4DIYers

Video tutorial on how to troubleshoot a faulty driveshaft flex disc. For this particular video, I will be using my 1997 BMW 540i. A flex disc, also known as a guibo is a rubber damper between the transmission flange and driveshaft flange which allows for a smoother driving experience. It dampens take offs, accelerations, changes between gears, and when you remove your foot off the throttle. As you can see this is the rubber flex disc. Over time with age the rubber will eventually deteriorate causing a failure.

Video tutorial on how to repair cracked plastic trim. A similar procedure can be used on a plastic bumper as well and I will be producing that video in the future. This procedure can be used to repair existing damaged trim or make custom trim. This can be applied to a variety of plastics found on both the exterior and interior of a vehicle, but isn’t just limited to automotive applications either.

Video tutorial on how to replace the butyl tape on your vehicles door. Butyl tape is a non hardening sealant which seals and holds on your door’s vapour barrier into place. Over time dust or dirt can become imbedded into the surface either from age or constantly removing the vapour barrier. The vapour carrier then no longer holds into place. With this scenario here I am working with a 1997 BMW 540i E39 body style and instead of a plastic vapour barrier which is found on most vehicles, this is equipped with a foam panel barrier.

Video tutorial on how to custom paint a vehicle’s keyless remote or key fob case. This is a great way to make your remote stand out, match your vehicle’s color, or even just refinish the stock color. Some procedure on taping off the surface or disassemble will slightly vary. I do recommend using a two stage painting process with a base coat of color, then a clear coat because this is an item which gets thrown in your pocket with keys, chains or dropped and is handled everyday. So this will ensure maximum durability using a two stage paint process as opposed to a single stage process.

Video tutorial on how to make a cardboard gasket. The type of cardboard that can only be used for this particular gasket is flat cardboard or paperboard which is typically found on cereal boxes, snack packaging, or what I’m using here is from auto parts packaging In the past I’ve used this technique on throttle bodies, intake manifolds, carburetors, valve covers, etc. This type of gasket cannot be used on high heat applications such between the block and head or on exhaust components.

Video tutorial on how to polish tail lights or parking lights using the wet sanding and polishing method. This will allow for removal of any fading or light scratching. Scratches that are deeper cannot be removal, but will be lightened up in most situations. Normally tail light fading isn’t as severe as headlight fading as it doesn’t deal with road debris flying up or bugs. The length of this procedure will normally last about a year, but that will depend on your vehicle’s usage or climate.

Video tutorial on how to sharpen a drill bit. After usage a drill bit can either dull or chip which does not make it cut as efficiently as it should. A drill bit can be resharpened to make it functional again, there is no need to throw it away. Even broken drill bits can be resharpened. This tutorial applies to a standard style drill bit. Make sure you wear safety glasses when doing this procedure. A drill bit angle gauge can be used, but is not necessary. The more practice you get, the better you will become at sharpening drill bits.