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How do I create/simulate embossed pattern on door panel

17K views 9 replies 7 participants last post by  Cbeier78 
#1 ·
Hi, I am replacing the door panels on a 65 Chevy Impala 4 door. I'm doing it for a friend and he wants it as original as possible. It has a pattern in the vinyl that I want to duplicate by sewing a similar pattern. I have located some original material that is like a metallic turquoise. I would like suggestions on how to do it. Should I use a conspicuous thread size like a 138 in a contrasting color or should I use a small matching thread. Should I use 1/4 inch sew foam or try and find some closed cell 1/8 foam. Any thoughts would be helpful.

Dan if you read this, in your door panel thread you said I used a 138 thread and a presser foot. Was that a special type presser foot?
 
#2 · (Edited)
Nothing special about the presser foot, except it had a smooth bottom. Some have serrated bottoms which is not what you want to use.

As far as what to use on your door panels, that's going to have to be trial and error. Do some mock-ups using different thicknesses of foam and different thread sizes, see what looks the best, and then do the door panels. You may not want to use closed cell foam, the original panels wouldn't have been done that way.

It's really hard to duplicate the original heat sealed designs that were on the OEM door panels. You may want to look into reproduction door panels. CLICK HERE
 
#3 ·
OK here is what I ended up doing. I tried many sizes and colors of thread and backings. I ended up using batting material and posterboard. I used posterboard because I couldn't find chipboard locally and it was strong enough to hold the thread so it would compress the batting. I glued the batting to the material and to the posterboard then sewed the design with 92 poly thread. I left 1/2 inch on the bottom and one inch on the top and sides without anything glued on so it would hold glue better and so it would go around the edges of the door without being too thick. Instead of back stiching I left extra thread at each end of a section then tied them off on the back and put a drop of glue on each end. I used pop rivits to put the weatherstrip back on. Here is a picture, I thought it came out pretty well compared to spending $800 for a set.
 

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#4 ·
Thanks for the information. I have to make some new door panels for a '73 Super Beetle - something a little flashier than the original, and this thread shed some light as to how and where to start.

Before I get beat over the head for mentioning a VW on Hotrodders, my daily driver is an '05 Mustang GT I bought off the showroom floor 7 years ago this past Christmas Eve - the VW I am refurbishing for my early teenage granddaughter as her first car. I also have to re-do the remaining upholstery, so I will keep an eye open for headliner and seat upholstery advice.

Thanks again.
 
#6 ·
drs1023 said:
Thanks for the information. I have to make some new door panels for a '73 Super Beetle - something a little flashier than the original, and this thread shed some light as to how and where to start.

Before I get beat over the head for mentioning a VW on Hotrodders, my daily driver is an '05 Mustang GT I bought off the showroom floor 7 years ago this past Christmas Eve - the VW I am refurbishing for my early teenage granddaughter as her first car. I also have to re-do the remaining upholstery, so I will keep an eye open for headliner and seat upholstery advice.

Thanks again.
nothing wrong with a VW
you are confused, if you think you will get bashed for something around here
its all good and fun to work on and modify :thumbup:
 
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