custom door cards

[dohca]

hey im just in the procces of making up some custom door cards for my ae86 has anyone ever done this before? im after some tips on how to get them fitting properly and covering the mdf etc

thanks

[andyztouring]

What thickness MDF are you using,I recommend 3mm thinline,that way you can use normal door panel clips.The best way to make the new panels is to staple the best door panel you have(remove old coverings first)onto your new thinline,cut to exact same shape and size,drill all holes etc,remove old panel,sand edges to tidy up.Trail fit to car door,ensure everything fits and clears when opening and closing the door.As for covering,what type of finishing do you want?There are so many ways of doing that.Simplist way,glue 3-6mm foam onto board,then cut foam to edge of board with sharp snap off blades,cut vinyl about 30mm bigger all round than door panel,glue edge of board and vinyl,stretch vinyl slightly over,cutting surplus vinyl on corners,if you have short (4mm) staples use staples as well,cut holes out for handles,window winders etc.If you need more advice for fancier coverings,let me know,I`ll try to help.One other thing,always glue some plastic sheeting on the door before fitting door panels,it keeps the water off the panels and therefor no waving and buckling.

[Infinite]

i wouldnt use mdf its just gona stuff out again get 3mm maranty ply not sure on spelling i make all the door cards out of it.. But if u have to use 3mm mdf get some resin from a local fibreglass shop and just brush it over the whole panel befor u put the new coverings on make sure u brush it into the window winder holes ect ect and end grain. will seal it up good.

[fangsport]

i wouldnt use mdf its just gona stuff out again get 3mm maranty ply not sure on spelling i make all the door cards out of it.. But if u have to use 3mm mdf get some resin from a local fibreglass shop and just brush it over the whole panel befor u put the new coverings on make sure u brush it into the window winder holes ect ect and end grain. will seal it up good.

the very reason most older cars had tempered hardboard as uphostery backing. MDF reacts badly to moisture.

[andyztouring]

Infinite-are you thinking of hardboard?,I have been making doorpanels with thinline for the last 15 years or so,havn`t really had any problems with it.Marineply ply tends to be splintery shit to work with.

[Si]

Carbon Fiber

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motor ... 39.htm?p=1