Blazer rear side panels

[scoyote]

OK....getting ready to make my rear side panels (thanks yellowblazer1969) for the blazer and I'm wondering what material will work best?

3/8 plywood maybe or ????

I plan to carpet them and install speakers in front of and behind the wheel wells plus I will be making an access panel in the very back so I can store a small tool kit and a bottle jack, tire repair kit....etc.

I thought I would just screw them into the bed rails on the top and maybe use a channel to slide it into on the bottom or if nothing else I can just use some angle and screw it down there too.

But, I need something skinny and sturdy that will hold carpet glue.

What have you guys done or anyone have ideas?

[Cap'n Hook]

3/8" would be heavy enough, but3/8" will start getting heavy if you have double wall top and have to take the panels out to get to the bolts! I'd look at the difference in price of 3/8" and 1/4". I'd probably use 1/4" and just beef up around the speaker openings and the access for price and weight!

[Dusty71blazer]

My blazer came with some home made panels made from 1/4 hardboard (simular to MDF).
I would say this will be heavy enough, after I mount it a little better- right now it's not mounted very well and seems a little flimsy.
I plan to mount speakers in mine too, and I will be "beefing up" the panel around the speaker locations & will probably use 3/4 MDF there. I'm trying to come up with some type of pattern to dress it up a little- I just have a little "creativity block" but I'm sure I'll come up with something.

If anyone has any unique designs on their panels please post pictures- I promise to only use your designs as inspiration!

[truckster]

I think the 1/4" hardboard is probably closer to what the stock panels had backing them up. I'll probably use 1/4" plywood when I eventually do mine, just to make them a little more durable.

[BigRed Beast]

If you have a trim strip along the side of the top rail, it's set up for something less than 3/8"...trust me on this!

We did 1/4" with a basic indoor outdoor--a temp fix for sure--but I still haven't figured out a satisfactory solution to the double wall install and removal. I hate the idea of pulling the panels out every spring and fall,,,

[scoyote]

I'm selling my hard top...never plan on using it.
I'll be putting on one of the "convertible" tops from Softopper.com

So, removing the panels isn't a problem.

I'm more concerned with them being rigid enough to hold up.

Possibly the carpet/glue will add to them and I am starting to think that 1/4" is good enough as long as I double it up at the speaker and access door cut outs.

I don't have a trim at the top of the bed rail....but I'll be putting something up there.

I'm with Dusty71Blazer.....if you have pics....PLEASE post them.

[Dusty71blazer]

Originally Posted by BigRed Beast

I still haven't figured out a satisfactory solution to the double wall install and removal. I hate the idea of pulling the panels out every spring and fall,,,

I have a single wall top, but I was thinking about your dilema with the dual wall top...
it would take some more work but could you just stop your panels 3"-4" down from the bedrail and have a trim piece that would either snap or velcro on to cover the gap- quick & easy to remove & replace. That way the main panel can stay in place & speakers, etc that are mounted in it are not affected.

I am no artist but I did my best to draw what I am thinking...


Just an idea, hope it helps!

[RALONG]

I used the white plastic with bumps on one side that is made for showers and bathroom i contact semented two pieces togather worked great and held 6x9 speekers two years no trouble

[Mike C]

I made mine out of 1/4" plywood and covered in black vinyl. It actually screwed to the mounting flanges in the back, and in the front I trimmed it where it slipped in behind the B-pillar flange that runs from the top of the bed rail to the floor. I drilled an over sized hole in the B-pillar piece, then pulled the panel out flush using a screw and trim washer. I have 6 1/2" coaxials mounted in them, and it works great. My first set lasted 12 years, and the current ones have been in there 8.

[swyfor5]

Any pic's, anybody? I want to go with diamond plate myself.