[smithkustoms]

Hi,
Im wanting to wrap a set of 1994 Corvette door panels in new (leather like) vinyl. (see pic).
Im wanting to do this for two reasons. 1: The OEM color choices are slim, & 2: The panels are a hard plastic, that looks cheep and fades quickly.

As you can see from the picture, the door panels have some tight twists and hard edges to mold the vinyl around.

What process is used to mold vinyl? Im guessing their is either a special vinyl used or heat is applied to allow the vinyl to stretch?

And what type of adhesive is used on something like this?
Or
Can anyone recommend a book or tech video that explains the process of molding leather?
Thanks

[DanTwoLakes]

You should be able to do this with regular vinyl and top and trim contact adhesive, and there shouldn't have to be any heat used unless you make a mistake. Leather would be done the same way as vinyl, but may be easier due to the fact that leather stretches more than vinyl. From the looks of the panel the dark section should come out and could be done separately, or you could just change the color of that dark section of the plastic and then put vinyl or leather over the rest of it which would be the easiest part to put vinyl or leather on.

When you have a concave surface to work on, you need to attach the vinyl or leather in the lowest part first, make sure it is attached good and solid, and then work out from there doing small sections at a time.

[smithkustoms]

Cool thanks.
The door panels do come apart in two pieces (three counting the arm rest)
I only want to change color of the outside. I want a dark, rich red color and the only corvette panel offered in red is very bright red. almost orange.

My area of concern is at the bottom. The door panel makes a very Sharp turn. On the right side it is smooth, but the left side is about a 5" drop off. I worried about how Im going to get the leather to be small or the right side, and 6" longer on the left side.


What type of vinyl do you recommend? I want something very soft to the touch, small grain pattern and low gloss.

[DanTwoLakes]

You'll need something very soft and supple, but most of the newer vinyls are like that. Go to an upholstery shop and ask to look at vinyl swatch books. You really can't tell anything from sample cards on a computer screen, you need to see them up close and feel them.

As far as the bottom of the door panel, my inclination without seeing it up close would be to cut it to fit around the bottom where it drops off and then sew on a band to cover the bottom area. The two parts would have to be shaped to fit and then sewn together.