Which style of custom door panels?

[Brabbit]

I am doing some custom door panels, and having a hard time deciding which one I want to do the 4runner in. Which style do you prefer?
Left or right?

*note* The bottom panel doesn't have the arm rest on and any winkles that you see will be steamed out.

 

[kolelt]

oh man, idk they both looks nice.... not much help lol sorry

 

[JayRolla]

I like the right with the 3 lines. Looks more modern.

 

[Tyler James Inc]

I think I like the full lined version, but the slant should go the other way(like the other panel) IMO.

 

[MN4runnerman]

I like the right with the 3 lines. Looks more modern.

I see 4 lines......

 

[Brabbit]

Pictures installed to give a better look. I am leaning to the one with full lines done. I think it fits the year better.

 

[Brabbit]

Here are some behind the scenes pictures on how I made the inserts.

 

[AntleredRuin]

I'd say go for the 4 line one.
The one with all the lines looks like a nod back to the 50'-60's, and IMO these trucks don't match that style. The color would need to be some outrageous blues or oranges for one thing.

How did you get the edges to fit in un-noticeably? When I did my door panels, it was a real *****; I tried tracing and cutting down to exact size, but found that I was a couple MM too small. I had to cut a new one out and go a bit too big, then use an x-acto knife to trim the excess. How did it go for you? Did you use spray adhesive?

 

[Brabbit]

I'd say go for the 4 line one.
The one with all the lines looks like a nod back to the 50'-60's, and IMO these trucks don't match that style. The color would need to be some outrageous blues or oranges for one thing.

How did you get the edges to fit in un-noticeably? When I did my door panels, it was a real *****; I tried tracing and cutting down to exact size, but found that I was a couple MM too small. I had to cut a new one out and go a bit too big, then use an x-acto knife to trim the excess. How did it go for you?

1. I carefully pulled off the old cloth with out stretching it.
2. Traced the templet to the exact size.
3. Sand down all old foam off panel.
4. Sanded off the 4 or 5 plastic rivets on the middle of the door to separate the panel into half.
5. Drilled out a hole where the plastic rivets where so that I could reattach with a screw and washer.
6. The hard part, taped off the door to not get glue everywhere. Sprayed glue into that to "crease" where the material folds into. Started with the top edge, pressed in with a trim tool and used a heat gun at the same time.
7. Steam everything to relax the material.

 

[spoonsports86]

the one with less lines looks best

 

[Brabbit]

okay now leaning towards the one with less line. ugh

 

[infamousRNR]

How do you put the door panels back together?... do you plastic weld the plastic rivers back into place?... & if so? Just with heat? To melt them
Back in place?...


Btw, what kind of sewing machine is that?... it must be a super duty one to sew through all tgat material!

 

[John7M7]

The 3 lines one, hands down!

 

[Scramble]

okay now leaning towards the one with less line. ugh

I vote for the 4 lines, less busy & classy looking. Great work by the way.

 

[nail bender]

I like the panel with all the lines. to me the one with just 5 stitch lines looks uinfinished. or for more work make a 3rd design. start with a 2 inch space between the stitch lines and get closer with each stitch line. down to about a 1/2 between the last 2 stitch lines.

 

[Brabbit]

How do you put the door panels back together?... do you plastic weld the plastic rivers back into place?... & if so? Just with heat? To melt them
Back in place?...


Btw, what kind of sewing machine is that?... it must be a super duty one to sew through all tgat material!

I drilled out the middle where the plastic rivot is, and then put a screw and a washer on it. I'll try and get a picture tomorrow. I am on an industrial "walking foot sewing machine." There are a lot of ones out there. Jukie makes a nice one.

 

[Brabbit]

How to do the rivets

 

[Brabbit]

Took the majority advice, and did the design with less lines.

 

[HammerHead]

Are you planning on selling sets of these too??

 

[infamousRNR]

Took the majority advice, and did the design with less lines.

DUDE... I'm digging your reupholstered seats...

Did you do that? Or was it Urkle?