Door panels - can't make up my mind

[sargentrs]

So I've got my door panels stripped and primered. Now I can't make up my mind. Do I want to just paint 'em or put new vinyl on 'em. Problem is my truck's a '70 and originally came with vinyl panels so I've got the extra holes for the panel and the chrome trim (both of which are trashed). So if I go with painted one's I'll have to try to find a set of '68's. So how about you guys show me some pics of both steel and painted and vinyl door panels to help me make up my mind.

[Kurt Combs]

Steel, it is easier. I have all steel in my 72 F250, maybe you need to find a stripped down model for a donor?

[sargentrs]

Thanks Kurt. That's what I was thinking. I could even get away without the chrome trim.

[72BahamaBlue]

I vote for the steel panels with the stainless trim.
AZHobie posted a nice photo!
Scroll down a bit...

http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... =6&t=66565

[sargentrs]

That's the pic I've been looking for! Thanks BahamaBlue. I really like that look.

[72BahamaBlue]

That's the pic I've been looking for! Thanks BahamaBlue. I really like that look.

Me too, the '72 will get the metal panels and s.s. trim as well!

[sargentrs]

Do you have some '68-'69 panels or are you going to do something with your '72's?

[Kurt Combs]

Can you buy the trim after market and does it fasten with the regular panel screws? I'm tempted, but not sold on doing the same with my bump.

[Calfdemon]

Hey Randy, not sure what the hole situation is for the vinyl covers, but if your trim is trashed, I have a few sets of really good trim from my parts truck that I dont need. I have metal panels as well, but they are cut with speaker holes making them less desirable. How many extra holes are in the panels to hold the vinyl on? If those holes are minimal and easily filled, then you might be good with painting what you have and then grabbing the extra trim I have and running those. If not, I do have one pair of metal door panels (maybe even 2... I might have another pair in storage) that are uncut without any trim or vinyl holes. Only problem with these is they are heavy when it comes to shipping them.

[sargentrs]

I sent ya a PM, Rich. Thanks.

Here's a pic of my panels. You can see the holes in the corrugated part (10 holes) and the one's for the trim around the outside (12 holes). I thought about welding 'em closed but the clean up in those grooves would be tricky and I'm afraid my grinder might get away from me and do some real damage. I also thought about sticking some flat head studs (PEM studs) from work and tacking them in from the back side then grinding off the tips and filling the front side with body filler. I searched around but doesn't look like anybody repops that trim.

[71PA_Highboy]

How many sets of the trim do you want? I have several sets.

Let me know.

[sargentrs]

Thanks 71PA! I'm still on the ledge here but if I go that way, I'll let you know. I actually do have another alternative. I work in a fab shop with lasers so I could have a complete "ring" cut out of some polished stainless, or maybe line grained aluminum