Chrome trim for glovebox opening

[Dominic]

Hi folks
Has anyone experienced fitting the plastic chrome trim to the glovebox opening (late type)? It seems not to want to go around the tighter radii in the corners. Just wondered if anyone had any tips?
Thanks in advance!
Dom.

[lambrettalad]

hi try soaking in warm water before fitting

[Dominic]

Thanks, tried that, but more heat was needed. In the end I used a spare glovebox front piece as a template, and used copious amounts of steam, kept trying it in place until it fitted. A bit of wrinkling / distortion at the narrow offside end, but I may be able to ease that out with a bit more heat... hmm I wonder if it would be noticed if I borrowed the iron?

[customjob]

Warm water is not hot enough, where as the iron is to hot. Boiling water would be best as it softens the trim faster and it becomse more plyable, and easier to fit into formed contours. Addmittly keeping it in boiling water is difficult/impoosible when fitting, but the end that is hanging free should be kept as warm/hot as possible to keep it plyable while fitting the other end.

[tysonn]

Heat gun?

[Dominic]

Steam from a kettle worked very well, heat gun could well be too fierce, though a hair-dryer could well be effective.

[tysonn]

LOL just hold it further away.

[Dominic]

just hold it further away

An added complication keeping the correct distance - would be irritating to misjudge and burn it - at least steam is a safe heat for it!

[ASL642]

Personally the hair dryer is the safest way. You can judge when the plastic is warm enough without burning yourself.