The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Interiors Door Panels

I recently bought new door panels for my '54, (of couse they haven't been installed yet). They are basically cardboard and seem susceptible to the elements-grease, water, etc. Has anyone coated these with oil, or some kind of clear coat?

tlorber-

I've got mine here & sitting waiting too. They look pretty fragil.

We're going to get ours covered in either black leather or vinyl to protect them. Otherwise, I don't think they could last as long as I expect the truck to.

Sabrina

Sabrina, Had mine covered in vinyl matching the seats then stitched with a mild flame pattern (all one color) look good to me. the problem I am having is breaking off the plastic fastiners when installing.

All.

Could you use them as patterns, and make some out of 1/4in oak or birch underlayment for tile floors.

Then cover them with vinyl.

-Randy
**

Rti - i did what you suggested on mine but i used 1/8 in. oak plywood. i built a small wooden frame to mount it on and just used some longer screws to mount them to the door. those cardboard ones are really flimsy and i think you are right - if you are going to use them they need a little backing of some sort. now if i would just finish the rest of the interior! i think i have pics of mine (door panel)at http://community.webshots.com/user/djed50

My first set was unvarnished cardboard. Lasted until the first hot, humid, day then started peeling under the window crank. A short time later my knee rubbed through the color. When I finally replaced them, the replacements were clear coated and I've had no trouble for over a year.

Thanks, all for the input. I think I'll go the clear coat route-not just because I'm lazy but due to the time involved. By the way there is a nice, elaborate description on the Old GMC Truck site by a guy that made door panels out of ABS plastic and then covered them with vinyl. At $9.00 for the pair, I can afford to replace mind if they get tattered.

I used 1/8 pvc covered with closed cell foam,
then you could cover with just about anything you wanted. No need to worry about water that will get in the door.

There is an excellent thread on this very topic over on OldGMCTrucks . Search for "Building a better door panel" Good read.

Tlorber,

I have fabric covered door panels on one of my trucks. Don't like them near as well as the panels on the other truck.

http://groups.msn.com/JedsToyBox/shoebox.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=33

The panels in the picture are very simply and cheaply made. It's a piece of formica that was cut to size and put in place with the bottom facing out.

They're tougher than nails, and they match the interior color perfectly, and unless I tell someone what they are, they would never guess.

Go to someone who does automotive work He will have the proper material. You can get the backer in various thicknesses, put light foam over it and stitch or glue the vinyl/fabric over it.