Sewn Door Panels
  • Dave Jascot
    2
    Im sure this subject has been beat to death but Im looking for some opinions.

    Im working on a 1950 ish MG roadster, the car is turned rat rod with a 1930s franklin air cooled straight 6, really cool project.... Anyhow, we are attempting to re-create the interior as we've taken it out the best we can... although i have full creative freedom if I see fit.

    long story short, were using some really nice distressed leather from Apex and the orig. door panels were sewn over luan. I like using ABS on my panels for the longevity/durability it gives me, however I don't feel I can accurately recreate these panels using abs.

    what are your thoughts on waterproof tan cowl board? we all know its not "waterproof" but should I be concerned with warping in the near future? this car shouldn't be spending much time outdoors as there is no top frame, In addition the panels are nailed and stapled to the wood structure of the car so fastening is not an issue, perhaps I'm over thinking this... Ive certainly been accused of that before lol. However my mind is always on durablity and putting out a quality job.

    any other products I should consider?

    -Dave
    Dave Jascot Options
  • Fred Mattson
    152
    The cover material can be sewn to match your design and then glued to the panel board. Sewing the material directly to the panel board will cause the door panel to become weak from the needle holes.

    You will also need to skive the edges of the leather to help reduce the thickness of the seams. I have used this method many times and the final result is just as I imagined it to be.
    Fred Mattson Options
  • Rodger Pisani
    1
    ↪Dave Jascot
    Dave, I've used the "waterproof" panel boards for many, many, years without any issues in the long term. I like gluing multiple pieces together to hold the curve of the door, when needed. I've had clients return years later, for other work, and haven't seen any warping at all.
    But I always glue on a watershield to the door, just to be safe.
    Rodger Pisani Options
  • Michael McKean
    5
    The waterproof panel boards perform better in dryer climates. There is still the fact that sewing thru them weakens them a bit. I always us abs and in situations like you describe I use chip board or sunvisor board and cut it to shape. Cover this with the foam and material, leaving a lil exess around the edges. Sew it up and then glue on top of the abs. Finish by wrapping the excess material over the edges of the abs. This still gives ya the deep, defined lines of sewing thru the panel that ya may lose by just sewing thru the material and foam and then gluing that to the abs.
    Michael McKean Options
  • Dave Jascot
    2
    Thanks guys! I ended up going with abs… I have a supplier about 40 minutes away and can pick up 4x8 sheets…. I wasn’t confident that the panel board would hold up long term. Especially with how the door pocket was made originally.

    I’ve got a few things to tidy up but they are a pretty accurate representation of the original.

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    b9s3m900lq1jd3jk.jpeg
    Dave Jascot Options
  • Nadeem Muaddi
    84
    Nice work @Dave Jascot! Glad it worked out :cheer:
    Nadeem Muaddi Options
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