Re Trimming The Door Cards & Dash Plastics - VW T5 Camper Project

One thing I knew I wanted to do was tidy up the cab and make it feel a little less 'van'. The best way to do it is to trim the A & B Pillars, Headliner, Lower dash panels & Doorcards in Suede to get rid of the cheap looking plastics. I use Milano Suede Dark Grey 620 which is available from a few places and is hands down the best/easiest material of this type I have used. It is stuck down with contact adhesive. The light surround & sunvisors are painted with PRO XL Pro tex paint in black.
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[@alexjones8296]

Therapeutic viewing again! Thanks, Dan. Top quality job and wow! What a huge difference the trimming is going to make, when it all gets put back in. This is definitely going to go beyond your original plan; you can’t help yourself!🤣❤️👏

[@DanChambersDAC]

Thank you Alex, Yeah I can see it already getting out of hand 😂

[@wandango5913]

I bought my Milano suede from AS -trim online, great product to work with, I cocked up the passenger side seatbelt hole but luckily the seatbelt covered it, after that I bottled it for the fuse cover and was contemplating doing the top dash, cracking job Dan 👌🏻 keep them coming, I used plastic filler on the curry hook

[@DanChambersDAC]

Awesome bud, Great product and so forgiving. I wouldn't do the dash top as they never look right. You can't get a neat finished edge around the glovebox or the glovebox latch.

[@h12st_d63]

You can tell your on a well trodden path, make it look so easy! Loving the work DC 👌🏻

[@DanChambersDAC]

😂 Done this a few times. I much prefer recording videos when I actually know what I am doing!

[@JohnWD40TC02]

Looks like you are progressing well on the T5 Dan, all these small and fiddly parts seem to take ages to get finished but when they are it makes a huge difference to the look of the van, you did a great job on the door cards a very professional result. Sounds like there are exciting times ahead so looking forward to the next instalment👏🙏👍

[@DanChambersDAC]

Thank you bud, Slowly getting there with it! So worth spending the time on things like this! makes such a difference. Some big things happening in the next couple of weeks.

[@KevBryce]

This is something I need to do to my tired looking plastics. Thanks for the video showing how to go about it, great work. 👍

[@DanChambersDAC]

Thank you bud, Glad you enjoyed it.

[@charlesmott8863]

Cheers Dan, I am doing my door cards at some point, as I am now recovering from bone marrow cancer, 40 days since Stem cell treatment and things appear to be going the right way! Cannot wait to get back to my van :D Good content and keep it up.

[@DanChambersDAC]

Thank you for watching bud, Awesome news! Glad you are getting better. Hope this series will help with ideas for your build bud. All the best with your recovery.

[@scopex2749]

I'll have to try this. I have dyed my plastic in the cab eith show polish (dont laugh IT WORKS) use the stuff in the little queeze bottle with a sponge on it. Kiwi something I think. I even did my bumpers with it to see how it was in rain storms - NO PROBLEMS. But the 4 way stretch looks better and adds to the soundproofing. On top of the dodo mat, thermo liner and Dodo fleece the van is now quieter than a Bentley! I have turned my over head cab storage into a new overhead mount for my head unit. Entended all the wires and it means its easier to see above your head. It then frees up the original hole in the dash as an extra storage cubby or lighting switches. I currently have a reverse camera monitor in there. GREAT VID CHEERS

[@toast6135]

Hi Dan, the hook near the gearstick that nobody knows what it's for - it's a take-away hook. Hang your bag of Indian or Chinese up so it doesn't fall over in your foot well 😁

[@DanChambersDAC]

Cheers, The hook comment was more of a joke!

[@sed237]

The Hook on the Steering Column Cover is meant to be used for any type of carrier bag that you need to use for your groceries or for a quick corner shop dash. I also frequently use it to place the wrist strap on my umbrella onto it, which saves throwing the wet and dripping umbrella into the passenger footwell and then getting it all muddy and filthy.

[@ian_morg]

Looking very smart Dan! Well done! Obviously the hook below the gearstick is for your Chinese takeaway to reward yourself after doing all your mods 😍😎👍🏻

[@karlp4443]

Yes, it’s for hanging bags on. Chinese takeaway being a perfect example 👍

[@DanChambersDAC]

Thanks bud, it was more of a joke!

[@DanChambersDAC]

Cheers bud, it was more of a joke!

[@ian_morg]

@@DanChambersDAC sounded more like a T5Forum question 😂😂

[@supdus]

love all the different colours used to contrast eachother - gunna be a 50 shades of grey camper van - this thing is going to be rockin? banging? its going to be really nice when your done

[@DanChambersDAC]

Cheers bud, I can see me changing the colour of the outside of the van!

[@Simon_W74]

Might be worth trying a Dealer for the grab handles as they can sometimes surprise you by being cheaper than second hand parts off of eBay. Looking the dogs dangles so far. With the headlining could you carefully trim the excess off that didn't quite play ball. It could save the headlining and save you having to re trim it later on. The hook on your lower dash is what is called a Curry hook. You simple put the handles of a carrier bag from a takeaway over the hook and it should keep the bag upright and your food intact.

[@DanChambersDAC]

Cheers dude, not a bad shout. Will give TPS a shout next week. Headliner had to be removed for something else anyway so will re trim that. Cheers, The hook comment was more of a joke!

[@Smoovindecat]

Great tip for anyone watching this or generally messing with plastic stuff... if you have an area of panel you can sacrifice (that you don’t see for instance) you can often cut a small biter slither away and melt it back over your tabbed ares of plastic weld... for instance in the rear speaker grill here. Same applies to headlight units or bumpers! You’ll know it’s the same plastic because you cut it away from the same bit of plastic

[@timbird5494]

Looking fantastic mate I've done similar on mine just need to take your time 👍👍

[@DanChambersDAC]

Thanks bud, So worth spending the time to do it. Makes such a difference.

[@preneshpakkiri5565]

Well done buddy awesome stuff keep up the good work 👏 🙌

[@DanChambersDAC]

Thank you bud.

[@martinsherred8302]

Excellent content as ever Dan.👌

[@DanChambersDAC]

Thank you Bud.

[@downnoutmotors]

Going to get some from my mk1 build.. nice work mate

[@DanChambersDAC]

Great stuff. bud. Very forgiving.

[@FunVans]

A good cheap product for anyone looking to just clean the textured plastics, in place of brake cleaner, is kitchen All Purpose Cleaner mixed with water (1part apc to 10parts water) in a plant spray bottle. Then follow same logic with brush to agitate and towel to lift grime. Also works well on rubber cab floor and steering wheels too. Any really tough stains can also be tackled with swafega and a brush or a swafega wipe.

[@DanChambersDAC]

Great tip bud! Thank you.

[@colindyson8788]

Let’s face it, this is going to end up far higher quality than you originally planned.. so you may as well do the paint now..

[@DanChambersDAC]

😂 I know

[@colindyson8788]

@@DanChambersDAC I think the front end needs to change too.. as your working with and highlighting the best products in the market. You should look what is the best available It’s going to be difficult to stay individual and I’m glad that’s what you are trying to do. As it’s been built on the final wheels. Do u feel the need to change?

[@rwvaletinganddetailing4431]

The only bad thing about your videos! Is time spent waiting for the next 1 😂. Excellent content as always 👍

[@DanChambersDAC]

😂 Glad you enjoy them bud. I really want to be uploading 2 a week if I can.

[@rwvaletinganddetailing4431]

@@DanChambersDAC that’s suits me mate haha. Always brilliant content, can’t wait for the workshop vlog keen to see how good that’s looking👍

[@finbarh6]

I've done the door cards before not an easy feet you did well, id recommend sanding the plastics gives a way better grab once glue on both sides

[@RetroRewind77]

Looking good dude 👊🏻

[@DanChambersDAC]

Thank you bud.

[@Kai77884]

Hello Dan a great video perfect job 👍👍👍greetings from Germany 🇩🇪 👋👋👋Kai 🙏🛠🔊

[@DanChambersDAC]

Thank you bud, Hope you are well.

[@johnrowell942]

Great way to upgrade the the cab

[@DanChambersDAC]

Thank you bud.

[@davebrowning2943]

It’s a take away hook brother. Loving the videos only bad thing is I’ve caught up now so I have to wait for my next fix. Keep it up..

[@DanChambersDAC]

Cheers, The hook comment was more of a joke. Thanks for watching, Glad you enjoy the content 👊

[@Elitevolkswagens]

Good work bro! I’ve enjoyed trimming mine but still need to grow balls for the door cards… 😂

[@DanChambersDAC]

Get them done bro. Not too bad with a bot of time.

[@vr6280]

Another great inspiring video :) :)

[@DanChambersDAC]

Thank you bud, Glad you enjoyed it.

[@davehull9142]

The hook is for hanging shopping/take away/carrier bags from to stop them falling over.

[@DanChambersDAC]

Cheers bud, it was more of a joke!

[@alexanderson7357]

You can get dark grey grab handles and interior light from Mk2 Skoda Octavia. My car is a 2012 with a dark grey headlining and the lights and handles match.

[@DanChambersDAC]

Thanks for the tip bud, Will give them a look.

[@gsdbeattie5233]

Looks great. How are the A-pillar trims holdibg up colour wise, any fade?

[@timsiggs7993]

Great work! I think the hook you refer to is for securing you take away curry etc from falling over.

[@DanChambersDAC]

Cheers bud, it was more of a joke!

[@timsiggs7993]

@@DanChambersDAC silly me!

[@alexrutterford6358]

Hey Dan - great video. I stumbled upon it whilst researching how to make my T5.1 cab a nicer place. I don’t suppose you have a link to the spray paint you used? I think this would be perfect for me. Thanks in advance.

[@jonathanluce9130]

Those hooks I think are for holding a carrier bag to stop it flying around.

[@DanChambersDAC]

Cheers, The hook comment was more of a joke!

[@1kswatkins]

Any chance you could let us know where you got the material from and how many meters of each I need. Looks good by the way

[@bagnalldave7365]

The hook is also known as a curry hook, ideal for holding your takeaway curry etc without the bag rolling all over the floor and staining your lovely carpets

[@DanChambersDAC]

Cheers bud, It was more of a joke. Didn't really come off in the video though 🤦‍♂️

[@bagnalldave7365]

@@DanChambersDAC sorry it had been a long day and I was flagging😆

[@caidelton2557]

The hook is for your shopping bags 👍 I used it all the time 😂

[@DanChambersDAC]

Cheers bud, it was more of a joke!

[@colinthomson3763]

Hi Dan great job. Looking for a wee update on your own garage transformation. And are the parts starting to come in for the beetle/golf project

[@DanChambersDAC]

Cheers. Workshop is waiting on the fabricator to finish off his part so not a lot has happened. MK2 I still need to sell the air ride I bought in error to be able to get on with anything.

[@jamesmeyers2262]

Hi when you did the a pillar how did you get round the vents or did you spray them ? 🤔

[@NOGAutomotive]

From the thumbnail, I thought you were making an apocalyptic zombie ram onto the front of the van for a second 😂

[@DanChambersDAC]

😂

[@kristijancoric3604]

That hook Dan that is on the big piece of plastic trim that nobody knows what is for is so you can hang the plastic bag for your trash😉...Any specific reason why the front doors and floor under front seat were not covered in sound deadening? Pleasure to watch as always.

[@grantwhyman3126]

When buying fabric you need to ensure you get any additional from the same dye lot. No two batches are identical and thats likely why you have the colour difference with your additional fabric.

[@DanChambersDAC]

Yup. Hopefully will get some to match.

[@anthonydeary8600]

Looks rad!!! Check out Skoda vrs for black sun visors and cab light..

[@DanChambersDAC]

Cheers for the heads up dude.

[@molsky13]

great job be careful what your breathing in with those chemicals

[@DanChambersDAC]

I lost my mask and the new one hadn't arrived.

[@A_wilson9]

How much suede was required for the 2 door cards and dash trims? 10m plenty I assume?

[@welliott2961]

Hi Dan when you went over the speaker grills has that made a difference to the sound. Cheers wayne

[@danbruffell]

Have you ever take the top of the dash off to re-cover? I'm desperate to do mine as I dislike the glare from the windscreen.

[@Cadhlasreactions]

You’ve inspired me to give this a try! Could you share where you purchased the suede?

[@DanChambersDAC]

Do it bud! Just google Milano Suede.

[@adamshaw3485]

The carpet for the pockets is that the same as the carpet you would use in the back? Do you think it possible to put a different fabric over the top bit of the door card?

[@DanChambersDAC]

No the carpet in the pockets is acoustic so I think has a more open weave to allow sound through. You could do although I left it as it matches the top of the dash. I wouldn't trim the dash top as i have never seen one that looks good due to the material bunching up.

[@leightonwatkins7253]

Loving this DC where did you buy the fabric from should like to do mine and what’s the paint you use for visors?

[@DanChambersDAC]

Thank you bud, If you Google 'Milano Suede' it should come up. I used Pro XL Pro Tex paint on them dude.

[@andrewjarvis2770]

Can’t wait to do this to mine. do you still have the original driver seat Orbison it skipped?

[@DanChambersDAC]

Hi, Sorry I sold the original seat as soon as it came out!

[@leestevenson3821]

Cracking vid as always Dan, totally transformed the cab, looks mint. What spray did you use for the visors ?👍

[@DanChambersDAC]

Thank you bud, It is called PRO XL Pro Tex

[@adriancaliman4467]

Awesome job. Was it mandatory to split the door card in chunks ? Wasn't it possible to do the pockets directly on the door card?

[@jeanbaptiste224]

@Danchambers nice one as always! Will you remap the van at some point?

[@DanChambersDAC]

Thank you bud, It is on the possibility list.

[@TommyCairano]

Hi Dan. look nice panels with this fabric, how many meters you buy to retrim? Thanks🤝

[@DanChambersDAC]

Thank you bud. 5 metres should do all that.

[@MarcusHorwood]

Mate what acoustic carpet did you use as you have not listed it ??????

[@projectlife84]

Hi mate just quick question ? How you paint under the strap on the visor ??? I left mine lol.

[@DanChambersDAC]

Hi bud, I didn't 😂 Figured it would never be seen.

[@clungebucket23]

Daft questions alert ; i assume the trim doesn't affect the sound from the speakers ?...also, i'm considering getting some Suedeflex from Harrison trims, but the samples (backed and unbacked) only seem to stretch in one axis, does the stuff you use stretch both ways... in the way that 4-way stretch carpet copes with composite curves, maybe i'm overthinking this but i don't want to waste time and money on difficult materials....and where did you put yr sub? mine has been removed temporarily from under the front bench passenger seat prior to the main conversion

[@ChatMotorsport]

looking good Dan, the hook is for your curry! when trimming the door cards, did you not think about adding some thin foam for a more luxurious feel under the suede?

[@tadge74]

The foam scrim backed suede feels nice but kinks easily and wont stretch enough around tricky areas we use a combination of backed and non backed at work 👍

[@DanChambersDAC]

Cheers bud, The hook comment was more of a joke. As the below comment says, using foam backed would have taken the stretch away from the material.

[@andrewgraham1365]

Dan what was the material you used where the speakers are mate .

[@ruselltribe4725]

How are the doors holding up to dust as i looked at doing mine but people kept saying they will attract a lot of dust. Cheers

[@DanChambersDAC]

Absolutely fine. I am NEVER clean and drive the van a lot. they clean well.

[@robinfuller747]

The hook was to hang your lunch bag on to keep it off the floor ...German thing

[@DanChambersDAC]

Cheers bud, it was more of a joke!

[@Pro100_Andriska]

I think it's a hook for a short umbrella 24:40

[@Simon-sv6qe]

How many meters did you buy mate planning on doing my interior on my polo how many rolls should i purchase ?

[@DanChambersDAC]

Hi bud, 5m should be enough.

[@gavinbalecke3170]

Great vid dan. How about you hand stitch a DAC industries patch into the headliner?

[@DanChambersDAC]

Cheers bud I quite like subtle things. Can't stand companies that go putting their logo on everything.

[@gavinbalecke3170]

@@DanChambersDAC I was thinking that may cover the little area your not happy with save spending out on more material and redoing. Loving your work and the channel. Looking forward to the workshop build too.

[@mattellis3349]

Hi Dan, what paint did you use, was it the same as when you sprayed the bumpers?

[@DanChambersDAC]

Hi bud, Yes same stuff. Pro XL Pro Tex Black

[@adiehull]

Looks class Dan! 👌🏼 Can you do my door cards for me please??

[@DanChambersDAC]

Thank you bud! Well worth the effort. If I had the time I would do!

[@leightonwatkins7253]

Dan how many mitres of material did you use looked on the company you said they do 1.5m buy 10m would that be enough ? Also it says foam back is this the right one

[@davewillett4058]

Hi Leighton, I have the same question, how many metres and foam back or not??

[@Cha053ngine]

Can you link to the carpet(s) you bought? Specifically which acoustic carpet you used for the inside bits. And I think you said 5meters of the Milano stuff?

[@DanChambersDAC]

Sorry I can't post links. If you Google 'Milano Suede' & 'Acoustic 4 Way Stretch Carpet' It should come up.

[@Cha053ngine]

@@DanChambersDAC thanks. I've ordered some of the bits for this project. Looking forward to de vanning the cab.

[@Cha053ngine]

@@DanChambersDAC and assuming you went for a 'dark gray' of some kind

[@jasonscottow3992]

How come you didn't wrap or paint the top of the dash?

[@samwiggins8534]

Hi Dan - Did you use standard or foam backed milano? Love the channel. Cheers

[@finbarh6]

non foam deffo

[@carlsimpson9918]

Did you trim the upper dash mate

[@jakeridesbikes99]

MK1 fabia vrs grab handles should be the same too and usually alot cheaper

[@DanChambersDAC]

Thank you for the tip bud.

[@lmuk17]

So much for nobody knowing what that hook is for! 🤣 (I had no idea!)

[@DanChambersDAC]

Cheers bud, it was more of a joke!

[@Gmh6477]

The hook is for your Tesco bag to stop it rolling round and dumping your shopping as you drive !

[@DanChambersDAC]

Cheers bud, Was more of a joke.

[@carlgrove7414]

It’s known as a curry hook but I didn’t know I had one 😂

[@clungebucket23]

Looks beautiful but utterly impractical for most folks like me who will be scuffing their outdoor shoes on the cards whilst getting in and out of the cab. I've not seen this material yet, hopefully it's durable and easy to clean... My cards are ugly and something needs to change but not seen any practical alternatives

[@DanChambersDAC]

You could always try getting into your van with a little care? This is the second van I have done this to and never had a problem with rubbing my shoes on them. Open the door wider to get in.

[@clungebucket23]

@@DanChambersDAC I typically do take care but... I would only need to catch it the once with a muddy shoe and my concern is ruining a lot of time and effort

[@Devastator0]

Loving the work you're doing Dan but air ride again? You're not going to slam this van are you?

[@DanChambersDAC]

Oh yes I am. Only way these should go is down. Can't stand lifted or standard height vans.

[@xyzstudiosuk2016]

If you haven't got any handles for the headlining let me know I got some you can have from mk4

[@DanChambersDAC]

Hi, I haven't managed to source any yet, How much would you be after for one please?

[@xyzstudiosuk2016]

@@DanChambersDAC message my Instagram the same name as this and I'll send you a picture of what I have..

[@declanbeckett4433]

Do you think the pro xl paint would look good on the door cards or just look cheap and nasty Dan?

[@DanChambersDAC]

I think it would look cheap, Just my opinion though.

[@andyhardy322]

What is that paint ? And what's it called

[@DanChambersDAC]

Hi bud, Thank you for the comment. The paint is called Pro XL Pro Tex. Hope this helps you out.

[@malcolmyoung7866]

Just squeeze a bit of Dan Chambers before I start work…

[@DanChambersDAC]

🙏 Thank you for watching bud, Hope work was good!

[@aaronohara6977]

It’s called a curry hook I believe 😉

[@DanChambersDAC]

Cheers bud, it was more of a joke!

[@daveluxford6236]

Is that real suede Dan or faux suede?

[@DanChambersDAC]

Faux Suede bud

[@daveluxford6236]

@DanChambersDAC cheers mate whats the overall quality like? Would you recommend it or would it be better to go for real?

[@martin190865]

wurth black plastic dye may have been the job for those parts rather than paint

[@DanChambersDAC]

Tbh the paint looks very factory. I have heard mixed reviews about the dye.

[@highlandpicturestv3694]

It's a takeaway hook Dan. Stops your chicken balti rolling down the van.

[@DanChambersDAC]

Cheers bud, it was more of a joke!

[@guericarcustom]

Losiento men pero no me convence lo que hiciste se ve peor el alcántara es un material que se ve despeinado y no se ve nunca bien. Has hecho un buen trabajo pero no me gusta como queda. Un saludo desde España

[@DanChambersDAC]

😂 Gracias por el bonito comentario. Me alegra que te guste como quedaron.

[@davechadwick3213]

Curry Hook Dan

[@DanChambersDAC]

Cheers bud, it was more of a joke!

[@sed237]

You seem to be doing a decent enough job, but why on earth don't you take the time to actually clean and tidy up your workshop?? Shelves, units and some elbow grease will make a world of a difference. How can you even try to find anything in all that stuff lying around?

[@DanChambersDAC]

Because it’s a temporary unit and I am currently building a purpose built space 👊

[@alessandroarnoldi4827]

quanto lavoro per niente...