I've included some photos of the original door panels from my 1949 P18 4-door.? ?I have several questions.
1.? Who has reproduction material like this or similar to this that would be considered "correct" if the car were judged?
2.? Were these original panels covered with two-toned grey material or am I just seeing the results of years of fading of the materials or ?
3.? Note the stainless trim that divides the panel into 3 parts.? ?What's the best way to save and reuse these strips?? ?They pinch shut on the back to hold the material.
4.? What's the best backing material to use as the base to making a new door panel?
(https://www.plymouthowners.club/talk/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv144%2F49plymouthclubcoupe%2FTemporary%2FP4130240.jpg&hash=08352809be618ee2dfdc3f7eae1e56a8c78f268b)
(https://www.plymouthowners.club/talk/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv144%2F49plymouthclubcoupe%2FTemporary%2FP4130237.jpg&hash=08a34241290771786f7422a632c953b081e8794d)
(https://www.plymouthowners.club/talk/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv144%2F49plymouthclubcoupe%2FTemporary%2FP4130238.jpg&hash=993d918d073f5b29f5dc2455043a7786a38e827e)
(https://www.plymouthowners.club/talk/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv144%2F49plymouthclubcoupe%2FTemporary%2FP4130239.jpg&hash=3241c005a8d5acc245a130123638468dd8110710)
I have a P18 Deluxe and there is only the lower chrome strip that runs the width of the door. I just gently pried the chrome apart and replaced the materials. I only have two sections, grey cloth on the top and maroon vinyl below the chrome strip. Interior probably is different on the Special Deluxe. "Restoration Specialities" (814-467-9842, www.restorationspecialities.com) sells Door Panel Material as well as the cotton batting which is pretty much the same as the original panel material. They also sell painted cowlboard for the under dash kick panels etc. I purchased the cloth from Pro Antique Auto Parts (860-623-8274). Don't know anything about how things are judged.
Thanks Don ... yes the door panels on the Deluxe only have the one strip. But, I believe the material is essentially the same. When you say "pry" the strip apart .... are we talking finesse and care with the proper tools or are we talking screwdriver and brute force? Since they aren't making these strips anymore I'm of a mind to try and use the original and don't want to mess it up so badly that it won't work. I would like the door panels to come out like the originals.....and to be scored accordingly.
John
I believe I used a puddy knife and a screw driver. Nor too exotic but it worked. The fabric folds back over the chrome piece and basicly hides the part pried up. Maybe an upholstery shop would be a safer bet if you are going for a show car.
Quote from: Don Pohlmann on September 21, 2008, 06:29:18 PM
Don't know anything about how things are judged.
The judging standards are actually listed elsewhere on this website but I would be interested in hearing from someone who has actually applied the standards (or had judging standards from POC applied to them) to get a sense of what they are seeing / looking for (or experienced) when they actually are dealing with a car.? ? Does "close" count?? ?Does "the attempt" count?? ?How subjective and how objective is all of this.? ?
John,
Re: those door panels. You state from a '49 four door. I do not understand the
material that is cut from the panels on the lower back corners. It looks like the
seat bottoms covered this area. Did you mean to say "two door" (club coupe)?
Bill,
You may be correct. I have both and I have saved the original panels from both. These photos are from my "restoration" file so they may well be from the Club Coupe (in fact now that I look more closely at them they probably are) rather than the 4-door. However, the question about materials and "how to" rebuild them remains the same.
John