I couldn't find anything pertaining to my question through a search, so forgive me if this has been posted. Has anyone found door panel replacements for a 73-79', (73' F250 CrewCab), that are steel? I am so sick of cracking clip mounts and dealing with cheap fix-it jobs on this plastic. They just don't last 30 years.

-Patrick

 

Plastic does go to pot after all those years.

Sounds like it is time to get out a sheet of .090 aluminum and start cutting...

Have you checked the back of magazines like Custom Classic Trucks?

You can get brand new plastic replacement panels also.

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[updated:LAST EDITED ON 31-Dec-02 AT 06:06 AM (EST)]YES!!! Finaly somone who hates the plastic and cant stand anymore of it, I am ready to take some sheet metal and seriously cut it to fit. But I was wondering if it would be possible to put on an armrest/door handle? Because on the 77 F-100 the handle/armrest are integrated so one fits ontop of the plastic pannel...??? I am just thinking I am going to have to find, or make somthing like an armrest/handle. Unless anyone knows of a better Idea?

 

i had made a set for my old 79 out of plywood and pine,,, cut the ply to fit the door, and clear all the hardware, then made a pine arm rest, and screwed my old pad onto the pine....... worked great, but was hard on hinges.... heavey!!

 

check out the door panels for a f600 truck, if I am not mistaken they use the style pannels like the 68-72 pickups. you may have to use the latch handle and armrest but its an idea.

 

Wood is a good idea. I suppose some could be fabricated out of aluminum. I hate plastic also.

 

i was thinking of the idea with the 67-72 armrest, but i dont know how you would get the door latch to look right

 

Ok so if I did make one out of aluminum I would have to use what as an armrest/handle? I have a 1977 F-100

 

I made some out of diamond plate aluminum. I used the door handles from a small pick up that is just used to open and close the door. You can get door straps in the "Help" section of almost any auto parts store to open and close. I will probably cut and form covers to cover the back of the door latch handle.

 

i use to work in a van conversion shop and we used 1/4 in fiber board to fabricate sidewalls and door pannels. once u have them cut to fitand are sure the door handle and window cranks and all will work properly cover them with the fabric of your choice, spray glue works really well for this. then get some screws that have the button base and tops and screw them in place being carefull not to tear the fabric. most apolstry shops will be able to help you with this if it is to difficult they can even make the button tops the same fabric color as the door pannels to give a good professional look.You can even make map pockets and a good slab of oak or walnut will make a good arm rest, just screw it to the spot where the old armrest cup was scewed to, dont forget to predrill your holes or it will crack. good luck and hope this gives you all some ideas

Six strings and Ford trucks music to my ears



79 F150 400 T18 9in 2wd
97 F150 4wd 10th scale remote control 50 mph to cool

 

>I made some out of diamond plate aluminum. I used the door
>handles from a small pick up that is just used to open and
>close the door. You can get door straps in the "Help"
>section of almost any auto parts store to open and close. I
>will probably cut and form covers to cover the back of the
>door latch handle.

How hard was it and what am I geting myself into?

 

>>I made some out of diamond plate aluminum. I used the door
>>handles from a small pick up that is just used to open and
>>close the door. You can get door straps in the "Help"
>>section of almost any auto parts store to open and close. I
>>will probably cut and form covers to cover the back of the
>>door latch handle.
>
>How hard was it and what am I geting myself into?
\


This does sound like a "cool" way to go. Will my jigsaw or Dremel make this possible?

-Patrick

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 04-Jan-03 AT 01:47 AM (EST)]we cut everything with a jigsaw its really easy . ake a pattern first that way you dont go through a bunch of fiber board. cardoard or posterboard works really good for the pattern,cut the fabric about 2 inches larger all the way around the door pannel and wrap it to the back side and use 3/16 stapels on the back sideto really secure it dont forget to pull it snug.if our really wanting the plush look put 1/4 inch foam on the fiber board before you cover it with fabric,when you do the holes for the window crank find the center and with a razorblade cut it like a pie and turn it over and pull the corners and staple or glue the ends.you can use wood strips, door pulls or whatever you want to decorte or acecent. if you have door speakers cut the holes and do in the same way as the window cranks then put the speekercover on top pretty simple.stop by a dealer and take a look at a converted van for ideas.i have a overhead lite consule that houses my radar detector. even covered my headlinner the same as my door pannels. skys the limit use your imaginationand good luck.

almost forgot DONT predrill the holes that go through the fabric a drill bit will tear the fabric.when screwing on the door pannels cut a very tinny slice with a razorblade and start the screw there. hold the fabric around the screw to keep from tearing it and be carefull of your fingers when using a drill.it hurts i know.

Six strings and Ford trucks music to my ears



79 F150 400 T18 9in 2wd
97 F150 4wd 10th scale remote control 50 mph to cool

 

WOW! What a great series of ideas!

Keep up the good work people!

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