Rear Interior Panels

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Nov 21, 2002 | 09:32 PM

sereynolds

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Joined: Nov 2002

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From: Davidson USA

Rear Interior Panels

I've got an '96 XL with the flimsy plastic interior panels that run from the rear all the way to the door frames. I've dreamt of fabricating some new ones when I have the time. Has anyone ever done this? I've thought about using Starboard, an ABS material I've used for making custom instrument panels for boats. Any suggestions?

Nov 21, 2002 | 10:21 PM

steve83

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From: Memphis, TN

Rear Interior Panels

If you've done it already on boats, what's the problem?

Nov 23, 2002 | 08:52 AM

restorit

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Joined: Jul 2001

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From: Bismarck, ND

Rear Interior Panels

Go for it! I made mine by simply tracing the pattern of the old ones onto 1/8" masonite and using a jigsaw to cut them out. While I coated both sides with flooring polyurethane (to keep moisture from affecting them), the Starboard sounds like a much more durable (though more expensive) option. I then used 3M spray adhesive and automotive carpet (available at WalMart) to cover them. I still need to update my gallery, but if you want to check, I think I have some interior shots that may give you an idea of what they look like. Now would be a good time to consider adding some additional insulation inside the rear quarters, if you want to. (Available in rolls from J.C. Whitney and Summit Racing). Also, add any accessories or custom features you'd like, such as lighting, power points, and tie down points. The rear cargo lights (one per side) on mine are actually flush-mount stern lights from West Marine, along with marine-grade rocker switches to operate them, and the power point is from J.C. Whitney. Good luck!

Nov 23, 2002 | 01:39 PM

greystreak92

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Joined: Sep 2002

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From: Gateway to the West

Rear Interior Panels

I keep reading this thread wishing that CustomBronco.com was still out there. I mean the site is still there but no way to get in touch with anybody. They had diamond plate interior panels not just the tailgate inspection cover but the panels you guys have been discussing. If anyone knows how to get in touch with the people from that site, there may be another option for replacement panels. I have tried emailing them at the address on the site but it came back undeliverable.

Nov 23, 2002 | 04:07 PM

msautry

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Joined: Jul 2002

Posts: 267

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From: Everett, WA

Rear Interior Panels

>I keep reading this thread wishing that CustomBronco.com was
>still out there. I mean the site is still there but no way
>to get in touch with anybody. They had diamond plate
>interior panels not just the tailgate inspection cover but
>the panels you guys have been discussing. If anyone knows
>how to get in touch with the people from that site, there
>may be another option for replacement panels. I have tried
>emailing them at the address on the site but it came back
>undeliverable.

You can get stainless or aluminum diamond plate 1/8" thick from
a steel service center to make your own. I would recommend the aluminum as stainless is a bear o cut with a sabre saw, etc (the material work hardens as you're cutting it). Should be a fairly straight forward matter of tracing and cutting.
I haven't done mine yet, but I did pick up some old fiberboard rear panels from a Bronco to use as a pattern. I've already sound deadened mine with residential insulating foam - comes in different size panels of various thickness - cheap, easy, and very effective.

msautry

Nov 24, 2002 | 03:40 PM

sereynolds

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From: Davidson USA

Rear Interior Panels

Thats a great looking '85. I appreciate a restoration that is true to the original and not lifted, modified, etc. Thanks for the ideas. I hadn't thought about the lights or power points, but that may have to be done. My XL is so poorly lit inside anyway, i could use some extra lighting in the back. Thanks again.
-Shep

Nov 27, 2002 | 07:27 PM

restorit

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Joined: Jul 2001

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From: Bismarck, ND

Rear Interior Panels

sereynolds:

I appreciate the compliments. I've had a lot of fun with the truck, though it's become a sort of testbed for trying out new products and techniques to try and improve upon the first restoration of my Mustang. The stern lights are fairly low profile, and they work well for lighting the rear area. The only thing I may add will be a timer relay or circuit that would automatically power them down after a certain period of time in case they are accidently left on. I ran 14 gauge (probably overkill) wiring from an add-on fuse panel I installed beneath the passenger's side dash. They've been very handy, as has the power point. Take care!