DIY Interior trim mod using 3M tape

[Stock323iSaloon]

Finally finished my tape mod for my interior trims. I've always wanted silver interior trims but never could afford to buy them on eBay. So I got these 3M films, cut them to size, peel film, stick it on, voila:)

The tape itself is very sticky and 3M recons it's good for 8 years if left outdoors so i know the quality is good (this films is sued for show signs etc.). I have seen pics where people colour-coded their outside door trims using this film so I'd give a thumbs up to this mod [ok
I bought some extra films so if anyone wants to buy them give me a shout but it all depends on how much mistake Afif makes.

Pics of before, during, after, after:)

[BigFas]

Bloody hell Mitsu, that's a great job you've done there, very clean. I would keep some of the sticky stuff spare in case of snagging, i.e. if a key or someone's ring brushes past it and it pulls a piece of of shape :)
But awesome mod! Good job fella

[M5 SC]

Looks sweet as a nut mate!

Good job!!!

[peppernick]

I am VERY impressed [ok [ok [ok

Top job Mitsu :cool:

Did you have to use a hairdryer to soften the film before application?

[Tin]

Nice work Mitsu, why didn't u do this 4 days ago!!! argh! any 3M carbon fibre lookilike tape avalilble?




Did you have to use a hairdryer to soften the film before application?

hahaha, do i hear the heat gun being called?

[Stock323iSaloon]

I am VERY impressed [ok [ok [ok

Top job Mitsu :cool:

Did you have to use a hairdryer to soften the film before application?

I'll let u guys on a secret regarding any film application (inc tints). all u do is spray the film with soapy water and that will break the surface tension. use your finger or towel to push the air bubbles/water out and let it dry, that's it. the film is thin enough to be able to stretch it around the corner so it fits nicely. Although it's not perfect, the outcome is very acceptable. next time u see my car, u can see it for yourself but just don't look at it tooooo closely as u'll find flaws:)

[Chaos]

Mitsu that's almost a factory finish in those pics, that's a seriously impressive look! 10/10! [ok

[peppernick]

Flaw or no flaw, this is modding dude ;)

You thought about the idea, sourced the parts, put it to action and it came out tops.....and it's original [ok

[Nickleback]

Damm, that finish is good Mits ( flaw or no flaw ) you should be proud m8 - True DIY modding[ok [ok [ok

[scorcher]

Wow - that look damn Good Mitsu :eek:

Are you going to try it on the exterior too?

[Afif]

nice one! I was just sitting downstairs thinking if i shud pop round tonite ;)

[BigFas]

Flaw or no flaw, this is modding dude ;)

You thought about the idea, sourced the parts, put it to action and it came out tops.....and it's original [ok


Never a truer word said. That should be the site mantra :)

[Tin]

Flaw or no flaw, this is modding dude ;)

You thought about the idea, sourced the parts, put it to action and it came out tops.....and it's original [ok


oh and its damn cheap too :D always a brucy bonus in my [read

[Stock323iSaloon]

Thanks guys:) I actually tinted my windows as well but I'm going to keep that one quiet as I need to redo them in the w/e (shhh...)

Tin, yes, you can get CF film as well. 3M does all sorts of colour/material so you can achieve that 'Mitsu-esque Individual' spec to suit your taste (solid colour, metallic, flourescent, matt, chrome etc...).

Dan, I was going to do the exterior trims as well but I'm still looking for the right colour for my car so I recon I will do it one day soon.

Afif, come to Chertsey during my lunch break or to Walton/Weybridge area in the evening. I'm playing football tomorrow so I will be late tomorrow tho.

If anyone wants to try this, the material I got is called 3M Scotchcal Mastercut Film 7725 series, Satin Aluminium (colour code 120).

What you need:
- 3M film
- Scissors
- Sharp knife
- Spray with soapy water (few drops of washing up liquid in some water)
- Towel or sponge

DIY How to:
- Clean and remove bits/dust from the trim surface
- Cut film 20% bigger than the trim piece
- Spray soapy water onto the trim, as well as the film
- Peel off film and place it on the trim
- Holding the film on one end, gently push the water/bubbles from the centre of the trim outwards in all direction using your finger or sponge (make sure the film does not move much)
- Once u have most of the water/bubble out, leave it to dry (don't attempt to trim or wrap film around corners yet). The aim of this stage is to get the flat surface sorted, not the curved bits yet
- Once it's semi-dry (say 30min), again, push water/bubbles outwards
- Repeat above till film has little or no bubbles left
- Leave it overnight (u can use a hairdryer to speed uo this process)
- When it's dry, pull the film edges gently and wrap it around and secure it on the backside of the trim. Pull and wrap!
- You've saved yourself some cash for your next mod!

Any questions please PM me (Harpy, your Inbox is full but I've answered your question here)

[SG325CI]

[cool That does look good. Where did you get the film from mate?

[Stock323iSaloon]

my brother sent them from Japan but u can get them from US (Beacon Graphics). I am certain that u can get them in this country but i just didn't look. they should sell these in graphics or art material shop.

[444bhp Ray]

that is the nuts mitsu [bow [bow [bow [bow :eek:

[h4pry]

(H4PRY, your Inbox is full but I've answered your question here)

Thanks... I have just sent an e-mail to 3m on where to get this stuff in the UK [jam

[Mits]

Thats bloody amazing!!!! [ok

I was thinking about getting the silver BMW trim to match the ACS handbrake and SMG gearlever more closely.....this could definetly be an option.

Someone please tell me where you can get the 3M stuff here...

[BigFas]

there's some in the for sale section ;)

[Stock323iSaloon]

Thats bloody amazing!!!! [ok

I was thinking about getting the silver BMW trim to match the ACS handbrake and SMG gearlever more closely.....this could definetly be an option.

Someone please tell me where you can get the 3M stuff here...

Mits, if u want a sample PM me your address and I can post some off cuts for you. Also, there is another range (7125) which contains more glitter than 7725 series (see pic). If you really want to stand out from the crowd and win another HIN trophy, go for the pink suede!!! DOITDOIT :eek:

FYI, I found a colour chart of Scotchcal 7725 Series http://www.gamart.com/ProductSelector/
Select "Enter site for online shopping" and you will find "Scotchcal 7725 Series Opaque Films" at the top.
Then click "Color Chart" and you can see color charts.

[Ali_]

That rocks mate, very nice indeed [cool

[BlackBimmerUK]

Thats a top job, im always thinking of doing that, but want to get some spare trims first in case I mess up and cant get the film off!!!

[Raj]

Mitsu, that is an unbelievable job you have done [cool [jam [cool .
From those pics that trim looks factory. Seriously impressed.

[westside]

dude that looks wicked well done mate u must be seriously chuffed with yourself top job dude!! :) :) :)

[Stock323iSaloon]

Thats a top job, im always thinking of doing that, but want to get some spare trims first in case I mess up and cant get the film off!!!

The film comes off easily and even if u mess it up u just peel it off slowly and do it again. I tried applying the film completely dry and I wasted about a metre of film, but I then did the wet application and it worked wonders so I doubt you'll make a mistake.

[pallys]

hi guys, old post :)

Anybody know where I can get this 3m 7725-120 ? not having much luck atm :(

[mystic sport]

Wow, can't believe how I missed this thread. What an awesome job. I have the dull grey trim in my M3 and after having silver alu cube in the 330i I need to do something so need to source some of this film as well. I am very impressed [cool

[Stock323iSaloon]

i have half a roll of this stuff left if anyone wants to buy them. fyi, my trims are still looking goooood :cool:

[Afif]

ahh old memories. This stuff is top notch. Takes a bit of patience though (more than i had [crackmeup) and life is so much easier with a heatgun.

[InvIs Inc]

lmao mitsu ur nutts. another amazing diy form mitsu [jam

well done dude

[Davidch]

Bloody hell, how did I miss this too, looks great stuff! Do they sell Silver CF? :D

[Kay323]

i have the factory silver trims, but i must say these look much cleaner and better, a better shade of silver. excellent job!

[Stock323iSaloon]

for those who are interested, u can get them from...


Spandex 01454200668 (bristol)
William Smith 01833690305 (Durham)

ask for Scotchcal Master Cut Films

they are the 2 main distributors so either they have them or they can point u in the right direction for for smaller retailers near u.

[big pimp]

fantastic mod - anyone any links for the different colours and styles available?

[Stock323iSaloon]

fantastic mod - anyone any links for the different colours and styles available?

The colour/pattern/deisgns are endless...there is so many to choose from...

As an example...
http://www.beacongraphics.com/3m-7725.html

[big pimp]

what size of a sheet did you go for mate?

is this stuff better than the stuff a van signwriter for example would use?

[Stock323iSaloon]

i went for the 60cm width unpunched one.
i think 3M is the best in the world as the 7725 series is rated to last 8 years if used outside. mines is only used for the interior trims so it should last ages...if u can't get any 3M stuff, there are other brands u can use so it's defo worth a visit to your local art n' crafts shop.