911 door pocket reshaping

[r_towle]

Has anyone every found a good way to reshape the 911 door pocket?

It seems to be made of cardboard???

The bottom of mine is not straight and will not sit flat against the door.
Adding more screws just breaks off bits of the bottom flange because the bent shape is very strong.

Can I get it wet and reshape it?
I planned to put a small angle aluminum riveted in place to hold it flat, but I need some ideas on how to get it flat.

Rich

[Slanski62]

My mechanic showed me one he fixed. He soaked it in water until it was very pliable. He then blocked it to the proper shape and let it dry. It turned out great.

[theenico]

That was good timing. I was just brainstorming ideas on how to straighten my warped map pockets.

[cgarr]

Use a heat gun


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[Jack Stands]

I had theme situation, but not too pronounced. I attached some foam weatherstrip between the pocket and the door to fill the gap - worked well and doesn't really show.

Now, if someone would have a great solution for the top of the door pocket where it sits out and doesn't support the armrest correctly.......

[RFP]

Well, Rich, I know that this has nothing to do with what you asked, but instead of trying to straighten the ever-so-slightly deformed door pockets on my '87 M491, I just wrapped them up and packed them away; replacing them with these: 1974-1994 Porsche 911 New Door Pockets | eBay

The quality is absolutely superb and the fit is perfect. I had them covered with brand new, leather trimmed, carpet from Lakewell. The results are fantastic, look "factory," and, being made from ABS, these door pockets will never deform.

Just a thought.

Rob

[Dpmulvan]

Steam might work well

[kach22i]

A couple of years ago I soaked mine up pretty good (warm water in bathtub), then set them on a pair of saw horses which I had secured extra 2x4, 2x6 or 2x8's to.

I then set a straight line on the bottom flange and nailed roofing nails though it, about every few inches.

I allowed this assembly to dry in the sun, and left them secured to the horses over night.

I carefully pulled the nails, the holes were not noticeable though the carpet.

These door pockets have held their shape stored in my front trunk, as I have not yet reinstalled them.

I am considering coating the insides with black epoxy resin (like paint but unfortunately glossy) to strengthen and waterproof the uncarpeted side. I could lightly sand with very fine sandpaper to knock some of the gloss off I guess, or maybe use spay on Plasti-Dip instead if it would stick to cardboard.

Leaky Targa top seals might deform them on the first car wash if left untreated, or so I fear.

I will try and post pictures later on, if I can find them. It was a radical move on my part, but they were beyond repair so I had nothing to lose.

[kach22i]

All I could find is the after pictures, no before or of the process.

They were really bad before I started (could not close the door), now somewhat straight but tired looking.




I don't think anyone's going to be peaking down my door pockets with a swivel inspection mirror and flashlight.

If they do, they deserve to see some ugly.

May 14 of 2014 photos were taken, three years ago. I don't remember which side the nail heads were on.

[Superman]

I am resurrecting some door pockets and so, also resurrecting this thread. I have five door pockets, the best of which have unbroken plastic but could use some shaping. Just now, I removed the upholstery from all five. I was expecting enough difficulty that I doubted whether the Burgundy upholstery (on two of the five pockets) could be salvaged. I am pleased to report that I removed upholstery from all five with little difficulty and no destruction in less than 40 minutes. Now.....

I am hoping for more success stories (in addition to the above) and/or more detailed descriptions of the exact method(s) used. Most suggest getting them wet. One suggestion involves a heat gun. Roofing nails, dimensional lumber, saw horses....please explain.

[eastbay]

I reshaped a glove box that I thought was unrepairable and it turned out great. The cardboard is fairly water resistant and I did find that I had to soak it in warm water longer than expected to make it pliable.

[speedracer92]

Contact Bob at AppBiz. He's got a great set of steps you take to address all of this. Not only the bottom part - but how to ensure the pocket lines up with the pocket cover also. Just use strips of aluminum and rivets under the carpet.

[Superman]

Originally Posted by speedracer92

Contact Bob at AppBiz. .

Thinking it would likely be a waste of time, I used the AppBiz webpage to send a note to Bob. Imagine my surprise when he called me today. He was pleasant to talk with while he patiently advised me and answered my questions. His suggestions, involving thin strips of aluminum available at home improvement centers, was different from what I expected. Better and more functional than I expected. Thank you, Bob at AppBiz.

[Superman]

He also offered to consult again in the future, on similar matters whether or not he sells the product which fits my need. BTW, he is not fond of the plastic-ey/fiberglass repro door pockets. His solution for me avoids the expense of buying them and the inconvenience of trying to make them fit.