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Thread: DIY: Carbon key wrap

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
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    Chicago, Illinois, USA
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    DIY: Carbon key wrap


    Kmoy2002's - Free carbon key film wrap for your diamond key

    Equipment
    • Diamond Key
    • 2"x3" Carbon Film
    • Template
    • X-acto Knife
    • Tape
    • Cutting Board
    • Heat gun/Blow Dryer

    Procedure
    Begin by acquiring a 2"x3" sample of carbon film. If you've tackled prior carbon wrap jobs, you probably have some scraps laying around. However if you are like I who has never wrapped anything in their life, you can acquire a free sample from this site:

    http://www.headlightarmor.com/free-c...lm-sample.aspx

    Not sure how long they will have this promotion if there becomes a sudden influx of requests.

    Next print out the template I mocked up in Photoshop:

    Link to the Diamond Key Template

    This is scaled 1:1, intended to be printed on a standard 8.5"x11" sheet of paper. Assure your printer is not scaling the image prior to print.

    Begin by cutting out the outline of your template alone. Then lay them over your 2"x3" film sample. Do note that this is a extreme fit with zero tolerance. Once you find a good layout, tape it down and begin cutting the outer perimeter. Next begin cutting the inner portions of the template. I found it helpful to cut dead center of the white dead space allowing for a bit of tolerance. ie.

    | Cut |
    | Cut |
    | Cut |

    This is where my disclaimer comes in. Since this is not a 100% fitment guarantee, you are going to have to do quite a bit of test fitting and cutting. Once you are satisfied with the cuts, begin applying them to your clean diamond key. Using your heating element will final set the film and make the material more pliable to fit around the contour of the diamond key.

    Notes:
    This wrap is not a complete wrap and leaves a potion of the key exposed near the seams. However further research seems to say that the actual product itself faces the same flaw.

    With regards to durability and peeling. I have had this for about a week and gone through arduous work days with zero signs of fatigue or failure. This film holds remarkably well.

    Overall I am quite pleased with the results as it prevents the key from further wear and tear. I myself am not a big fan of faux carbon and find it gaudy but this isn't too bad.

    Results





    Last edited by kmoy2002; 05-05-2012 at 05:18 PM.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Aug 2012
    Location
    Pennsylvania, USA
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    2004 BMW 330xi
    Cool write up. Just did this to mine yesterday! And I must say it looks way better than every other e46 out there

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
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    Gave it a go a week or two ago

    Not bad for something for free.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Oct 2012
    Location
    kansas city, KS
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    2002 BMW 330i
    its free... I am trying it.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Nov 2012
    Location
    Atlanta,Georgia,USA
    Posts
    1
    My Cars
    02' BMW (E-46) 5MT 4DR
    where did you get that "3" keychain? its cool!

  6. #6
    trimgod666's Avatar
    trimgod666 is offline [:OO=[] []=OO:] BMW CCA Member
    Join Date
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    98 E38, 03 E46
    they have them at the dealer (keychain) also ebay.
    current:
    1998 BMW 740il silver
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  7. #7
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Posts
    147
    I got the free carbon fiber. Question tho did u take apart the key to do the buttons or anything or did u just place it on the key button and push it through the cracks. I think what I wrote is confusing. Lmk haha

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