Challenger door trim insert make over

[AU6pack]

A lot of Challengers I've seen have been let down by the old looking door trim inserts and mine is no exception.

Anyone got any tips on how to get these looking good? I have new woodgrain vinyl decals to replace the old ones and was thinking of re-chroming the insert. But how do you get the new woodgrain to go perfectly over the pentastar?

I assume that when they were made the woodgrain went on first then the pentastar emblem was inserted last giving a perfect border as the emblem sits over the woodgrain, its not cut around it.

Any suggestions, tips, pics?

[Katfish]

I did CF overlay on mine.  You need to gently grind the pins enough to get the pentastar out.
After installing the new overlay, just push the emblem back in and add a dab of epoxy on the back to hold it.

[anlauto]

Looks great except it's not a "pentastar" it's a "Fratzog" 

[filmsurgeon]

From Moparts: http://board.moparts.org/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=0&Board=A12&Number=7767546

I recently did mine. I had 2 pairs with the Triad emblems. I selected the 2 best (out of the 4), removed the Triad emblems by grinding down the peened/swaged post on the backside of the insert; then pushed out the emblems; then I removed the original woodgrain; then stripped the black satin paint, and cleaned everything THOROUGHLY with alcohol; then masked the entire front side (3M Blue Tape); then used an exacto knife to remove the tape within the channel that will be painted satin black (rattle can); after painting and BEFORE removing the tape, I used the exacto knife again (I learned this was necessary after the first attempt without using the knife); then applied the new woodgrain decal (I tried PCG decals, but was not happy). I then bought and used DetroitMuscleTechnologies (DMT) decals, and IMO they are superior and the best on the market; then reinstalled the Triad emblems, and dabbed a little JB Weld on each of the post, let cure, then grind smooth. Came out excellent. BTW - I also used DMT's decal for my 4-SPD console plate. I tried the others, but was not happy with the end result. The DMT stuff is the BEST.  If you don't already have the DMT woodgrain decals, I would strongly suggest getting them.  The others are not as good and you'll be disappointed as I was with the results.

[AU6pack]

Looks great except it's not a "pentastar" it's a "Fratzog" 

Thanks for the correction 

[AU6pack]

Great tips - Thanks a bunch. The Carbon ones look good... got me thinking!

Katfish - Can you post a pic of the carbon dash bezel?

[Katfish]

I've painted the shifter knob black since these pics.

[Cuda416]

I'm diggin it, a lot!  Nice job lining up the pattern on the bezel!

-C

[AU6pack]

From Moparts: http://board.moparts.org/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=0&Board=A12&Number=7767546

then I removed the original woodgrain; then stripped the black satin paint

Got any tips on how to remove the  ^&%#@! original woodgrain? Its stuck on so good I reckon I'll bend the panels scraping it off!

[AU6pack]

Thanks Katfish - I'm definitely going carbon over woodgrain as you have done. I've got a carbon pistol grip for the new 5 speed that will match it all up perfectly. Thanks for the idea 

[blown motor]

What's the yellow button in the console storage box for?

[Katfish]

Good eye, that's a life saver.
One of the best things I've added to the car, electric trunk opener, haha

[filmsurgeon]

Got any tips on how to remove the  ^&%#@! original woodgrain? Its stuck on so good I reckon I'll bend the panels scraping it off!

I'm told a heat gun works well to soften the old, dried adhesive, but I didn't end up using one.  I used a razor blade scraper patiently and carefully.  First, get under the woodgrain, then wiggle the blade slowly while pushing it in a forward direction.  After the old woodgrain is removed, use an adhesive remover to get off what was left.

[jhaag]

I used spray on paint remover on the dash bezel. I think it was permatex from NAPA. spray it on, let it set until it bubbles, wipe it off. Very easy and leaves a nice clean surface.

[moparman82]

Hey katfish, any chance u could out up some more pics of ur car?  The more I see of it the more similarities I see with my build!     would love to see more pics of the car!  Thanks man!

Scott