71 GMC/Chevy interior door panel option?
 

Has anyone tried to "customize" their 1968-72 GMC/Chev interior door panels? Mine are plain-jane metal: rather than re-paint them, I was thinking of covering them with some black vinyl and slipping them back into the top-runner and screwing them down. The clearance is TIGHT at that top runner, but it's a lot cheaper than replacement door panels, and with some spray adhesive, it should come out pretty clean. The vinyl should press right into the factory grooves in the metal, and the screws at the base will allow for a little fabric and still tighten up good. I wish there was a way to get more clearance from that top runner, but I think trying to bend it open to allow for the fabric and the metal would break the clip... Has anyone else tried this? How did it turn out?
Thanks

Tom - The more deluxe trucks (those with covered door panels) use a chrome channel at the top that is wider than the plain jane channel. They are often found at the wrecking yards. I don't know if anyone has repopped them yet or not.

Good luck searching - Bob

They are being reproduced, just started within the last year I believe. Check with any of the board venders they should have some of them. This iseasier than trying to find a pair that are not pitted and beat to death.

Door panels
 

I did the panels on a68 Iuse to in tuck & roll.They fit just right and looked great.

I used my metal panel as a template and made this panel with fabric that matches the seats I will be using. I put thin foam between the panel and the fabric.

http://yukon.b0xen.us/69chevy/doorpanel04.jpg

Jack: tell me more....
 

My concern is the retaining channel is SO tight on the metal door panel, I don't think adding fabric or vinyl will slide into the channel. I know it won't be an issue on the sides or bottom, but the retaining channel actually rubs the paint just sliding the metal panel in and out. Can it be bent open some to allow for a thicker panel to be slid into it? I have checked several board vendors, and none has the "thicker/deluxe" retaining clip for a padded door panel... how did you get yours to fit? The stock metal panel is pretty thin already, I don't think plastic or cardboard would be much thinner...


thanks! Yours look good!

Tom - The DELUXE retaining channel is being reproduced. Page 27 of the new Truck Shop of Orange catalog list them at $52.00 a pair.

www.truckandcarshop.com

door panels
 

I have done 2 trucks[68]like this in tuck& roll with vinyl.I just pried it back some they fit real nice and looked good.They fit tight and never came loose.

Heres mine. Theres 2 speakers intalled under the cloth as well. :metal:

My retaining channels are in a box somewhere, I didn't need them.

I used 3/32 closed cell foam under the material to hide the corrugation in the factory door panels and to recess the speakers in a bit. It came out very smooth. :)

Did you use only 2 screws to retain the panel?
 

Looks like one at each top corner and the 4 across the bottom? Just self-tapping screws into the metal door frame?
Looks nice!

Rod doors also makes a plastic replacement that is moulded with different designs kinda pricey though..

Yep, except I used stainless factory screws in the factory locations. The retainer is totally unnecessary with steel panels as they dont flex. The arm rest does a fine job of holding the damn thing on as well. I had planned on getting screw buttons that are made to be covered in the same material and they pop over the screw heads to hide them. I used stainless screws though and I kinda like the looks of em. ;)