1st Gen door panels/armrest repair

[ronclark]

I am wanting to repair my door panels in my 87 while I have it apart.
That paper junk is falling apart.
I was think of replacing the paper junk with plywood and re-glue the cover.
So far I am running into a problem finding thin plywood. I need 2.5 to 3mm I have found 5mm.
Any ideas were I might find thinner plywood or maybe something else that might hold up?
I am also dying the armrests thy are faded. Any ideas what I could use to give them some new life. Thy are starting to losing there shape

 

[3hokies]

Cabinet grade might be thin enough...but pricey. Plywoods is gonna hold water look for sheet plastic, the stuff the make cutting boards out of...or diamond plate

 

[ronclark]

I have seen some of that plastic and its not cheap. Plexy glass I think bents to much.
I don't think I am going to have to worry much about water, I am going to fatmat the door

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Wall paneling might be thin enough. I know the stuff in older trailers was ply and about 1/8".

Richard

 

[LIMA BEAN]

I used Duplicolor on mine and it works good. These panels where originally blue.

 

[Mark_88]

I just mounted a door handle from a Suzuki Sidekick...it is better than the originals...since I cannot find any in good shape...and it is an easy fix...I will post a pic...but I want to do the door panels soon...so it will look crappy...what's new...lol

EDIT:

here are a couple of pics...does not show the screws...but I just drilled 1/8" holes and used self tapping screws with a washer on the end to help prevent them pulling through...and one pic shows placement on the door panel...I offset the screws back a bit from the original holes and you can see where the old holes where on the second pic...

http://i1179.photobucket.com/albums/x399/akwarian8/IMG-20111119-00067.jpg

http://i1179.photobucket.com/albums/x399/akwarian8/IMG-20111119-00066.jpg

 

[ronclark]

I have some fatmat coming, and i found some panel laying around the shop were i work at. Its just the right thickness. i have not idea were it came from, but there is just enought for two panels i think.
I am going to cut some new panels and coat them with some lacquer just in case it gets damp. and try to transfer the vinyl, we will see how it goes.
Has anyone tried some silicon caulking to give the arm rests some new life?
My armrests are good, just the foam thy used is breaking down, its just in need of a lift.

 

[tmaxxman]

i did this to mine

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[fyre82]

Door skin is about 1/8" if I remember correctly.
This should be available at places you get construction materials.
It comes unfinished so you can cover, stain or whatever. This is used to replace damaged skins on hollow core interior building doors.

Rich

 

[ford4wd08]

I used Duplicolor on mine and it works good. These panels where originally blue.

I know this is a very old post. Just curious if the duplicolor held up?

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Its hit and miss. The vinyl and trim doesn't hold up to rub areas like steering wheels. Trim and bumper is more durable on plastics. Any solvent spill and its gone

Does ok on red carpet. Back trim panel still shines red in direct sunlight. Going to reshoot in bumper black and see what happens. Might even give the balls a tug.