I recently completed a project installing vinyl trim to the exterior pillar posts of my 2009 G37. Thought I would share since I didn't see another post featuring this DIY.

Here is what the pillar posts looked like before applying the vinyl. On the passenger side, one post was in decent condition while the other had lost its clear coat and was a mess - a good indication that the something was wrong with the clear coat coming out of the factory.


Ugly


One good, one bad

I ruled out having a shop do the work for me as the cost ($250) was much higher than the cost of materials ($50). I ordered satin black 3M 2080 vinyl from Metro Restyling. The cost for 2' x 10' wasn't much greater than the cost for 2' x 5', so I splurged to easily have enough for reapplications or for a future project. They shipped the vinyl in a sturdy tube and used similarly sturdy staples to ensure both ends stayed closed in transit - impressive! I have one minor word of caution: the vinyl was not itself wrapped in plastic, so about 6" of material arrived with scratches due to sliding around in the tube.

I prepped the surface first by applying Bondo body filler to spots that were chipped or that had deep scratches. Once that had set, I evened out the surface with 400 grit sandpaper and followed up with 1000 grit. I think that two-stage process really helped because the vinyl is fairly thin and will show surface imperfections. Right before applying the vinyl I recommend carefully cleaning the pillar post surface AND the front and back of the vinyl piece, as I learned during a practice run that bits of sand or larger bits of lint will show through the vinyl.

To apply the vinyl, I first cut a rectangle large enough to extend beyond the surface area of the posts in each direction. Then I peeled the backing and applied light pressure to get initial adherence to the surface. Then I cut through the vinyl vertically between the pillar posts (with this material being wrapped under the edges of the posts later). After that, I carefully cut along the other sides of the pillar posts. This was made challenging due to some degradation of the rubber pieces that run along the bottom. Finally, I applied some pressure to the vinyl (not a lot) to get any air out from underneath.

I think it turned out really well:


Don't mind the fact that the car needs washed



Thanks for reading about my DIY project! I hope my description helps you with your project.