Thread: Door panels?

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Originally Posted by RECOVERY ROOM

Thank you for that, I have tried to figure out some tips to help the guys that are trying to do some stuff on there own and will post up some of the simple things that go in to,Just waiting for a couple cars to show up that are more of a basic build so I can take pics.

Hey, just keep'em coming. I enjoy seeing photos of high quality work no matter how you do it, or what vehicle you do it on. I'm sure it's just like body work, a lot more work goes under the finished product than anyone would expect.

I've got edge sewn carpet, and an upolstered Glide bench seat in my roadster. I did luan wood for inner kick, door, and quarter panels. But it's still bare wood. Based on what I have read here, before I do my final leather interior, I will use the wood as a template to make metal backing panels. But, I have already decided that I want a "built in" wrap around style bench seat for my car. I would be very interested in any ideas you have in building the support frame and foam density for a seat like this style. I'm sure you must use different densities in different areas to get the shape and firmness. I'm already pretty used to shaping seat foam and getting it smoothed out on motorcycles.

Originally Posted by John Palmer

Hey, just keep'em coming. I enjoy seeing photos of high quality work no matter how you do it, or what vehicle you do it on. I'm sure it's just like body work, a lot more work goes under the finished product than anyone would expect.

I've got edge sewn carpet, and an upolstered Glide bench seat in my roadster. I did luan wood for inner kick, door, and quarter panels. But it's still bare wood. Based on what I have read here, before I do my final leather interior, I will use the wood as a template to make metal backing panels. But, I have already decided that I want a "built in" wrap around style bench seat for my car. I would be very interested in any ideas you have in building the support frame and foam density for a seat like this style. I'm sure you must use different densities in different areas to get the shape and firmness. I'm already pretty used to shaping seat foam and getting it smoothed out on motorcycles.

That gets a little more complicated, The support depends on what you have to hang a seat back on, Braces going from floor to top of body is what we do then you can cut your back of seat out of 3/4 inch heavy plywood and coat with fiberglass resin for water seal, Add sides to wrap around out of aluminum. The foam density is different from supplier to supplier so ask for a sample.I use a hard foam on the edges and sides, a softer one in the contact areas were you sit.You can cut the foam with a bandsaw for your shape then glue it together and sand it out with 100 grit on a D A sander to smooth the edges,The foam should look like the finished seat without the leather on it.Glue it to your wood back. Try and use .040 for your panels if you can, If not luan will work fine.

Before


After design and covering,The sewed lines were put on just for added design,You would not have to do this

Like Recovery Room said it has taken us years of learning thru trail and error, this a trade and we are very proud to know this trade. We make our living off of this and for us to tell you step by step how do build an interior is not the right thing to do. I'm sorry but I had to speak up and say something because everyone needs to understand this is a Highly Skilled Trade that has kept food on the tables for many of our families over the years. We don't ask others how to do their jobs that they make a living out of, so please don't ask us how to do everything. We are a dying trade and need to protect it before it's gone. This doesn't mean we won't help you out with certain questions but just keep in mind of what was said above. Thank You

Originally Posted by AllStitchedOut

Like Recovery Room said it has taken us years of learning thru trail and error, this a trade and we are very proud to know this trade. We make our living off of this and for us to tell you step by step how do build an interior is not the right thing to do. I'm sorry but I had to speak up and say something because everyone needs to understand this is a Highly Skilled Trade that has kept food on the tables for many of our families over the years. We don't ask others how to do their jobs that they make a living out of, so please don't ask us how to do everything. We are a dying trade and need to protect it before it's gone. This doesn't mean we won't help you out with certain questions but just keep in mind of what was said above. Thank You

I can understand your reluctance to reveal the "secrets" of your trade, but you should also realize that most of the members reading these threads will never attempt to reach the level of excellence you have achieved and therefore will never become competition for your job or living. I'm sure your trade is no more or less exclusive than high level body work and painting or engine building, yet the experts on this forum freely share their knowledge in these areas. Shouldn't HotRodPaint or SprayTech be as worried about someone learning their painting secrets, or Pat McCarthy or Paul Kane worry that someone will learn how to build a super engine and leave them unemployed? Yet these and many other knowledgeable members share their expertise freely.

The original concept of this section (as envisioned by 1954Merc) was for an area where we could share how-to's about upholstery and, although he appears to have taken his ball and went home, that should still be the reason for this section, not just an advertising media for those professionals who can produce show quality results. I enjoy looking at these beautiful interiors as much as everyone, but I would never attempt to produce one and certainly have no interest in becoming a pro and going into competition with you, so your families need not worry about starving on my account. Knowing how you do these jobs is more likely to convince me that I should just pay to have it done.


JMHO

I have been asked to put up pics so people could get Ideas, Instead of just sending a PM to those people only... I paid to contribute and donated money to this site before I posted pics....If that is taken the wrong way that is not what I meant to do.

Originally Posted by RestoRod

I can understand your reluctance to reveal the "secrets" of your trade, but you should also realize that most of the members reading these threads will never attempt to reach the level of excellence you have achieved and therefore will never become competition for your job or living. I'm sure your trade is no more or less exclusive than high level body work and painting or engine building, yet the experts on this forum freely share their knowledge in these areas. Shouldn't HotRodPaint or SprayTech be as worried about someone learning their painting secrets, or Pat McCarthy or Paul Kane worry that someone will learn how to build a super engine and leave them unemployed? Yet these and many other knowledgeable members share their expertise freely.

The original concept of this section (as envisioned by 1954Merc) was for an area where we could share how-to's about upholstery and, although he appears to have taken his ball and went home, that should still be the reason for this section, not just an advertising media for those professionals who can produce show quality results. I enjoy looking at these beautiful interiors as much as everyone, but I would never attempt to produce one and certainly have no interest in becoming a pro and going into competition with you, so your families need not worry about starving on my account. Knowing how you do these jobs is more likely to convince me that I should just pay to have it done.


JMHO

Very, very well put, I agree completely. We are here to learn and share what we've learned, our members are scattered all over the world, it's highly unlikely that I would travel to Maryland or Nebraska to have the interior put in my project but it sure is nice to see outstanding examples of Recovery Room's work. Please continue to share your knowledge!!!

Mike

Originally Posted by RestoRod

The original concept of this section (as envisioned by 1954Merc) was for an area where we could share how-to's about upholstery and, although he appears to have taken his ball and went home, ......

JMHO

FYI, 1954Merc has had a pretty full plate lately with his wife being in the hospital for some serious treatments, plus trying to keep the business side covered. He's not had time to be on the computer much, as I understand. His wife was said to be doing better for now, again as I understand from seeing something a couple of weeks ago in another venue.
For me, I really like to see the fantastic custom panels you guys do, and a basic tip or two along the way, answering specific questions like, "...I really like (fill in the blank) on the red panel. Is that shaped foam or a hard panel beneath?" can really help build confidence to step beyond smooth material on a flat panel for someone wanting a DIY approach. One question that has come up several times is metal accents - SS, chrome or formed billet? Custom made to shape by a metal guy, or formed and bent in your shop? Not step-by-step, just basics? Take the ivory panel with the tasteful shaped accent for example?

1/4 BY 1/4 Aluminum sanded to shape on edges and polished...Small screws hold it on from the back side thru panel