Door panel repair...possible? (Page 1/1)
phils88GT SEP 11, 09:15 PM
Has anyone ever had success with replacing the fiberboard like backing in the interior door panels? I ask because some genius who owned my 88GT prior to me had taken off the door panel for whatever reason and also the factory plastic-moisture barrier and never replaced the barrier. So, whenever it rained or the car was washed, water soaked the inside of the inner door panel. I would like to remove and replace this backing if possible because it is now falling apart.

Anyone try this before and have some tips?

Thanks,
Phil
Mike in Sydney SEP 12, 12:19 AM
I believe you'll have more trouble than it's worth because the top of the panel "rolls" over the top of the door frame. I suggest that your try to reinforce it with epoxy resin.

Clean the back of the panel and get reid of any loose felt or hanging fiber-board pieces. Lay the panel on its face, protecting the holes to keep resin from running through and getting on th eface of the panel. Rough up any smooth areas on the back of the panel and "paint" a heavy coat of epoxy resin with hardener to the fiber board. The resin should seep in and when it cure s reinforce the panel. I recommend a moderatly heavy coat because you get just one shot at getting the board to absorb the resin. A thin coat may not be absorbed to the same level but after it cures, will prevent any additonal penetration (altough you can add additonal "exterior" coats).

I've used this method to reinforce the fiber board headliner backboard with good success.
Dennis LaGrua SEP 12, 12:22 AM
That fiberboard material should still be available at Home Depot. You can try to strip off the vinyl covering and replace it on the fiberboard (difficult task) or buy new complete upholstered panels from Russ.
Fiberboard Material

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olejoedad SEP 12, 09:42 AM
It sounds like you need outer dew wipes as well.
phils88GT SEP 12, 10:00 AM

quote
Originally posted by olejoedad:

It sounds like you need outer dew wipes as well.



I do need them, inner and outer. Mine are shot.

Thanks!
phils88GT SEP 12, 10:28 AM

quote
Originally posted by Dennis LaGrua:

That fiberboard material should still be available at Home Depot. You can try to strip off the vinyl covering and replace it on the fiberboard (difficult task) or buy new complete upholstered panels from Russ.
Fiberboard Material




Thank you for the reply!
Who is Russ?