$15 throwdown door panel rehab... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Earl Filter · 05-20-2005, 09:50 PM

The door panels on my '77 were awful looking. Now, a few hours and $15 later, they're slightly less than awful! For those playing at home, I used Plastikote vinyl paint in Dark Red, which was a verrrrry close match for the original color (I didn't paint the area behind the door panel bag). I used 1 1/2 cans at about $5 a can, and a can of Bulldog(?) adhesion promoter from Pep Boys. There's nothing you can do about the tops that disintegrate from the sun, but at least they're a solid red color again.

86swb · 05-20-2005, 11:09 PM

Looks much better. It is a wonder what a little paint can do.

zapata · 05-21-2005, 02:43 PM

looks like new good job

82c10 · 05-21-2005, 03:36 PM

i was wondering, the top of mine are scratched up, could you use bondo on that? would it work very good, i was thinking about doing the same thing as he did to mine

86swb · 05-21-2005, 03:43 PM

Bondo? No! I would just sand the scratches out. Never heard of anyone using bondo on plastic. In fact, I am not really sure about sanding now that I think about it. Not really sure. Bondo is for metal. Fiberglass might work. Not really sure about that eather. Maby someone on here will know for sure.

Earl Filter · 05-21-2005, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 86swb

Bondo? No! I would just sand the scratches out. Never heard of anyone using bondo on plastic. In fact, I am not really sure about sanding now that I think about it. Not really sure. Bondo is for metal. Fiberglass might work. Not really sure about that eather. Maby someone on here will know for sure.

You can actually use fiberglass first, then bondo in the imperfections. I hate working with both fiberglass and bondo! A lot of custom dashes and door panels are made that way.

**N2TRUX** · 05-21-2005, 08:45 PM

That a BIG improvement Earl!

82c10-If you sand all the dead plastic off, you can use a skim coat of bondo. The problem is when you sand the bondo smooth it won't look right because the door panel is textured. I think it would be almost impossible to try to match the factory texture again.

You might try sanding the whole thing and spray on some rocker guard to get an even texture, then dye it over the rocker guard. It won't have the same grain as stock, but at least it will have an even texture....

I scrounged the swap meet until I found a decent pair of door panels. They were originally blue, but that wasn't an issue. I used laquer thinner and stripped all of the old dye off. Then Roger at Stoked Out sprayed them for me along with the rest of the interior trim. Now everything looks new again....

Earl Filter · 05-21-2005, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

That a BIG improvement Earl!

82c10-If you sand all the dead plastic off, you can use a skim coat of bondo. The problem is when you sand the bondo smooth it won't look right because the door panel is textured. I think it would be almost impossible to try to match the factory texture again.

You might try sanding the whole thing and spray on some rocker guard to get an even texture, then dye it over the rocker guard. It won't have the same grain as stock, but at least it will have an even texture....

...

Well, keep in mind they're on this truck:

I don't think it will be in a magazine anytime soon!

That probably would work on a vehicle I cared enough to put some time into.

bigarmzz · 05-21-2005, 11:02 PM

now you'll have shiny new lookin door panes in the beater huh?

they look alot better since you painted them....in my experience though, the painted ones always seem to either chip or wear off, no matter how good you sand and prep them

Quote:

Originally Posted by Earl Filter

Well, keep in mind they're on this truck:

I don't think it will be in a magazine anytime soon!

That probably would work on a vehicle I cared enough to put some time into.

Earl Filter · 05-22-2005, 12:34 AM

Yeah, I figure it'll fall off...I think this truck is getting a rattle-can camo paint job in the near future anyway!

**N2TRUX** · 05-22-2005, 12:51 AM

That's a beauty there Earl. I can just see it all done up in camo. You gonna keep the work boxes or lighten the load a little?

81' GMC 4X4 Crew Cab · 05-22-2005, 03:38 AM

Will that paint rub off on my are and clothes in the summer?

Earl Filter · 05-22-2005, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

That's a beauty there Earl. I can just see it all done up in camo. You gonna keep the work boxes or lighten the load a little?

The pipe rack is already off, and as a matter of fact, I'm trying to get the rest of the stuff out today. The truck sat for about 5 years, and there's about 8-10 inches of pine needles, cones, dirt, and trash in the bed!

Earl Filter · 05-22-2005, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 81' GMC 4X4 Crew Cab

Will that paint rub off on my are and clothes in the summer?

If it weren't for the peeling parts of the door panel where the actual panel comes apart, then no. It's more like a spray dye than a paint. My preference is SEM dye if you're trying to do the very best job, but it's more expensive, and is hard to get locally. I wouldn't be afraid to spray the seats red, and ride in the truck in white shorts. It won't come off any more than the factory dye will, if you prep it properly.

**N2TRUX** · 05-22-2005, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 81' GMC 4X4 Crew Cab

Will that paint rub off on my are and clothes in the summer?

No, not if you prep the panels properly. The key to having proper adhesion with vinyl dye is to get the panels really, really clean.

You should start with soapy water and scrub them with a brush. Rinse and repeat. If you aren't stripping old dye off, like I did lightly sand any areas that are scratched. Follow that with a scotch brite pad on the entire panel. Wash with soapy water, rinse and repeat.

Once the panel is completely dry, use a good coat of adhesion promoter. This step is "very" important. Follow the directions on the can closely. After the adhesion promoter, dye them and your done. Yes it will scratch if your not careful, but it won't fall off in chunks....

**N2TRUX** · 05-22-2005, 10:31 AM

Brandon it looks like we posted at the same time. I agree SEMS is the best you can get in a rattle can. If you are trying to match the whole interior use an automotive paint brand like PPG. Of course you will need a paint gun to spray that.

Post some progress pics when you "get er done"....

dswancutt · 05-22-2005, 10:46 AM

Ken;

Did you reuse the chrome band that goes around the woodgrained insert or did you have new ones? If you did reuse the band, how did you deal with the mounting pegs that where broken off?

Doug

**N2TRUX** · 05-22-2005, 11:05 AM

Doug,

My original door panels were in excellent shape, including the trim and insert. I dropped one of them and busted the corner off of it. That was why I had to find a replacement.

I think whoever restored my truck had replaced the trim and inserts. They were in very good condition with no tabs broken.....

Earl Filter · 05-22-2005, 12:44 PM

Well, I got the boxes off this morning. It's over 90 degrees, and if there was any more humidity, it'd be raining. I'm taking a break before I heat stroke! Anyone want a 8hp gas-powered compressor? Free? OK, I'll pay you $20 to take it! And I'll throw in a 3.6 straight six and auto trans out of a Jag (see my signature).

05-20-2005, 09:50 PM	#1
Earl Filter Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 212	$15 throwdown door panel rehab... The door panels on my '77 were awful looking. Now, a few hours and $15 later, they're slightly less than awful! For those playing at home, I used Plastikote vinyl paint in Dark Red, which was a verrrrry close match for the original color (I didn't paint the area behind the door panel bag). I used 1 1/2 cans at about $5 a can, and a can of Bulldog(?) adhesion promoter from Pep Boys. There's nothing you can do about the tops that disintegrate from the sun, but at least they're a solid red color again. __________________ Real Name - Brandon Current Vehicles: 1977 C20 Silverado 454/TH400 3.73s 1989 Jaguar XJ6 in the middle of an LT1/4L60E swap Last edited by Earl Filter; 05-20-2005 at 09:51 PM.

05-20-2005, 11:09 PM	#2
86swb Born a Chevy Man Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Navarre, Florida Posts: 10,221	Looks much better. It is a wonder what a little paint can do. __________________ John or 86 (Viet Nam combat Vet-BIG RED ONE) '65-'66 1986 Chevy SWB Silverado 1984 Chevy Longbed Silverado New Kia Sportage (Wife's car and she loves it) CHEVY, American made w/pride! If you can read this, YOU NEED TO THANK A TEACHER! If you can read this in ENGLISH, PLEASE THANK A SOLDIER! GOD BLESS AMERICA AND BLESS OUR FIGHTING TROOPS

05-21-2005, 03:43 PM	#5
86swb Born a Chevy Man Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Navarre, Florida Posts: 10,221	Bondo? No! I would just sand the scratches out. Never heard of anyone using bondo on plastic. In fact, I am not really sure about sanding now that I think about it. Not really sure. Bondo is for metal. Fiberglass might work. Not really sure about that eather. Maby someone on here will know for sure. __________________ John or 86 (Viet Nam combat Vet-BIG RED ONE) '65-'66 1986 Chevy SWB Silverado 1984 Chevy Longbed Silverado New Kia Sportage (Wife's car and she loves it) CHEVY, American made w/pride! If you can read this, YOU NEED TO THANK A TEACHER! If you can read this in ENGLISH, PLEASE THANK A SOLDIER! GOD BLESS AMERICA AND BLESS OUR FIGHTING TROOPS

05-21-2005, 08:45 PM	#7
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,023	That a BIG improvement Earl! 82c10-If you sand all the dead plastic off, you can use a skim coat of bondo. The problem is when you sand the bondo smooth it won't look right because the door panel is textured. I think it would be almost impossible to try to match the factory texture again. You might try sanding the whole thing and spray on some rocker guard to get an even texture, then dye it over the rocker guard. It won't have the same grain as stock, but at least it will have an even texture.... I scrounged the swap meet until I found a decent pair of door panels. They were originally blue, but that wasn't an issue. I used laquer thinner and stripped all of the old dye off. Then Roger at Stoked Out sprayed them for me along with the rest of the interior trim. Now everything looks new again.... Attached Images __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra" Last edited by N2TRUX; 05-21-2005 at 08:50 PM.

05-22-2005, 12:34 AM	#10
Earl Filter Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 212	Yeah, I figure it'll fall off...I think this truck is getting a rattle-can camo paint job in the near future anyway! __________________ Real Name - Brandon Current Vehicles: 1977 C20 Silverado 454/TH400 3.73s 1989 Jaguar XJ6 in the middle of an LT1/4L60E swap

05-21-2005, 02:43 PM	#3
zapata Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: hawaii Posts: 48	looks like new good job

05-21-2005, 03:36 PM	#4
82c10 needin' money Join Date: May 2005 Location: Chickasha, Oklahoma Posts: 1,106	i was wondering, the top of mine are scratched up, could you use bondo on that? would it work very good, i was thinking about doing the same thing as he did to mine

05-22-2005, 12:51 AM	#11
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,023	That's a beauty there Earl. I can just see it all done up in camo. You gonna keep the work boxes or lighten the load a little?

05-22-2005, 03:38 AM	#12
81' GMC 4X4 Crew Cab Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Tahuya Wa Posts: 2	Will that paint rub off on my are and clothes in the summer?

05-22-2005, 10:31 AM	#16
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,023	Brandon it looks like we posted at the same time. I agree SEMS is the best you can get in a rattle can. If you are trying to match the whole interior use an automotive paint brand like PPG. Of course you will need a paint gun to spray that. Post some progress pics when you "get er done"....

05-22-2005, 10:46 AM	#17
dswancutt Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Franklin, NE Posts: 387	Ken; Did you reuse the chrome band that goes around the woodgrained insert or did you have new ones? If you did reuse the band, how did you deal with the mounting pegs that where broken off? Doug

05-22-2005, 11:05 AM	#18
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,023	Doug, My original door panels were in excellent shape, including the trim and insert. I dropped one of them and busted the corner off of it. That was why I had to find a replacement. I think whoever restored my truck had replaced the trim and inserts. They were in very good condition with no tabs broken.....

05-22-2005, 12:44 PM	#19
Earl Filter Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 212	Well, I got the boxes off this morning. It's over 90 degrees, and if there was any more humidity, it'd be raining. I'm taking a break before I heat stroke! Anyone want a 8hp gas-powered compressor? Free? OK, I'll pay you $20 to take it! And I'll throw in a 3.6 straight six and auto trans out of a Jag (see my signature). __________________ Real Name - Brandon Current Vehicles: 1977 C20 Silverado 454/TH400 3.73s 1989 Jaguar XJ6 in the middle of an LT1/4L60E swap Last edited by Earl Filter; 05-22-2005 at 12:46 PM.



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.