Original Panel Restorations
To maintain factory appearance the original materials and original stitching
designs would be used. Chrome trim would generally be polished and transferred
to the new panels, and the armrests would be recovered. For models with garnish
moldings above the panels, these moldings can also be refinished.
Pre-assembled Replacement Panels
For popular restoration models such as Corvette, Camaro, Mustang and other
muscle cars, original molded door and quarter panels are available pre assembled
and ready for installation. In addition, most necessary components can also
be replaced on the doors, including handles, window cranks, emblems, chrome
trim, weather seals, armrests, etc.
Recreated Panels
Older model cars have flat door panels with bolt on armrests. If the boards
under the upholstery are still in good condition, we can reupholster the existing
panels. However, most of the time these panels become warped, cracked or deteriorated.
In these cases the boards are remade, holes are punched and mounting hardware
is installed. Where applicable, the curved upper supports are transferred over
to the new panels.
Custom Interior Panels
The custom look of the door panels should typically match that of the seats.
A wide variety of designs and materials can be used, especially on street rods
where the large flat panels allow space for creativity. We can incorporate
flames, geometric shapes, sculpted patterns, embroidered logos, two-tone colors,
Recaro cloth to match Recaro seats, etc. Carpeted door bottoms may be reshaped
to add to the custom look. Billet style and custom armrests and handles are
also available.
Also see our Custom Panels Photo Gallery
Rear Quarter Panels & Trim
In addition to redoing the door panels, we can also naturally redo the balance
of the interior side wall trim to match. This includes the rear quarter panels
which are the walls next to the rear seats, the rear ash, well, piston and
armrest covers which are common in the older convertibles, the front lower
kick panels, the pillar post trim which is common in older sedans, the back
bulkhead wall which is common in most older sports cars and so on.
Door & Side Panel Sound Proofing
A very popular option to reduce noise from door vibration and give the
interior a more solid, quality sound -Great for listening to music. Helps
doors close with a "thunk" instead of a tinny sound. Of course,
the best time to install noise and vibration dampening material behind
the panels is when we already have your panels off for reupholstery. Sound
proofing is also strongly recommended for the floor.
|
|
|
|
Leather Panel Insert Conversions
For cars with cloth interiors being converted to leather, we also recover the
cloth inserts on the door panels to match the seats. This looks especially
nice when we coordinate a two-tone insert on both the seat and the door.
Custom Wrapping Molded Panels
Particularly for newer, high end, show cars, the look of the factory molded
door panel is not enough. To further set the car apart from the pack, in addition
to custom covering the seats, we can also custom cover the molded door panels
in leather, suede, or other exotic materials & combinations. To achieve
this, artful stitch work is done to the leather which is then laminated over
the stock molded panel to create the final custom look. As an added touch,
embroidered logos can be applied to the custom leather work as well.
Partial Panel Reupholstery
In many cases, sections of the factory door panels develop problems. One of
the most common is cracked armrests in American cars of the '80’s & '90’s.
Depending on the severity of the damage, we can either spot repair the crack,
install a molded armrest cover, or most commonly, repad and recover the armrest
in new vinyl.
Sometimes the vinyl on the insert or top of the panel shrinks or wears. This
vinyl can either be heated, stretched & reglued, or it can be replaced.
Another common job in older cars is to replace only the door bottom carpet.
This carpet often becomes tattered or faded and is ideally replaced to match
the floor carpet.
Molded Plastic Replacement Panels
Manufactured from vacuum formed, molded ABS plastic, these unupholstered, replacement
panels, as well as armrest pads, are available for many older pickups and SUVs.
Lower half molded panels with integrated armrest areas are also available for
certain older American car models.
Power Window & Lock Conversions
For most cars which have manual roll up windows or manual locks, we can convert
these functions to operate via power switches and remotes. For street rods
with shaved handles we can also install power remote door & trunk poppers.Van,
Motorhome & Bus Walls
Most older conversion van interiors looked great when they were new. Unfortunately,
many were made with inferior materials that wear out prematurely. The side
walls & other interior trim in these vehicles can all be reupholstered.
Cargo Van to Passenger Van Conversion
We can convert the entire cargo area, or a portion of it, into a comfortable
quiet passenger area. We can insulate bare metal walls, create custom wall
panels, cut around windows and fabricate window shrouds where necessary.
The panels can be upholstered in a variety of materials to achieve a more
passenger friendly appearance. Bench seats, fold down beds, captains chairs,
floor carpeting and headliners can all be supplied and installed to complete
the conversion.
Return to home page
|