71 GMC/Chevy interior door panel option? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

TomShilling · 03-24-2005, 08:29 PM

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

Bob Moore · 03-24-2005, 10:21 PM

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

Harold Shepard · 03-24-2005, 10:54 PM

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.

boogie67 · 03-24-2005, 11:01 PM

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

**Yukon Jack** · 03-25-2005, 10:01 AM

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.

TomShilling · 03-25-2005, 11:26 AM

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!

Bob Moore · 03-26-2005, 06:48 PM

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

boogie67 · 03-26-2005, 09:08 PM

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.

*screamin_c102* · 03-26-2005, 10:10 PM

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

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.

TomShilling · 03-27-2005, 10:01 AM

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

**FRENCHBLUE72** · 03-27-2005, 12:26 PM

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

*screamin_c102* · 03-27-2005, 05:03 PM

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.

03-24-2005, 08:29 PM	#1
TomShilling Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Spartanburg, SC Posts: 42	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

03-24-2005, 10:21 PM	#2
Bob Moore Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Tacoma WA Posts: 1,365	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 __________________ 67 C-20 LWB, tilt, speed alert, vac, 454, T400 67 C-10 SWB, factory air with more to follow

03-24-2005, 11:01 PM	#4
boogie67 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: waco tx Posts: 584	Door panels I did the panels on a68 Iuse to in tuck & roll.They fit just right and looked great.

03-25-2005, 10:01 AM	#5
Yukon Jack Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA Posts: 12,684	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. __________________ 1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift 1980 Pontiac Trans Am, 455 Oldsmobile 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14

03-25-2005, 11:26 AM	#6
TomShilling Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Spartanburg, SC Posts: 42	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!

03-24-2005, 10:54 PM	#3
Harold Shepard Registered User Join Date: May 2004 Location: Canton North Carolina Posts: 466	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.

03-26-2005, 06:48 PM	#7
Bob Moore Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Tacoma WA Posts: 1,365	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 __________________ 67 C-20 LWB, tilt, speed alert, vac, 454, T400 67 C-10 SWB, factory air with more to follow

03-26-2005, 09:08 PM	#8
boogie67 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: waco tx Posts: 584	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.

03-26-2005, 10:10 PM	#9
screamin_c102 Account Suspended Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Yoncalla Oregon Posts: 775	Heres mine. Theres 2 speakers intalled under the cloth as well. 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. Attached Images Last edited by screamin_c102; 03-26-2005 at 10:13 PM.

03-27-2005, 10:01 AM	#10
TomShilling Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Spartanburg, SC Posts: 42	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!

03-27-2005, 12:26 PM	#11
FRENCHBLUE72 PROJECT 7DEUCE Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: GRANTS PASS OR Posts: 21,608	Rod doors also makes a plastic replacement that is moulded with different designs kinda pricey though.. __________________ GO BIG GREEN GO DUCKS MEMBER #6377 72 k-5 daily driver 6'' lift 35'' 350-350-205 slowly getting rust free. Project "7DEUCE" check out my build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=267665 Tim Powell..R.I.P EastSideLowlife..... R.I.P..

03-27-2005, 05:03 PM	#12
screamin_c102 Account Suspended Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Yoncalla Oregon Posts: 775	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.



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