I might try and make some door panels for the '53, what can I use for the panel itself?? I dont want to actually sew the fabric to the panel just glue it - thanks
i was just about to ask the same question as my 53 merc is completely missing the driver's door panel. Where do I find the clips to pop them onto the door while we're at it?
,quote> was just about to ask the same question as my 53 merc is completely missing the driver's door panel. Where do I find the clips to pop them onto the door while we're at it?</quote> That depends upon how your original panels were attached. Older cars/trucks were screwed on like my '36. Others used push in and lock clips or slide down and lock. Your local paint and body shop should have similar ACTING replacement clips available to attach to the back of the baseboard your using for a hidden look. The diameter of your attaching holes and the previous clips used on the originals if you have them will help you find a replacement in most cases. Hope this helps, Glenn
Older cars used a "hard board" material like cardboard for their door panels. You can find the same material at an apostery shop, it's still available. Trim screws can be had at home depot and others. Use the door panel you have as a pattern. You could also use 1/8" plywood, check home depot or lowes. I did purchase a 4x8 sheet of ABS plastic from a trim shop to do my last car. John
The clips, or "frog legs" as we call em are available through AuVeCo. The paper base hard board is the way to go. Some of the other sugesstions are good but consider the moisture that can get to em. Don't forget to do a vapor barrier or your work will look like **** in no time.
I got the hardboard from a local upholstery shop. It was $12 for a 3x4 piece. Door panel clips can be bought in a bag of 25 from napa.
Go to a local lumber store and buy 1/8" luan mahogany door skins for interior house doors. This stuff works great, is easy to cut with a sabre saw, and is flexible. Give it a coat of urethane sealer and it is waterproof. And its cheap.
Go raid any 60's era mopar for panel clips .. look for the relationship from holes in door and hole in door panelsclips .. the are a removeable type and reuseable NOTE HOW FAR FROM EDGES make accurate thick paper template and mark surface to be covered or front /back-R-L USE YOUR CHOICE OF FOUNDATIONS sand all edges /corners as rough spots show sometimes when tightened /material is pressed around remember to do corners first and the edge by the hinge last when covering the panel (shows less) TEMPLATE SHOUD CLEAR ALL DOOR LATCH MECHANISMS LOOK CLOSE HERE leave enuf room for handles and openers to move freely screw all screws by hand after predrilling use/make a round cutting hole punch (sharpened pipe.-tubing) DON'T SCRIMP ON FABRIC SO YOU CAN PULL EVENLY ON EDGES REMOVE EXCESS LATER Follow all glue instructions for contact cement LET IT DRY SEWING IS AS EASY AS WELDING ... REALLY PAPERDOG
i bought masonite at a local hardware store and then i bought clips from the paint shop by my house order a couple of boxs it's cheaper that way. you can buy pre-pleated vinyl at a fabric store i imigine. i bought it at a local farmers market and auction (swapmeet). and i bought 3m sprayglue from the paint store. this is what i came up with. the white vinyl is the new one. the pic makes the old look nicer than it is.
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