repairing door panels

[aod92]

The door panels on my 70 deville are cracking by the arm rests. Have any of you guys had luck repairing these moulded door panels?  I can't find a reproduction door panel or I would go that way.  Thanks!

[Jeff Moffo]

Have you tried SMS Auto Fabrics? They recently sent me leather and vinyl samples for my 76 that are identical to the originals.

[Scot Minesinger]

Have three 1970 DeVilles, and have not seen a successful repair method.  SMS sells the fabrics, leathers, and vinyl used by GM and others, but the door panels were not made that way. 

The only way to fix this problem is to replace them with good used died or recondition thru "Just Dashes" in CA.  Used is probably the way to go, but be prepared to pay like $500.  Just Dashes charges even more.  Unfortunately this is not an inexpensive fix.  Many of the repair jobs I have seen look wore than if a worn/cracked panel was left alone.  Often too you see reupholster effort that cover it in a two piece effort which looks fair to OK.

Good luck and enjoy your Cadillac

[TJ Hopland]

What Scott said is pretty much the same thing I have read and experienced.