Interior trim peeling off

[arksat]

I have 2005 DA40. The interior trim in the passenger seat has been affixed with Velcro and it's peeling off.
The Velcro has been there since I purchased my plane from a previous owner.
Using Velcro doesn't look like the best solution since the adhesive gets weak over time.

Any ideas to keep it affixed?
I saw in the newer models the trim is affixed with screws, which is much better but I don't know if I can do the same to my plane.

[gyro3816]

I have an 08 XLS - it has fasteners around the trim. Maybe worth calling diamond to see if there is a work procedure to add fasteners to older airframes.

[Rich]

I have this problem, also. I haven't given it much attention, since it's just cosmetic. But I do have some ideas. The trick is finding a way to anchor the screws to the fuselage shell.

[Boatguy]

I have 2005 DA40. The interior trim in the passenger seat has been affixed with Velcro and it's peeling off.
The Velcro has been there since I purchased my plane from a previous owner.
Using Velcro doesn't look like the best solution since the adhesive gets weak over time.

Any ideas to keep it affixed?
I saw in the newer models the trim is affixed with screws, which is much better but I don't know if I can do the same to my plane.

I had this problem in boats, the velcro is stronger than the adhesive which holds the velcro to the other materials. I resolved this by using a different adhesive to hold the velcro to the material. Adding fasteners which penetrate the materials is problematic in my experience.

Try using a silicon seal (I like 3M Marine Clear) or a generic superglue (e.g., Gorilla makes one) to hold the velcro to the respective materials.

[Rich]

The glue that Diamond used leaves a hard ragged surface that’s problematic to replace. And it’s ugly when exposed. It doesn’t stick well to the Velcro but it sure does to the fuselage shell.

[arksat]

Yeah, the original glue leaves brown-ish ugly residue and it's hard to remove. I'm seeing the residue here and there like footwell, around rudder pedals, etc...
Does anyone know any good remover?

[Rich]

Yeah, the original glue leaves brown-ish ugly residue and it's hard to remove. I'm seeing the residue here and there like footwell, around rudder pedals, etc...
Does anyone know any good remover?

Did some checking today. Acetone+elbow grease+patience looks to be the ticket.

[Lance Murray]

I never found a way to remove the glue that seemed to be all over the place. I ended up matching the interior paint and just repainting the inside. It was very easy and took maybe an hour at most. Do this when the seats are removed for maintenance. Since the interior is textured I just repainted with a foam brush. Looks better than when the airplane was new.

[Rich]

The reason I want to remove the glue is it presents such an uneven surface I can't get adhesive strips to get a good grip. Just painting over it would leave that condition in place. Fortunately I only have the problem along the right rear seat panel. I dealt with the footwell bonding problem by bypassing the need to bond the sleeves to the structure with this brace:

Unlike the rear side panel these vent pieces need to be repeatedly partially detached and reattached. It's necessary when removing the front seats. I found I only need it on the right side because that part won't hold its shape on its own. The left side does.

[Mjwatlanta]

Try double sided tape. I’ve recently used Gorilla brand. It sticks quite well to “ugly” surfaces so I think it will stick to the back of the original Velcro. Although replacing that with heavy duty Velcro that has great glue sides will work too. I’ve had good success with that approach. I’m using the heavy duty Velcro to attach the iPod holder stalk gooseneck and it’s not failed despite high heat and stress.