Rear interior side panel info

[swyfor5]

Seen a lot on this subject, but most interior pics of 1st gen's show k5's with no side panels. Just picked up a set of the chrome strips that hold the panels in at the top. Planning on some kind of custom setup and sure could use some pic's of what you guy's are running. The chrome strips I got are rusty, so I planned on cleaning them up and painting them. I don't plan on using original type side panels, but something custom with the original hold down strip. Going to go from hard top to soft top and back so am going to need a setup to withstand the weather. Any ideas or pic's would be great!

[swyfor5]

Looks like I will have to do this on my own. Not a problem . Really looking at aluminum diamond plate, will last . Anybody got new pic's?

[Big J]

I've got some 3/8" plywood I'm going to use. Just cut to fit, glue on some 1/4" foam, then cover in 4 way stretch marine grade vinyl. I'm planning on using the strips I've got too. Same problem as you with them though. Theres a sandblasting/powder coat guy down the road from my shop. To do the 3" roll bar and the strips he quoted 200. I don't think thats too bad to blast it and powder coat it. I've seen the diamond plate before. Looks pretty neat. Unless you've got a connection I'd guess it won't be cheap. Then you've gotta figure out how to keep it from vibrating too.

[NuBomb]

My plans to. I'm thinking black diamond plate and use the factory bracketry. Maybe put some rubber pads between the diamond plate and the side panel to wall brackets to eliminate noise possbilities. I am working on my hardtop now and hope to have it back on in a week or so. I checked out prices on diamond plate online and it is expensive.

[swyfor5]

Right on guy's! There's got to be a better way. I have the top strips now, but none of the other factory side brackets. Oh well, custom it is! Anybody got pic's ? I have plenty of 3/8" plywood, but am leaning toward the d-plate. Need some pic's of factory inner brackets, etc.

[scoyote]

I'm just now fabbing my side panels.

I'm using 1/4" luan, which is a laminated weatherproof plywood that is very sturdy and lightweight.

So far I've only cut out the patterns so I don't have good photos to show yet.

I plan to use a 1/4" "U" Channel screwed down to the bed and around the fender wells to hold the bottom in place and I'm just going to use some stainless upholstery screws for the top.

I plan to glue 3/4" foam to the plywood and then stretch fabric over it and add a few buttons to give it a little form.

I will install my speakers, convenience lighting and 12v power outlets on each side.

On the passengers side I plan to build a small door that will allow me to store battery cables, a quart of oil and spare fan belts etc....

I will double up the plywood around the openings if necessary, I don't have them cut out yet so I'm not sure if that is necessary or not yet.

I'm a ways away from getting all that done but when I do I will post pics.

[vtblazer]

Originally Posted by swyfor5

Seen a lot on this subject, but most interior pics of 1st gen's show k5's with no side panels. Just picked up a set of the chrome strips that hold the panels in at the top. Planning on some kind of custom setup and sure could use some pic's of what you guy's are running. The chrome strips I got are rusty, so I planned on cleaning them up and painting them. I don't plan on using original type side panels, but something custom with the original hold down strip. Going to go from hard top to soft top and back so am going to need a setup to withstand the weather. Any ideas or pic's would be great!

Do you have a single walled top?

If 'no', keep in mind when your designing the panels that each time you remove/install a double walled top, you'll need to remove the inner side panels to get to the bolts.

Sure you realized it though...

Are those old patterns still circulating around anywhere?
(the ones Diane made and sent out)

[swyfor5]

Yes, double wall top here. Makes this setup harder yet. Got to be a way to do it right. Thank's for all the help so far.

[PHAT TONY]

Double wall top,hmmm, I'm cutting some mobile home grade paneling to fit then cover it, mine's a CST so it has all the mounting bracketry; sheet metal floor anchors(1"X1" angle) etc. I think I'll go a little higher and not use the peeling chrome strips. Could you slip yours in a u-channel at the bottom and use super velcro along the top for easy in/out?

[scoyote]

I've considered the super velcro.....not sure how that holds up with the top off at 80 miles an hour??

Screws won't let go

[fun in dirt]

I did the diamond tread panels this go 'round & really like them. They don't rattle if you keep them screwed down tight. I don't like to try & keep them polished,useless PITA not to mention blinding yourself in the summer sun w/ top off, so I used a green scotch brite & WD40 to give it all a satin look!

I previously had an '85 K5 and made wood side panels that looked really good. Bought some nice plywood with a pretty grain & stained then cleared it all (sanding between each clear coat on the side that would be showing). Then used that Herculiner roll-on bedliner & covered the back and edges...they looked great and held up really well with a leaky top

I'll post some pics later, they're on the other computer.

[vtblazer]

WD-40 & a Scotch-Brite pad, sounds interesting.

How does the WD-40 help?

Inquiring minds...

[fun in dirt]

Originally Posted by vtblazer

WD-40 & a Scotch-Brite pad, sounds interesting.
How does the WD-40 help?
Inquiring minds...

Makes it alot easier to rub with more consistent lines and takes out any water spots or other marks on the aluminum ...a more uniform looking finish!

[fun in dirt]

Okay I finally found the pics of what i was talking about above

[swyfor5]

Yea, that d-plate looks nice! I have the double wall top, so am going to design them for easy removal. Like the idea of mounting some kind of c-channel on the bed to secure it on the bottom. Great ideas guy's, thank's! Black diamond plate? Where can you get that?

[scoyote]

Hey, VT

There should be some patterns floating around out there.
YellowBlazer made some for me and I sent them to another member...so they should be available.

I've got mine going to the interior shop next week to get some foam and vinyl on them....I'll take photos when I get it back.