My door panel mod

[Hoss3.0]

I just thought I would share my door panel mod. I was looking to remove the door pockets and the very cheap speakers so here is what I came up with.
4X4 1/8 board=$2.01 (in the reject bin at Home Depot),
black vinyl=$12.36,
edge trim=$9.99,
contact cement=$7.99,
screws=$6.50,
broken drill bit=$2.50,
Not having to look at holes and rips in the door panels and doing myself....priceless.
Those prices (in Canadian funds) are for both panels BTW. Here are some pictures of the day and a half project, you can see a nick in the vinyl next to the bottom front screw. Thats where the bit broke.

[Gene Wilkes]

Nice Job!!!!

[BR-549]

That is a nice job. I've been thinking about doing something similar. What did you use for edge trim?

Ken

[Hoss3.0]

It's door edging molding for the back of a door. I would never use it that way, but it might help someone with the bad habit of whacking doors in parking loots.

[Wil Ferch]

I hope you also used a plastic sheeting on the *inside* surface of the door trim...to protect it from getting wet from the inside....just like factory....right ?

....right???

- Wil ( too nicely done to see it go bad !)

[Hoss3.0]

Here is the stuff I used for the trim. The "truck" style was a little wider so I chose it.

[Hoss3.0]

Wil, thanks and to answer your question I was able to find a 1/8th particle board panel that has a white "vinyl" adhered to it. I just had to scuff it with sand paper to make sure the contact cement stuck. They sell houshold moldings with the same stuff on it. The black vinyl has this wicked smell that, believe it or not, is like "new car". I hope it lasts.

[randywebb]

that smell is the vinyl outgassing - it not healthy for you even if you like the smell - so try to avoid smelling it...

[Hoss3.0]

My wife would argue that it's me outgassing (I know, in poor taste and juvenile). I guess it's like the whole magic marker thing. The best part of the whole project was brushing on a half gallon of contact cement. I made sure the garage door was open, I think...I dont remember now...wait, it's getting dark... woooheee this is fun!!!...hey, my finger tips are blue???...why do I have a headache???

[Paulporsche]

Hoss,

Where did you get that PB w/ vinyl board? Is that a Home Depot/Lowes item?

[Hoss3.0]

Hey Paul (T.O. Eh!) The 4X4 particle board ($2.01) came from Home Depot in what they call the "cull bin". It's end pieces or broken bits etc. The trim ($9.99) and screws (they are called trim screws) ($2.50/pkg of 5) came from good ole Canadian Tire automotive section. Vinyl, I got from Fabricland, I went in wearing my shop duds (work boots and all) and asked for their finest lace and crushed velvet, the lady thought I was serious/crazy. It was worth a laugh. I actually used 1/2 a gallon of contact cement applied with a brush on both surfaces and rolled it smooth with nothing less than a beer bottle. Am I starting to sound like a freak? It's an easy project and I would be willing to give you a hand if you want it. PM for my phone # if you're interested. I still have some board as I bought 2 sections for the fudge factor.

[Hoss3.0]

Forgot to mention that I needed two ten foot rolls of the door edge trim. You would think ten feet is enough to do both doors but, no. Each door takes about six feet. I also sprayed some rust proofing inside the door for good measure.

[Paulporsche]

Thanks for the offer, Mike, but I'm sticking w/ my stock panels, which are still in great shape. As for that panel material...just wanted to know for possible future reference.

[Elombard]

What are you going to do for door handles?

[buster73]

Looks the business. "Unique Whips" would have charged you $ 2,000 US for this. Next time you go to Fabricland ask for "Naga Hide". Sounds much better than vinyl - but smells the same.

[Hoss3.0]

Naga-Hide is what the woman said I should be buying but they didnt have any. Must be popular stuff. As for the door handles, I have a couple of ideas but nothing firm yet. I'll keep you posted and let you know what the outcome is. It has to be able to be returned to original.