I am looking to redo the door panels in my '56, anyone know of a good source for the backer board? I am not looking for an upholstered panel, just the backer board and I would prefer the cut to size type but will take uncut if necessary. The old door panels have been wet so now the cardboard is bowed. I am going to attempt to remove the upholstery and reuse it, if that doesn't work I'll have to reupholster with black vinyl like I did on the package tray. Thanks...
I could not find pre-cut boards so I just made my own... you can see what I used and how I did all of that here: https://www.hotrodreverend.com/post/2018/01/07/55-ford-part-33-interior-panels I have yet to re-install the stainless trim to my vinyl but oh well - plenty to do on this old Ford!
Muscle maniacs car parts eBay store says if they don’t have it they’ll cut it from your old board. I haven’t ordered any for my 59 yet, but I did call and they seemed legit.
If you are going to cut your own take a look at ABS plastic. I did this on my 40 years ago and just today had to remove a door panel, like new still. My upholstery guy at first balked but I had made my own panels so he covered them. I don’t know for sure but he may have used it on other cars he liked it so well.
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/abs-plastic-and-door-panels.318310/ https://roddoors.com/
I used ABS for door panels on my 48 convertible. The ones I got even had an arm rest and door pull built in. Problem is I don't remember where I got them (Did it 20 years ago). Google ABS door panels or ABS plastic door panels for ideas. They attach to the door by velcro type pieces. No problem with them coming unattached.
I made my own years ago with black waterboard. They held up for the duration of ownership, 20yrs, without warping. I picked up some waterboard 2yrs ago for my wagon. After just 1 year, warpage noted. 2nd year, badly warped. They just don't make anything that lasts, anymore. ABS Panels pending from TAP Plastics
My upholsterer used masonite for the door panels the last time I had upholstery done nearly 25 years ago. They came out great and was easy to attach to the doors with hidden clips he designed into the panels.
i have made my own for all my cars...usually masonite or mdf (craft board) on all of them i always paint them on the inside with a good enamel paint....no problems
Because my panels were going to be more involved that flat, I used an oak (or birch?)plywood for the panels.......actually door skins. After the panels were ready for upholstery, I put several coats of varnish on them. I also put plastic film on the doors prior to attaching the door panels to keep water off the door panels. Has worked well, no warpage. My album has pics of my interior build.
Haha, thanks guys. I noticed when I pulled up that top pic of the door panel it was 10 years old!! That steering wheel keeps me from posting interior pics on the main board.......that and the '95 shifter. BTW, next step on that lower section of the right door panel was to use many layers of thin chipboard strips and spray glue to form a rigid support with a nice flowing shape. Hope I'm not hijacking this thread............we are talking door panels, right?!
I'm glad you added that last part. I dabble with woodworking also and was curious to know how you had tackled the bottom part.
The Jalopy Journal
