I tried the black cardboard stuff and it didn't hold up well.Is the thin luan wood better or the thin plastic sheets.What do you all suggest.Thanks
There was a company called Rod Doors that sold pre-formed plastic door panels as well as smooth plastic to cut for panels. A local plastics place can fix you up for about half the cost.
Stupid politician plastic cardboard after they win/lose an election, dimensionally stable, unaffected by moisture, easily sewn through.
i used the pvc panels. i bought a sheet from my upholsterer, cut them to size and then he upholstered them. edit abs plastic, as i was corrected.
Find some PVC sheet material used in graphics industry. Google www.kommerlingus.com and click on the products tab to get an idea of what's available. There are two products that my hotrod upholsterer friend likes and I'm familiar with... One is Komatex 3mm (1/8") rigid PVC sheets that are perfect for door panels, the other is KomAlu which are aluminum clad (on both sides) PVC sheets. The KomAlu is available with a brushed aluminum finish on one side a painted on the other. I used some with brushed side out for sliding doors on overhead shelves in my shop and they look pretty good. You may be able to find their products or other manufacturers by calling around to graphics supply houses or sign makers that can point you in the right direction. If you're in the Lehigh Valley, as in PA, then you could call the company rep for the northeast: David Bartholow Northeast Regional Sales Manager dave.bartholow@kommerlingusa.com 800-330-2239, ext. 276 Phone: 740-490-7030 BTW, I don't have any financial or other interest in this company...
Thanks for the replys.I was thinking the pvc product would work best.Definetily better than that pressed cardboard.Thanks again.
I`ve been using the black waterproofed board, now tan for twenty five years. For roadsters, I use the plastic board. The luan board seems to be to thick in some cases. The edges like to splinter. The non waterproof board should never be used. They are used on Muscle car packagetrays, In a few short years they will fade and warp from the sun. Use the waterproof board and cover with black vinyl for that original look. Why hasn`t the black board worked for you in the past.
I used press board ( kraftpaper paperboard kind of like what they used for pegboard ) but put a sheet of plastic between it and the door to keep the moisture from it ( from the door vents in case it rains ) I seen others use cheap household paneling and put the cloth over the printed side and paint the back
Only problem with the campaign signs, they are usually too small for door panels. Otherwise I've used them for lots of other things over the years.
The plastic to use is Sintra. FoamBoard.com is my supplier. It's what we also use for exterior signage, so it's uv friendly, won't warp in the sun, and waterproof. It comes in a variety of thicknesses, sizes (up to 4' x 8'), and colors. 1/4" black is my preference. It doesn't show glue, dust, etc. under lighter fabrics. You can also mold Sintra. Heat gun it midly, and it's easy to shape. I most recently did the package tray for a 1951 Buick , with tight compound curves. I've also laid it over 10" hvac ductwork and heated it to shape the bulkhead panel on Advance Design trucks.
ABS is what I have used also . Never heard of PVC in sheet products . Doesn't mean it isn't the best , I'm just an old dog and not easy to teach new tricks . I have also attached 5mm Plastic sheet to the door before attaching hard board to stop weather from attacking it from the back side . This isn't much help on an open roadster .
Don't use this. It shatters when it gets old. Too cheaply made. Use ABS or plastic sign "cardboard" or waterproofed luan plywood.
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