Reskining door panels
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,200
Likes: 4,287
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi B54,
From what I read here, on other sites, and from people I talk to, my feeling is that SUCCESSFUL re-skinning of door panels by both professionals, and the rest of us, is a MYTH!
This is why a few people are constantly on the look-out for TRUE, new old stock panels, and those panels bring scary amounts of money.
Regards,
Alan
From what I read here, on other sites, and from people I talk to, my feeling is that SUCCESSFUL re-skinning of door panels by both professionals, and the rest of us, is a MYTH!
This is why a few people are constantly on the look-out for TRUE, new old stock panels, and those panels bring scary amounts of money.
Regards,
Alan
Drifting
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,353
Likes: 44
From: Calgary Alberta
I have not seen an example of a really well done re-skinning yet. Most of the examples I've seen are pretty terrible actually. Maybe someone will post an example here though, who knows.
I'd just put the old ones in a box and get some new bare panels and transfer the original trim and hardware...did that with my 76 (I know, not the same pedigree, but I also have a 70), and I am very happy with the result.
I'd just put the old ones in a box and get some new bare panels and transfer the original trim and hardware...did that with my 76 (I know, not the same pedigree, but I also have a 70), and I am very happy with the result.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,200
Likes: 4,287
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi B54,
If you want to pursue re-covering you might try a call to Al Knock.
He still has a supply of old/new fiberboard backings that he will cover with his new vinyl. I know he has them for some years, but I'm not certain just which years.
He may be willing to take a look at your originals and give you his thoughts about re-covering those.
You need to ask for him when you call, and explain exactly what your goal is.
Regards,
Alan
If you want to pursue re-covering you might try a call to Al Knock.
He still has a supply of old/new fiberboard backings that he will cover with his new vinyl. I know he has them for some years, but I'm not certain just which years.
He may be willing to take a look at your originals and give you his thoughts about re-covering those.
You need to ask for him when you call, and explain exactly what your goal is.
Regards,
Alan
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 9,063
Likes: 2,736
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Why Bother
Why would anyone bother doing this, there are lots of reproduction door panels available, and I can't imagine paying someone to reskin the original base material would cost less. Unless this is just another of those silly ideas of keeping everything original. Maybe we should scrape the old paint off the car and remelt it into new paint so we can put back on the original paint. How about that!
Sorry if I seem offensive, but I bought my car because I love the C3 look,it has always been my dream car since a teenage in the 70;s. But I intend to drive mine alot. I am doing a body off restoration, trying not to stray too far from original stuff, but will never fall into the hole that some do. My car will look very original, but it never can be original if you rebuild it.
Sorry if I seem offensive, but I bought my car because I love the C3 look,it has always been my dream car since a teenage in the 70;s. But I intend to drive mine alot. I am doing a body off restoration, trying not to stray too far from original stuff, but will never fall into the hole that some do. My car will look very original, but it never can be original if you rebuild it.
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Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
I did it. It was the worst PITA job I've ever done on a car. It was nerve-wracking and very stressful. I consider the quality of the result about a 7.5 out of a possible 10. But, they are still the original door panels!! You can see some of the finished product in the photo below. Sorry I don't have a better pic.
P.S. I would never do this again; nor would I have done it at all if someone {wiser than me at the time} would have given me some good advice. Just buy the "basic" panels from some vendor and transfer your hardware over to the new ones {carefully!}.
P.S. I would never do this again; nor would I have done it at all if someone {wiser than me at the time} would have given me some good advice. Just buy the "basic" panels from some vendor and transfer your hardware over to the new ones {carefully!}.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 753
Likes: 111
From: Barnhart, Missouri
The question “why bother” is a good question; I’m in the process of a frame off restoration (resurrection) and the condition of the car when I purchased it was a lot to be desired. The project had been started by others and not finished. When I picked up the car it was in boxes, totes, and parts stacked inside the car higher than the windshield. It had previous been used for drag racing with flared fenders and many other modifications. My goal is to restore the car to a very drivable condition, not going for NCRS or Blooming gold. I have purchased over $10,000 dollars in replacement parts (NOS, used, new, and reproductions) the quality of the reproductions are in most cases junk they don’t fit, wrong color, poor quality what every they can get away with. I have spent more time trying to get the reproduction to fit when I can usually just replace with good used parts. My preference is good used parts when available. What I’m trying to do is reassemble the vehicle as it was designed allowing the time needed at each station as it went down the assembly line. This vehicle is my tenth C3 all of them have been 68 to 72 and I love them. I’m retired and needed a new project to play with.
Drifting
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,353
Likes: 44
From: Calgary Alberta
I am with you completely when you say you have been disappointed with the quality of reproduction parts and prefer good used parts, NOS, etc. I seek out these same things where I can. This is one job though where replacements are the most likely to leave you satisfied with the result...from my experience, which admittedly is less than yours from the sounds of it. From what I've read, Al Knoch is a nice option in terms of quality.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
Bandit...
No, I reskinned those door panels. I can't imagine any mechanic, upholstery person, or mercinary who would even consider attempting this task. And, if they did, it would cost you a fortune. The aggravation alone is enough for me to tell you, "DON'T DO IT!!!"
But, if you are as "****" as I am about the car, you'll probably cast those pleas to the winds and 'have at it'. Wish you luck. If you want, I can provide you with some strategies that will make that task somewhat easier.
No, I reskinned those door panels. I can't imagine any mechanic, upholstery person, or mercinary who would even consider attempting this task. And, if they did, it would cost you a fortune. The aggravation alone is enough for me to tell you, "DON'T DO IT!!!"
But, if you are as "****" as I am about the car, you'll probably cast those pleas to the winds and 'have at it'. Wish you luck. If you want, I can provide you with some strategies that will make that task somewhat easier.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,200
Likes: 4,287
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi IWAS,
I guess not everyone considers it a "hole" to fall into.
There are SO many views on what "restoration" is.
If you get an opportunity read the book "Corvette Restoration:State of the Art". It's about David Burroughs restoration of the Ellefsen 65 396 convertible. Without being overly dramatic....reading it changed my life!
Regards,
Alan
I guess not everyone considers it a "hole" to fall into.
There are SO many views on what "restoration" is.
If you get an opportunity read the book "Corvette Restoration:State of the Art". It's about David Burroughs restoration of the Ellefsen 65 396 convertible. Without being overly dramatic....reading it changed my life!
Regards,
Alan
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,416
Likes: 8
From: Charlotte (Area) North Carolina
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13-'14
NCM Sinkhole Donor
I used Willcox also. The fit and finish was very good. I think re skinning will not give you the end result you want. Good luck with whatever you choose to do. 
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 753
Likes: 111
From: Barnhart, Missouri
7T1vette,
Thanks for the responce, no way would I attempt to reskin the panels myself. I just want to get the best quality and durability thats available. I have heard good and bad from every vendor out there. I have received a shift console and emergency brake console that I sent back because of fit and quality.
Thanks for the responce, no way would I attempt to reskin the panels myself. I just want to get the best quality and durability thats available. I have heard good and bad from every vendor out there. I have received a shift console and emergency brake console that I sent back because of fit and quality.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
I don't know how old you are, but I can tell you that the fit, finish, color match, etc. weren't all that good from the factory!! Most folks who want their car to look factory fresh go WAY beyond what quality level was actually provided by the auto companies in the 60's & 70's (especially the 70's).
Keep in mind that the door panel "skins" you will be buying are exactly what is placed on the full door panels that are available. So, the suface quality of either will be the same. If you put a skin on your 'original' door panel, the completed item will still fit the same. If you purchase the complete door panel that may not be the case.
It all depends on what you are trying to accomplish. I wanted to keep my car looking "stock", AND I wanted to control my refurbishing costs. So, I went with the skins. After the fact, however, that was not a wise decision. The resulting surface quality was not as good as a new complete panel [minor, but noticible, ripples/wrinkles]; and the grief and stress encountered was definitely NOT worth the difference in cost.
Keep in mind that the door panel "skins" you will be buying are exactly what is placed on the full door panels that are available. So, the suface quality of either will be the same. If you put a skin on your 'original' door panel, the completed item will still fit the same. If you purchase the complete door panel that may not be the case.
It all depends on what you are trying to accomplish. I wanted to keep my car looking "stock", AND I wanted to control my refurbishing costs. So, I went with the skins. After the fact, however, that was not a wise decision. The resulting surface quality was not as good as a new complete panel [minor, but noticible, ripples/wrinkles]; and the grief and stress encountered was definitely NOT worth the difference in cost.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 753
Likes: 111
From: Barnhart, Missouri
Age thats a scary question my first corvette was a '69 that I purchased new when I was 24 years old. I agree the fit and finish left a lot to desire. I realize the skins would be the same its the problem with the substructure that usually the issue. My aim is to keep the car looking stock and update the tired and replace wornout components. The replies from the forum was what I was looking for, looks like it will be Corvette America door panels thats the supplier of my shifter and emergency brake consoles.
Thanks
Thanks
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 11,614
Likes: 347
From: No Where USA
I tried to reskin some door panels on a 77 I had. It took me about an hour to realize I wasted my time and money.
On the other hand I reskinned my dash top and lower pads and they turned out great.
On the other hand I reskinned my dash top and lower pads and they turned out great.