Re: IML: door panels ?material

["A. Foster" <monkeypuzzle1@xxxxxxx>]

Hello All;

  I just thought that I would chime in on this discussion, since I have spent some time working around upholstery shops. In some cars it was masonite that they used, in older cars it could be either a thin plywood or a thick type of cardboard (1/4'' thick)often called waterboard. Most good upholsterers replace this with sheet plastic of the same thickness, if it's needed, as it is impervious to moisture, but it is more expensive. 

 The factory would never have used sheet plastic, in an upholstered panel, as the bean counters wouldn't have allowed that expense; a moulded plastic panel is a different story as it cuts down on labor. In the case of my Imperial the door panel material is made from waterboard. My preference would be for the plywood (not doorskin type) or waterboard as it holds staples well. Masonite usually requires contact cement as the staples are only there to hold it until the glue cures. Masonite also tends to curl and warp in a damp environment, waterboard and plywood less so.

Best Regards

Arran Foster

1954 Imperial Newport

Needing A Left Side Tailight Bezel and other trim parts.

----- Original Message -----

From: Rob McCall

To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Sent: Tuesday, January 11, 2005 4:53 PM

Subject: RE: IML: door panels  material

Teresa,

 

I think the board you are describing is Masonite.  I believe the OEM material is the same, or something relatively close to it.  At last that?s how my Barracuda door panels appeared.  I haven?t pulled the LeBaron?s yet.  The ABS plastic sheets I mentioned earlier have gained popularity, but Masonite is still most common.

 

I?ll be checking out that book too.  Thanks!

 

Rob McCall

?67 LeBaron

 

-----Original Message-----
 

Joe:

 

If I were you, I would invest the $20 and get the book that I listed in this email to Charles and Rob.  It shows the process in detail, as well as how to make new arm rests.  Some peoples arm rests are junk and need to be repaired.  The book is awesome, and well worth the money.

 

The fiber board that I mentioned is the same type of fiber board many of you may have in your garages in the form of PEG board.  This board is identical in every manner, except that there are no holes for pegs.  Does this help?  If not, I can track down some pictures for you.  I haven't done my car yet, but I can try to get my nephew to bring his truck by for some shots.  I thought that I had one of it before it went in the truck, but can't find it right now.  I will keep looking, I know it is here somewhere. 

 

Teresa Smith