Door Panel Restoration

[slamons]

OK I know I am beating a dead horse...But has anyone ever had a door panel that has had water damage / warping...I was going to try to soak the backside until it softends up, then place it on a flat surface with weights in an attempt to flatten it back out so it will fit and look proper...Has anyone tried this or am I CRAZY....Dont answer that one.....

[rjewkes]

Wouldn't it be easier to grab some fiberboard? Is that what the original backing is made from? And undo the staples on you old one and put the vinyl stuff on a new paiece of backing?

[ExplorerNC]

I think the vinyl is actually glued to the backing as well. I think you would destroy the vinyl trying to remove it, especially as brittle as it gets over time. I have never tried it though.

[rjewkes]

I'm thinking of doing some diamond tucked crushed velvet.

[ezernut9mm]

i don't see why you couldn't wet it down and then press it until it's dry. i'd be sure to let it realy dry out though. maybe even spray it lightly with some lysol or something to keep it from molding and then let it dry again.

[slamons]

Thanks for the replys, I have tried to remove the old vinyl skin from the board but it is attached very well. I went ahead and sprayed the back of the panel with hot soapy water, Within 15 to 20 minutes it was softer, I dryed it down, Placed 1/8 inch aluminum sheet on top then 2 concrete blocks. I will see what happens in a day or 2. I was then going to let it dry out very well and try to seal it with clear deft or something like it....

[ExplorerNC]

Keep us posted. That will be a great trick if it works well! Seems like every set I find is warped.

[71 LONG BED]

Once it's flat you could use some vinyl paint to freshen them up. Here are before and after of my door panels. I think I used Krylon, but I don't remember.
Before:


During:



After:

[slamons]

Holy Crap I think it is going to work.....I took the concrete bocks off this afternoon and they look great.....It is nice to know that an idea actually works now and then, Know I am going to try to use some foil tape to redo the peeling chrome, I will post a picture if it works...THANKS

[71 LONG BED]

Glad it worked! It is nice to know that an idea can work once in awhile.

[ladz]

Ok this is how my door pannels turned out. check out the link

http://www.fordification.com/galleries/ ... at=0&pos=0

[Ranchero50]

Any chance of getting some before and after pics? I saw a nice set of white ones in the junk yard that are warped bad, but the vinyl is in great shape.

Very interested.

Jamie

[Jake11]

Soak um. Lay them flat on the floor and stack some heavy stuff on.
When they dry out seal the backside with varnish. Works pretty good.
Or just make new ones. If their not too messed up fix um.

[slamons]

OK It would be nice to remake new ones but I am trying to keep the original look. I have the original 71 XLT panels, After getting them straight I replaced the chrome / plastic with foil tape. This is easy to pbtain, It is used in stain glass to wrap the edges of glass before soldering. The foil tape is about 1/4 inch wide and works great with a little practice. I would show photos but I am bad and did not take any before photos. I will try to take some of the finished job..

[71 LONG BED]

Looks great! I love the black and gray!