Thread: Rod Doors....your thoughts

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Looks easy enough and well planned. Anyone try them?
Good, Bad or Ugly?
Pics if you have them.
Thanks

Iceburg,we got a set for my 32 coupe , the ones with the arm rest in them and had to fight to get the vinyl on. If you get a set make sure to get a material that is double stretch or cloth because if you don't your going to have a fight on your hand's.

I got them for my 48 conv. I like them very much. Had them professionally covered so I had no trouble with material (cloth). The 48 has a very big door so the panel would not cover the whole thing (top to bottom-side to side was ok)but I got some extra pieces and glued it together. You use the glue for pcv pipe. Very easy to do.

Used Rod Doors stuff in my 53 F100. Very pleased, although I did not cover the panels [yet?]. I did a test install, kind of liked the look [ 60's mustang dise panel appearance] and have left it that way. My seat is kind of a salt and pepper out of mid 90's Chevy PU so it works together with grey carpet. Easy install, easy to work with. Joe

The RodDoors system is pretty slick. The owner was at Ididit last year for an interior seminar. Just a couple thoughts;

* RodDoors uses .125 sheet ABS plastic. They want in the neighborhood of $90 per panel (not including materials). Someone in your area sells ABS plastic. Buy it direct, to size, for a lot less with no shipping.

* Velcro is velcro. I like the idea. But same holds true. If you must have the 3M stuff, order from 3M or one of their local suppliers.

* Arm rests can be done in numerous fashions, from using doaner pieces from another car, to using the RodDoors pieces. Don't limit yourself to what you see in their catalog.

* The glue used will be the same or similar to what your local trim shop uses. Talk to them and find out what they suggest and get it locally.

* The material does need to stretch. Locating or purchasing locally can be done. It would at least be wise to shop around.

* The one thing you can't duplicate (easily) is the panels embossed with different patterns and designs. If you like their design, you are buying their panels.

* Other stuff, such as foam, can also be purchased locally.

Now all this being said, they seem pleasant to deal with. They also sell a VHS tape explaining the whole process for $30.

Watching the seminar has given me the confidence to attempt the interior trim, with the exception of my seats, by myself. Some things, such as map pockets and under dash covers I'll most likely by from them. Others stuff such as the ABS sheet I'll most likely get from local suppliers. I think the plastic will definitely hold up better than sheet wood, cardboard or other material the may fall apart over time or from possible water (rain) damage.

Also, it would be hard to duplicate the "rolled" edge of the Rod Door panels. I did use some locally purchased ABS to make a rear panel for my 46 bus.cpe. and it worked out well. Joe

Originally posted by slowpoke
Also, it would be hard to duplicate the "rolled" edge of the Rod Door panels. I did use some locally purchased ABS to make a rear panel for my 46 bus.cpe. and it worked out well. Joe

The rolled edge is from sanding the plastic. Once you tape the edge foam, the ends are sanded down so that the material doesn't rip after it's glued in place. The foam on the bag side of the edge keeps the material against the door to eliminate the unsitely gaps.

I'd suggest getting the VHS tape from them to start. After getting an idea how it goes together. Then you can decide what you can get cheaper locally and what you want to buy from RodDoors.

I would have thought the rolled edge came from a forming process. I assumed done to hide the velcro.

I seen a couple of replys that talked about using ABS plastic to make the door panels. Just a word of caution, plastic will expand in the heat and cause the material to release. I have had a couple of friends that has ran into the problem.

That will depend on the adhesives used. Remember, most cars are made of plastics of various types are used everywhere from interior trim to exterior body panels. Most if not all are held in place with adhesives.