How do I Make 1970 Chevy C10 Custom Door Panels?

The original door panels in a 1970 Chevy C10 are very flat and simple compared to most modern door panels. The only accessories on the door panels were the window crank, arm rest and door handle. You can make a custom door panel using a number of different materials and designs. The best way to do this is to choose a theme for your truck and see how the door panel plays a part in that theme -- whether plain, colorful, full of texture or a one-of-a-kind creation.

Things You'll Need

• Original or direct replacement hardware
• Phillips screwdriver
• New fabric
• Spray adhesive
• Utility knife
• Stapler
• Thick foamboard
• Marker

Instructions

1. Remove the original door panel by using a Phillips screwdriver to remove the visible screws. There is one screw underneath the arm rest and one on top. Unscrew the door handle by turning it counterclockwise. Pull the door panel away from the door and place it on a flat work surface.

2. Pull the old fabric and trim off of the door panel. Place the foam board over the door panel and draw your design out on the foam board. Keep the design simple and without small details. Once the design is drawn with a marker, use a utility knife to cut it out.

3. Place the foam board design directly onto the uncovered door panel to see where you want the design to be. Spray the back side of the design and the door panel with three heavy coats of spray adhesive. Wait three minutes to let the adhesive become slightly tacky. Press the design against the door panel and hold it for 30 seconds.

4. Use new material such as tweed, which is very popular for older trucks, to cover the entire door panel and design. Trim the material so that about five inches hang over all sides of the door panel. Cut out a small hole for the door handle and window crank.

5. Pick up the new material and place it face-down. Spray the back of it with a very thick coat of spray adhesive. Spray the entire door panel and the foam board design with the spray adhesive. Let the adhesive dry for three minutes. Place the material on the door panel so that the glued sides are against each other. Press the fabric closely around the design so that the shape of the design is clearly visible underneath the fabric. Press the fabric on the door panel, smoothing any wrinkles with your hands. Let the panel dry for thirty minutes.

6. Turn the panel over and staple the excess fabric material to the back side of the panel so that it is wrapped around the edges of the panel.

7. Replace the hardware on the door panel. Use the utility knife to make very small holes just big enough to place the Phillips screws through. Place the panel back on the door of the truck.