold it until it dries. takes a day or two but it works well and doesn't effect the texture of the vinyl

[@Instructor9098217881]

Wow you’re amazing.i have that same vehicle you worked on. I wish I had your talent

[@hannahcurry9750]

My 2019 is having this same issue😭

[@silvermadero1186]

Where are u located ? I have same issue with my car

[@Ghostshooter7777]

Hello where can I get your info? What would you charge if I was to ship my door panels to you? Thanks in advance

[@a.r.t.srealrepairsforrealc8247]

These videos hopefully will help any local repair tech fix your door panels. I am not soliciting any work here and in fact trying to retire. Thank you very much for your vote of confidence!

[@mandamank6846]

My charger doing the same shit

[@DurdenTyler21]

What year is your charger?

[@MarcusCoker1]

Yeeeeee all my fucking doors on my 17 charger are doing this likw wtf

[@terrencestraughtersr.4144]

Are you in Jacksonville FL

[@ElDoozy15]

Did you use just regular black paint ?

[@a.r.t.srealrepairsforrealc8247]

I am now using a foam strip. See later video updates.

[@joeczajkowski8112]

Thanks for a great video, this problem just presented itself on my 2017 300. What type of foam strip do you suggest? or can you tell us which video you use it in. Thanks for your help. I will be doing this in the very near future.@@a.r.t.srealrepairsforrealc8247

[@tearyllshunick8458]

Wich video is it where you use the foam strip instead of the epoxy

[@mickeysrc]

Hey, have you done the 99-2003 Acura TL or CL? The vinyl around the window switches separates. Can’t find a solution to fix.

[@z3rocool187]

Can i use a regular staple gun?

[@a.r.t.srealrepairsforrealc8247]

If you mean a manual stapler then no.

[@kathynewburn2707]

Is there anybody in the Omaha area that can fix for me...???

[@bobbyanderson1828]

What size staples you using?

[@a.r.t.srealrepairsforrealc8247]

The 3/8 x 3/8 stainless.

[@devincarr3112]

What size staples are used in this video?

[@a.r.t.srealrepairsforrealc8247]

22 ga. 3/8 length 3/8 crown. Thanks!

[@1cp2003]

What size staples

[@a.r.t.srealrepairsforrealc8247]

Use your regular 3/8 leg. I use stainless.

[@jurnagin]

I will try hot glue, has anyone used it, I hope it holds up

[@mickeynilljr]

Did it hold up????

[@jurnagin]

@@mickeynilljr I didn't use the hot glue but used super glue which done okay for a few months and now it has come back up, but I didn't take panel apart I just squirted glue under it and pressed it down, If I would have taken it apart I could have glued it better and held it with clamps

[@grapeeggplant3863]

Loved my charger for the last 3 years up until this. This is just lazy and careless. First and last dodge

[@kendralazard6613]

I agree ..it should have been stapled down then glued

[@grapeeggplant3863]

@kendralazard6613 it is glued, the problem is that the vynil warps with heat and deformed. It should have been a better heat resistant material and included some sort of clips or better securement engineering

[@TheMargo420]

Dodge is a pos. I have a Charger. Poor workmanship!