Cadillac & LaSalle Club Discussion Forum

Cadillac & LaSalle Club Forums => General Discussion => Topic started by: joeinbcs on March 11, 2015, 10:50:07 AM

Title: Wrapping Molded Door Panels in Cars 1968 and Newer
Post by: joeinbcs on March 11, 2015, 10:50:07 AM
I'm still trying to find some door panels for my '68 Eldorado (Maroon if possible)...but, watching some of the restoration programs on Velocity Channel made me wonder if the panels could be "wrapped" in either leather or vinyl?
Just wondering if anyone has tried this as a fix for worn or sun damaged panels as I have in my car?
Thanks, Joe
Title: Re: Wrapping Molded Door Panels in Cars 1968 and Newer
Post by: Jeff Rosansky CLC #28373 on March 11, 2015, 10:08:28 PM
Jeez-- I was hoping someone would respond.  I am trying to figure out what to do with mine too. 
Jeff
Title: Re: Wrapping Molded Door Panels in Cars 1968 and Newer
Post by: JoeKarasinski on March 12, 2015, 12:01:37 AM
Probably not cheap but I saw Just Dashes does them.
Title: Re: Wrapping Molded Door Panels in Cars 1968 and Newer
Post by: cadillactim on March 12, 2015, 09:48:33 AM
The problem with the 68 and up door panels is they are vacuum formed. The vinyl is pulled to shape by a vacuum process which can't be duplicated in a regular upholstery shop. The compound curves can't be made seamless without a vacuum process. Just Dashes uses the vacuum process, which is much more expensive.

Tim
Title: Re: Wrapping Molded Door Panels in Cars 1968 and Newer
Post by: mgbeda on March 12, 2015, 07:49:23 PM
I've definitely seen it done.  It's pretty obvious it wasn't made that way.  If you're on a tight budget and your old panels are far gone it could be an improvement.

Usually the problem is cracks, lots of them.  You say worn and sun damaged... if the only problem with your door panels is the color you can get good results with carefully applied vinyl paint.  If it's done right and the color is correct that's fix that you can't see was fixed.

-mB
Title: Re: Wrapping Molded Door Panels in Cars 1968 and Newer
Post by: joeinbcs on March 13, 2015, 06:43:28 AM
Thanks for the replies.  I sent Just Dashes a request for a quote to redo the doors.
Somebody already tried to repair them, and I don't think I'd be satisfied with a repair.
I think I need to either find a better pair, or have just dashes make some.