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MG TD TF 1500 - Should I use staples inside hidem?

I am installing a new interior in my TF. The hidem is not attached to the panels. I was thinking of using a bit of glue and a lot of staples from a pneumatic stapler to staple into the middle of the hidem through the panels and into the wood. Thoughts on this approach? Many thanks for any advice on this method - or any other/different suggestions to get this done.

Tom
TM Going

I tried a pneumatic staple gun but could not get satisfactory results. I confess that I was having a moral issue with using staples instead of brads, but the staple gun left marks on the hidem strip.
Nails are really easy if you leave all the heads about 1/4" exposed until your are sure about the position of everything,then just go arrround with a nail punch and finish them off.
-David
D. Sander

Guess a few "David's" had the same experance!
Tried staples and brads from my gun....ended up doing the same as the other David ....with a punch.
David Sheward

My experience is as others, tried staples, but switched to brass brads, Place a screwdriver in the middle seam of the hidem,give it a little twist to open for the brad, predrill a small hole for the brad in that seam and tap,tap the brad & finish it off with a large punch that covers the brad head. Pretty easy to remove if you make a mistake.
Best regards, Daniel
D Desmond

Mate

I have had good success using 6 gauge pan head stainless steel self tappers, some care is required to position them in the centre slit of the hidem however they remain unexposed if care in their installation is applied. I drilled a pilot hole before inserting the screws.

Very easy to remove panels to carry out any adjustments required.

Graeme
G Evans

I'm one who thinks you should use a stapler. Get one of the long-nose type, for instance: http://www.amazon.com/Air-Locker-U630L-Upholstery-Stapler/dp/B002R669HI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1323094076&sr=8-1

Once you've spread apart the hidem and put the nose of the stapler in place you just have to slide it along in the channel and staple as you go. The hidem closes behind as you move down the channel. It leaves no marks and is every bit as good, if not better, than tacks and screws.



Gene Gillam

Nails work better when there is a case of gaposis behind the panel and you need to pull it into the body. Mike
MW Davis

I too used an upholester's staple gun and had great results. But since Tom said "The hidem is not attached to the panels" I think maybe he wants to know how to attach the hidem to the panels before the panels are stapled or nailed to the door! Most of us got Moss panels with the hidem already attached to them. Sounds like he bought the hidem elsewhere? Isn't the hidem sewen to the panels?
Also order the proper staple remover! You will need it.
Ed
efh Haskell

I started with the upholstery stapler, and kept shooting through the panel. Perhaps could have adjusted air pressure or something. I ended up using tiny countersunk flathead wood screws so I could easily remove the panels. I used a flat bladed screwdriver to widen the hidem slot, and then a tiny drill to drill a pilot hole. Have not had to remove yet, but if I do should be easy. George PS- really trial fit the panels before any install. I had to peel the vinyl back and trim the backer board quite a bit on spots on the door and rear panels. I have seen a bunch of cars at GOFs that the edge of the panel is shredded from hitting the body. Remember you will need room for the fat leather piping at the upper front of the door- that is one area I trimmed a lot. George
George Butz

I'll throw it out here ...again.
(only because I have had a few people tell me they were glad they did this.)

You WILL at some point need access to door hindges.
Concourse, no, makes life easier....Yes.

http://www.ttalk.info/Sheward.htm
Door Hinge Access

Cheers,
David

David Sheward

I have to say, I used screws, very small SS screws (chose SS as they are harder than brass but you could use brass as well). You can't see them and I can easily remove panels if need be. And I've needed to already. They are more than secure and easy to do. Create a guide hole with an AWL then drive the screws in. I did that for all panels, kick, door, and back.
L Rutt

Thanks everyone. Based upon the above, Ill try the different suggestions and complete the job with the one that works best. Thanks again!
TM Going

This thread was discussed between 04/12/2011 and 05/12/2011

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