Intrerior door panel covers

Miner · Miner's Garage

I am getting ready to tackle the job of recovering new door panels in my 1976 Porsche 911 project car with new vinyl skins. What is the best way do this, are there videos or pictures available on how to do this. Do I have to install a plastic vapor- proof barrier between the door and the panel to keep moisture from getting to the panels? Any help on this topic from anybody that has done this job before will be appreciated. Another question is, are the skins (covers) glued to the panels or only stapled on the backside along the edges?

74-911 · 08-07-2015, 07:14 AM

Yes, you should install the plastic vapor barrier.

On my '74, the vinyl was stapled on the backside.

javadog · 08-07-2015, 07:37 AM

You might also want a thin layer of foam between the panel baord and vinyl. Glue and staples on the back side, glue around some of the holes, etc. I don't know if I would glue the entire panel

My advice would be to take these to an upholstery shop and have them finish the panels, then install them on the car yourself. Wouldn't cost much at all and it will look better, in the end. The mositure barrier is glued lightly to the door sheet metal. You'll also need some foam pieces on the back sides of the panels, in certain areas.

JR

grizzfan · grizzfan's Garage

An alternative is to order new door panel kits from our sponsor. They include everything you need to include the vapor barrier. I'm lazy so I took the whole shebang to an upholstery shop and let them do it.

Best,

Tom

Miner · Miner's Garage

Thank you for the quick replies and comments/advice/opinions! They are all well taken and I am going to proceed with the job myself and incorporate the tips. When I finish the panels I will post pictures of them and hope they turn out good! Thanks again!

Gil

gshiwota · 08-07-2015, 11:31 AM

+1 on DIY. Door panels are pretty easy to upholster since they are flat and have a simple shape. I just reupholstered the rear side panels with good results.

I'm a big fan of Weldwood contact cement (in the red can not the waterbased green can formula) as this forms a really tight bond and is used by professional upholstery installers. I'm not sure if I'd use foam between the backerboard and vinyl as this often makes the panel look puffy and may lose the "crisp" look of factory door panels. The factory simply covered the cardboard backer with vinyl or leather. The factory did use foam on raised areas above the armrest however they stitched this area to give it a design and shape. Unless you have sewing skills, I'd forget about using foam backing.

As for directions... if you have a set of OEM panels, it's as simple as taking the old vinyl off and using this as a template for the new vinyl. If your panels aren't warped or cracked you could probably reuse them. Otherwise you can make your own from wood or buy premade composite ones.

Start by cutting the vinyl oversize (you'll be wrapping about 1-2" of vinyl around the backside) and then gluing it to the bare panel. Once the front is dry, turn it over wrap the vinyl around the backside and glue the edges down. If you glue it well, you may not need to use staples. If you use staples, be sure you have the right ones that aren't too long or they will go through the other side. I've had good luck with the contact cement holding without staples.

Once you've glued the panel on, trim excess vinyl accordingly. This is the time you should also cut the vinyl into the holes for the interior handles, window switches /crank and door lock knob. Trim , wrap and glue the excess vinyl to the back of the panel.

It's pretty straightforward and a rewarding project. Plus its an easy project to brag to your passengers when you're explaining to them that you're some kind of car restoration savant.

Miner · Miner's Garage

gshiwota, thank you for the input, you make it sound so easy! I have new panels and new covers and I will definitely take what you said under consideration. When you said that you glue the front side first you mean the front edge only and not the whole cover, right? I like the idea of not using staples if I do not have to if it works that way for me. My covers have the pleated foam underneath which make them look thicker but I will still see how they look with a thin foam under the whole panel and see how they look before I do any gluing or stapling. All great ideas thanks again.

RSTarga · 08-10-2015, 05:20 PM

Under the vinyl the factory used thin foam. The covering was stapled on the back to the board. The back of the panel has thin foam strips to stop it from vibrating.
Yes use a vapor barrier next. This should have a flap glued to the inside of the door large access hole to keep water from coming between door and covered door panel. The flap deflects water to inside of door so that water runs out bottom drains.