Door panel material? Suggestions?

I'm looking into making new door panels for my Hudson as the old stock ones are pretty shot. My question is this, the originals are made out of multiple layers of what look like tar paper and I'm wondering what makes a good substitute for this stuff? My Cadillac uses a heavy cardboard type stuff, actually more like a hardboard meets cardboard stuff, is this type of stuff available? I've looked at upholstrey supply places with no luck and I'm thinking the old plywood door panel route is not the way I want to go so any suggestions will be welcomed. Thanks

 

I'm just worried that the masonite will***** up moisture and turn to mush eventually, though I could build a******en half pipe in my car!

 

you can use the flat plastic stock from Roddoors if your going for the stock look, or might want to take a look at Home Depot for some of the thin masonite type panels. The roddoor stuff is what I just put in my 37 ford, came with the dualloc strips to mount them without screws (similar to velcro but holds tight), and moisture wont bother 'em

 

I used waterproof masonite, works well.
A small tip i usea a plastic sheet to make the pattern for the Masonite.

 

Lou-Ann Mudhoney wrapped in an army blanket?

I'll prolly go with bead rolled aluminum.

for that go fast effect.

Paul

 

I use 1/8 luan at the shop. You should be able to get it at the hardware store. Never had a problem with warpage in the 8 years I've been at it. If your that worried about it then the ABS may be the way to go. Just my 2 cents....Stitch

 

Is luan a type of wood? I know thats a dumb question as I seem to remember that it is but I'm not sure. Next question, on the Luan and the masonite how do you attach fabric to it? My old door panles have the fabric actually stiched to the door panel in places! I figure I can come up with something but I'm just curious as to how you guys have handled this. Actually I need to save my pennys and have Fatluckys stich me up an interior (its on my wish list!). Hell maybe I should try 1/2 inch greenboard drywall, its moisture resistant and has good sound insulating properties!

 

1/8 inch luan, it is wood, and used green vinyal top glue sprayed from a spray gun, not aerosal can. Worked very good for us.

 

luan mahogany plywood with marine grade glue.

my nephew used it to make a kayak for salt water and hasn't had any problems yet.

Paul

 

Thanks for the input folks, I'll post some pics when I get one panel done. I have some interesting ideas banging around in my head for this project..

 

I usually use 1/8" masonite in closed cars. In roadsters, convertibles, and cars that I know are going to leak I use 1/8 ABS plastic. If you choose the plastic route, don't get it from roddoors. You can get it for about 1/3 the price at a plastic supply place.