Nissan Bluebird U14 (1996–2001) is a legendary sedan that is still in demand due to its reliability and practicality. However, over time, the trunk lining wears out: cracks appear, the adhesive base peels off, and the plastic panels lose their presentable appearance. You can restore the aesthetics and functionality of the luggage compartment yourself - the main thing is to choose the right materials and avoid common mistakes.

In this article we will analyze all the nuances: from the choice between original spare parts and analogues to step-by-step instructions for dismantling and installation. We will place special emphasis on materials that are suitable specifically for U14, - for example, why vinyl siding may be worse than fabric for this generation, and how to properly prepare the surface before gluing. We will also consider non-obvious points, such as treating rust under the skin and choosing an adhesive for fixing.

Why trunk trim? Nissan Bluebird U14 requires replacement: signs of wear

The trunk lining is not only a decorative element, but also protects the metal from corrosion, noise and mechanical damage. On Bluebird U14 She most often suffers due to:

  • 🔹 Cracks and delaminations — plastic becomes brittle over time, especially under the influence of temperature changes.
  • 🔹 Peeling off - factory glue loses its properties, and the panels begin to “walk” or fall off.
  • 🔹 Stains and dirt - fat, oils or chemicals (for example, from a battery) eat into the material.
  • 🔹 Corrosion under the skin — if moisture gets under the panel, the metal begins to rust, and this is a serious problem.

If you notice at least one of these signs, you should not delay repairs. For example, peeling trim on the U14 trunk lid often leads to squeaks and rattles on bumps, and cracks in the plastic can become a breeding ground for the spread of mold (especially if the car is stored in a damp garage). At the same time, replacing the trim will cost less than repairing a rusty body.

One more nuance: on Bluebird U14 Two types of covering were installed from the factory - fabric (velor) and plastic. The first one more often suffers from contamination, the second one from cracks. It’s easy to determine the type: velor is soft to the touch, plastic is smooth and hard.

📊 What type of trunk trim does your Nissan Bluebird U14 have?
  • Fabric (velor)
  • Plastic
  • Combined
  • I don't know

Sheathing materials: what to choose for Nissan Bluebird U14

The choice of material depends on the budget, goals (cosmetic repairs or complete replacement) and operating conditions. Let's consider all the options with their pros and cons:

Material Pros Cons Cost (per set)
Original Nissan trim Perfect fit, factory quality, durable Expensive, difficult to find for U14 (discontinued) 15 000–25 000 ₽
Analogs (Denso, Febi, JP Group) Good price/quality ratio, wide range May not match the fastenings, worse fit 8 000–12 000 ₽
Fabric upholstery (velor, Alcantara) Pleasant to the touch, absorbs noise well, resistant to cracks Difficult to clean, absorbs odors, may fade 5 000–10 000 ₽
Plastic sheathing Lightweight, moisture resistant, does not absorb dirt Creaks, cracks in the cold, looks cheap 3 000–7 000 ₽
Vinyl film (self-adhesive) Budget-friendly, quick to glue, large selection of colors Not durable, can peel off, does not hide defects 1 000–3 000 ₽

For Bluebird U14 the optimal choice would be analogues from Febi or Denso — they are as close as possible to the original in terms of fastenings and materials. If you want to save money, you can combine them: for example, buy plastic panels for the sidewalls and a fabric lining for the trunk lid. It is better to use vinyl film only as a temporary solution or for local repairs (for example, sealing cracks).

⚠️ Attention: On Bluebird U14 with rear speakers in the trunk (optional Bose Audio) the casing has special cutouts. When purchasing an analogue, check whether it is suitable for your configuration!

Preparing for replacement: tools and dismantling old casing

Before installing new sheathing, you need to carefully remove the old one and prepare the surface. Here's what you'll need:

  • 🔧 Tools: plastic spatulas (or picks), a flat-blade screwdriver, a 10mm wrench (for fastenings), a hair dryer (to soften the glue).
  • 🧴 Consumables: degreaser (eg WD-40), lint-free cloths, masking tape, upholstery glue (3M 80 or Kraftool).
  • 🛠️ Additionally: anti-corrosion treatment (if there is rust), putty (to smooth out dents).

Step-by-step dismantling:

  1. Open the trunk and remove all removable elements: shelf (if any), spare wheel, tools.
  2. Unscrew the trim fasteners - they may be hidden under plugs or Velcro. On U14 usually 4-6 screws around the perimeter and 2-3 clips.
  3. Carefully pry the panel off with a plastic spatula, starting at the corner. If the skin is glued, heat it with a hairdryer (temperature 50–60°C).
  4. After removal, inspect the metal for rust. If there are pockets of corrosion, sand them and treat them Tsinkarem or similar means.

Remove all dust and dirt from the metal|Check the integrity of the fasteners|Treat rust (if any)|Apply primer to bare areas-->

Please note fastening clips — they often break during dismantling. Buy a set of new ones in advance (item number for U14: Nissan 80510-4M000). Also check if there are any traces of old glue left on the metal - it needs to be removed with a solvent (White spirit or Acetone).

How to remove glued trim without damage?

Use a hair dryer on low power, heating the area for 10-15 seconds. Then carefully pry the panel off with a plastic spatula. If the glue does not yield, repeat the heating. Do not use metal tools - they will scratch the plastic!

Installing new casing: step-by-step instructions with nuances for U14

The installation process depends on the type of sheathing, but the general scheme is the same. Let's look at the example of plastic panels (the most common option for Bluebird U14):

  1. Preliminary fitting: Place the new panel on the installation site and check the alignment of the holes for the mounts and speakers (if any). On U14 There is often a problem with the cutouts for the taillights not matching up - if the trim is not original, trimming may be required.
  2. Application of glue: if the panel is sticking, use 3M 80 or Kraftool. Apply glue in a zigzag pattern, leaving 2-3 cm from the edges to avoid squeezing out excess.
  3. Fixation: Press the panel onto the metal, starting from the center and working towards the edges. Use masking tape for temporary fixation (1-2 hours).
  4. Mounting installation: tighten the screws (do not overtighten!), snap the clips. On U14 It is important not to forget about the fastening under the trunk shelf - it is often lost during dismantling.

For fabric covering, the process is more complicated: it needs to be stretched without folds, and the glue must be applied pointwise so that it does not show through on the front side. If installing vinyl film, use primer for better adhesion and expel the air with a plastic spatula.

⚠️ Attention: On Nissan Bluebird U14 with the system Nissan Anti-Theft System (NATS) An immobilizer unit may be installed in the trunk. When dismantling the casing, do not pull the wires - you risk damaging the contacts!
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If the skin does not lie flat due to the protrusions of the body, heat it with a hairdryer (temperature 70–80°C) - the plastic will become more elastic and take the desired shape.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners make mistakes when replacing trim. Here are the most common:

  • 🚫 Ignoring rust: If you do not treat the corrosion under the skin, it will continue to develop, and in a year or two you will have to repeat the repair.
  • 🚫 Wrong glue: using superglue or moment causes the panel to fall off after a few months. We need specialized compounds for car upholstery.
  • 🚫 Self-tapping screws: on U14 The plastic of the fasteners is fragile - if you overtighten it, it will crack.
  • 🚫 Mounting mismatch: analogues may have different holes for clips. Always check photos of the original trim before purchasing.

Another common problem is squeaks after installation. They occur if:

  • 🔊 The panel is poorly glued (there are gaps).
  • 🔊 The clips are not latched all the way.
  • 🔊 Debris got between the casing and the metal.

To avoid squeaks, after installation, check all the fasteners and walk along the perimeter of the panel with your hand, pressing on it - this way you will hear the un-glued areas.

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If the casing squeaks on bumps, the problem is not always the casing itself. Worn rubber trunk seals are often to blame - they should also be replaced.

Sheathing care: how to extend its service life

To make your new skin last longer, follow these simple rules:

  • 🧼 Cleaning: Wash plastic panels with soapy water, fabric panels - vacuum and treat Vanish for car dealerships. Do not use harsh chemicals (eg Silit — it corrodes plastic).
  • 🌡️ Temperature protection: in cold weather, avoid sudden changes (for example, do not place hot objects on the sheathing); in summer, use sunscreens.
  • 🔧 Prevention: Check the fastenings every six months and re-glue any loose areas.

For Bluebird U14 With fabric coverings it is especially important to avoid moisture. If water gets into the trunk (for example, due to a leaking seal), immediately dry the panel with a hairdryer. Otherwise, the velor will begin to rot and an unpleasant odor will appear.

If the sheathing begins to crack, you can temporarily restore it using liquid plastic (For example, Plasti Dip). Apply it with a brush to the cracks, let it dry for 24 hours - this will extend the life of the panel by 1-2 years.

Where to buy sheathing for Nissan Bluebird U14: proven options

Find original trim for U14 difficult, but possible options:

  • 🛒 Official Nissan dealers: can be found by VIP order, but the price will be high (from 20,000 ₽).
  • 🛒 Online stores:
    • Exist.ru — large selection of analogues (Febi, JP Group).
    • Autodoc.ru — there are often discounts on cladding for U14.
    • Japan-Parts.eu — original spare parts from Japan (delivery 2–3 weeks).
  • 🛒 Used markets: on Avito or Drom.ru Sometimes they sell the sheathing from disassembly. Check the condition from the photos!
  • 🛒 Upholstery studio: if you haven’t found a suitable panel, you can reupholster the old one (cost from 5,000 ₽).

When purchasing an analogue, be sure to check articles. For Nissan Bluebird U14 (1996–2001) the following numbers are suitable:

  • 🔢 Side panels: 80550-4M000 (left), 80551-4M000 (right).
  • 🔢 Trunk lid: 80530-4M000 (fabric), 80531-4M000 (plastic).
  • 🔢 Trunk shelf: 80520-4M000.

If you are not sure about your choice, ask the seller for a photo of the fasteners and compare it with your old trim. On U14 There are variations even within the same year of manufacture!

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to paint the plastic trim instead of replacing it?

Yes, but this is a temporary solution. For painting, use plastic paint (for example, Motip or Dupli-Color) and primer. However, over time, the paint will begin to peel, especially if the panel is flexible. It is better to paint if there are no cracks, but the casing is simply faded.

What adhesive is best for trunk lining?

For Nissan Bluebird U14 optimal:

  • 3M 80 - universal, holds both plastic and fabric.
  • Kraftool - cheaper, but requires longer fixation (days).
  • Special adhesive for car upholstery (for example, Permatex) - vibration resistant.

Do not use moment or Superglue - they peel off over time.

How long does it take to replace the casing?

If you have the tools and experience - 3-4 hours. It may take a day for beginners, especially if rust treatment or analog fitting is required. The longest stage is dismantling the old sheathing (especially if it is glued).

What to do if the casing creaks after replacement?

Causes and solutions:

  • 🔊 Poorly taped edges: remove the panel, apply additional glue.
  • 🔊 Debris under the casing: blow out with compressed air.
  • 🔊 Worn clips: replace with new ones (article Nissan 80510-4M000).
  • 🔊 Metal vibration: stick sound insulation (for example, StP).

Can I install trim from another Nissan?

Theoretically yes, but only from models on the same platform (for example, Nissan Primera P11). However, the fastenings and shape will be different - modifications will be required (trimming, re-drilling holes). It’s better to look for casing specifically for U14.