upholstery backing and materials
 

Working on doing upholstery in my panel. Want a professional job done right,but doing it myself. Lots of fabrication experience.

What is best for the backer board for doing the rear walls and roof? Also if have done what did you use for upholstery?Lokking at about half a dozen types. Already have boith lined with reflective insulation.

I have wiring and provisions for running more if needed. Have speakers and lighting. Also have an amp box installed. Just need to put up the backer and decide on the exact material. I know colors or think I do.LOL

Tips and hints are welcomed.

Re: upholstery backing and materials
 

I bought 1/4" Luan plywood for the sides of my '67 Panel truck. I haven't installed it yet. I used 1 1/2" pink foam board for insulation on the sides and 3/4 white foam for the roof. The roof panels didn't stay up very good.

Here are a couple of threads on the subject.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=410459

https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=432734

There should be some more on here too.

LockDoc

Re: upholstery backing and materials
 

I used FRP for the headliner in the WMB. It may not work if you want to glue fabric to it. If you're looking to replicate the shape or the factory headliner the product you use needs to be able to bend and form complex curves. If you go for that look start your installation of the pieces in the front of the truck.

There is a thread from a year or so ago where someone installed one of the aftermarket bow style headliners. It looked pretty nice but I can't seem to find it now.


Here is a link to the post of my headliner fabrication. Scroll to post 283.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...698377&page=12

And other thread.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=739654

Re: upholstery backing and materials
 

May be wrong but do not think there was ever headlinder for panel truck maybe a option I am unaware of. Doubt it since my grandfather custom ordered this one I have the order and invoice on truck. He would have ordered if available. He even ordered the center trim piece that I am told is very rare and nonreplaceable.

I am looking for something I can form to fit then cover with padded fabric. The luan works on side as long as all sides are fastened down and middle in few spots. It will warp up with heat if not. Making it bend to fit the roof area is almost impossible.

I have plenty of time to find right material since doing butt load orf body work right now ans then to see if I can paint.

Re: upholstery backing and materials
 

I have had some luan on walls and yet to cover them. It is warped up anyplace there is no0t a screw. Might be ok if guled or screwed more. I don't want to have it warp up after I cover it and look like crap. As for glue I know it is PIA to rmove later. Grandpa hac the inside carpeted and had everything wraped,it was the 70's.LOL the adhesive was a pia to get rid of.

Looked at using the shower surround as I have done dozen showers with it. Just not to sure how well it will work with fabric glued to it. I would conform easily enough to the radius where the roof meets the walls.

Thought about using oak veneer or similar and cutting v=groove on the back where I need it to roll to match the radius. I installed a piece and has none of the warping of Luan.

Re: upholstery backing and materials
 

I'd be interested in seeing pictures of the oak veneer and how you cut it.

Re: upholstery backing and materials
 

Also Pvc board comes in 4 x 8 sheets, gotten more expensive 3/8 is probably $100 Home depot or Lowes has it. Can be painted or used for backing. I used it for inside rear panels in my Blazer.

Re: upholstery backing and materials
 

I simply ripped the backside with blade at 45* and little over halfway thru the wood/ That allowed me to roll it with totaly breaking it , I had some popping and cracking but not split all the way thru. It gave me thd radius I wanted. Probably not best way to get there but it worked, Sorry no pics.I am worlds worst at getting pics of a project, once I get rolling I just do not think about taking pictures.

Re: upholstery backing and materials
 

I know what you mean. It's taken me awhile to get in the habit of taking photos. I can't tell you how many times I took the camera out and set down and never touched it until I was done with the project. DHoo!