On the current coupe project, I have to fabricate new door panel/interior panel backing. The old cardboard is all warped and shrunk. However, the vinyl covering is still decent, so I plan to transfer that to some new backing I make up. I've seen professional upholsters use some sort of heavy dense cardboard in sheets, and I've heard of some hot rod guys using some sort of plastic sheets. I've heard though, that it's hard to get contact glue to stick to the homeade plastic panels. Anybody here ever try this? And what is the heavy cardboard stuff called the pro's use and what common application or where might I find it? I live in rural farm country Michigan, and there is no upholstry shops within reasonable driving distance.
I think the plastic sheets they use are really fibergl*** sheets from "Lowes or Home Depot". I have used the same thing for many things they are for bathroom walls and have a bubbly side (that they use in the bathrooms) and if you flip it over it has a smooth side to it. (which I love using' and paintable) I have made door panels kick panels and package tray panels and some headliners pieces amd visors with it and you can buy it in a 4x8 sheet. Years ago when I built my falcon wagon I went to a interior shop and bought some panel board and I think that it is kinda soft on the edges after you cut it. But as fro the contact glus not sticking to the slick sheets you might have to sand it a little bit like "painting" so it has something to stick to. I am no pro but that is how I roll................Kyle
You can use an ABS sheet or a plastic sheet. either way, hit it with a DA and some 60 or 80 grit and wipe clean with grease and wax remover before you glue. You'll be fine. The fibergl*** shower panels work well but sometimes, if you're using clips to secure the panel, the holes can break out easily. If you're using trim screws to attach the panel then 'gl*** is alright.
dude- checkout the HAMB upholstery group here. Lots of tech posts= check both pages http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/group.php?groupid=174
I used 1/4" luan plywood with 1/4" foam glued to it for my '53 bel air door panels. I covered that with vinyl stapled to the back of the luan. The vinyl isn't glued down. They turned out super nice.
I bought some of that black cardboard from a local shop for around 15 bucks a sheet I like it better than the plastic, the glue sticks to it better.
I also used 1/4" luan board and re-used my old vinyl from my door panels, I'm really happy with the results. The nice thing about the 1/4" luan board is that it'll take a 1/4" staple from the back side. I've heard of people using Masonite but then you have to depend on the glue. I've made new door panels with new vinyl and the glue works well, but on old vinyl the edges don't like to stay glued down, that's why I like the staples. Here's a tech I did when I made mine. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=322623
1/8 luan works far better than 1/4 by the time you put foam and vinyl on it 1/4 staple will work fine as does glue....I use 8001 3M if I use glue......Trim cement... any auto parts store carries it...
Back sides of wooden and cardboard panels or face of door should be covered with plastic sheeting to allow water to run down without soaking into the panels and destroying them after 20 years or so.
I ran across this on the net and used the info when I made my '54 Ford panels,total cost $118 in materials check the pics for before and after.Click on this for the info: www.cadvision.comblanchas/54pontiac/doorpanels.html
I'm an old coot in phx. building a 38 hot rod pickup. Probably be trailering the car to SD or Socal to have the interior done. Roger et al traditional s***ching and style are where I'm at on how it should look. My chevy has the the formed steel interior panels that have the window garnish mouldings made into the door panel, which has tons of screw holes, raised bead work, etc. Not unlike most of you guys early fords and commercials. To get Rogers look of a nice simple door panel with no screws showing should I cut off the door panels and graft on new flat metal, board, or ???? Also how far in advance are you guys booked ???? thanks dillo
I put up a thread a couple days ago and got this.Helped out quite a bit http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...pholstery+tech
Having a roadster, i used aliminium. Was installed almost 30 years ago and still perfect. Easy to work with to. I don't know why the colors in the pic on seat and panels are different but they they do match.
Dont mean to hijack the thread, but I was wondering how you guys attach the panels (headliner, and door) to the car with out have screw or whatever showing. How do you keep it secured to the car, but still have a nice clean interior. If anybody has any advice or a link? Im thinking of doing my interior myself. Thanks
The plastic I used is ABS plastic. 1/8", score one side and snap it, you can heat it and bend it and it holds it's shape, contact cement works fine on it. I have done a couple jobs and it is easy to use. The cardboard I used from an upholsterer is made to bend one way. I think the ABS at the time was about $60 a 4'x8' sheet.
Hey all, This is what i do and have done on all 4 of my Falcons. I use 1/8" ABS plastic for my door panels(comes in 4by8 sheets) and can be bought from sign co. or extrusion co. My material is auto tweed and alante" vinyl. go to this link and you will see the results; http://public.fotki.com/falconeer/ Hope this helps: Butch Evans(Falconeer) Thomasville NC Let me know if i can answer any questions.
You could check out EZ Boy Interiors. They sell the backer boards and stuff so DIY's can do their own interiors. www.rodinteriors.com Just another idea.
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