Door panel rehab

[Brunc]

Not sure what I am actually asking, but here it goes. I took the interior door panels off and cleaned them. The plastic is soft, I can take my thumbnail and scrape off a layer.

Is there away to stabilize the surface so I can paint them. I figured I would just sand down to good plastic and the prime and paint, unless there is another route that would end up with good results

 

[Ricko1966]

https://www.gmsquarebody.com/threads/plastic-door-panel-thoughts-what-i-did.37217/

 

[fast 99]

I used the sand it off method. Other than most of the grain is gone looks fine. At the time replacements weren't available.

 

[84GMCSierra]

I think I sanded mine with fine grit paper then just painted them with Krylon Matte Blue spray paint. They came out pretty good for a driver. Color is fairly close to the original blue in my 84 Sierra. When I bought my truck in 2019, it had sat in the Phoenix sun for 5 years, so they needed a little attention. I'll post pics later today.

 

[Sad Sack]

Wonder how it would turn out if one would sand down to good plastic and brush coat with fiberglass resin, sand and paint?

 

[Grit dog]

Wonder how it would turn out if one would sand down to good plastic and brush coat with fiberglass resin, sand and paint?

Sounds like a fck load of work for likely not great results. I’d be concerned about the resin eating up that old soft plastic too.

 

[Grit dog]

Not sure what I am actually asking, but here it goes. I took the interior door panels off and cleaned them. The plastic is soft, I can take my thumbnail and scrape off a layer.

Is there away to stabilize the surface so I can paint them. I figured I would just sand down to good plastic and the prime and paint, unless there is another route that would end up with good results

Just solvent prep them with something not too hot and spray em with any number of available “dyes.”
The crispy parts will absorb a lot. But it will harden up the surface a make it more scratch resistant.

 

[Sad Sack]

Sounds like a fck load of work for likely not great results. I’d be concerned about the resin eating up that old soft plastic too.

Agreed, but fiberglass can be used on plastic....

 

[Burkee1483]

They are honestly cheap enough get some new ones from LMC or CJ pony parts

 

[Burkee1483]

Invest your time in other parts of the truck

 

[Grit dog]

They are honestly cheap enough get some new ones from LMC or CJ pony parts

I’m cheap though! lol.
Have to disassemble everything anyways so not much more time. But $30 for a couple cans of SEM vs $100s depending on model is a lot of beer money!
Now daily driver, extreme uv exposure, heavy wear n tear, I’d probably spring for some new plastic.
But I like the “almost free” results.

 

[Goldie Driver]

I’m cheap though! lol.
Have to disassemble everything anyways so not much more time. But $30 for a couple cans of SEM vs $100s depending on model is a lot of beer money!
Now daily driver, extreme uv exposure, heavy wear n tear, I’d probably spring for some new plastic.
But I like the “almost free” results.

Most important part of this quote : is a lot of beer money!

 

[Scruffy49]

Daily driver grade? Get a couple cans of Rustoleum bedliner spray, adhesion promoter, and Krylon Fusion color of choice.
1. Scrub the panels with Dawn and a fingernail brush. Repeat until the rinse off is clear.
2. Spray adhesion promoter, follow the working window directions.
3. Spray with bedliner. Follow recoat times to the letter. Let it cure at least 1 full week.
4. Spray with Fusion, follow recoat times.

You now have solid, fully textured custom door plastics, for maybe $100.

I build 60s Dodges, new door plastics are not available. If the panels are cracked, back them with fiberglass cloth and a quality resin like a West Marine product.

 

[84GMCSierra]

I think I sanded mine with fine grit paper then just painted them with Krylon Matte Blue spray paint. They came out pretty good for a driver. Color is fairly close to the original blue in my 84 Sierra. When I bought my truck in 2019, it had sat in the Phoenix sun for 5 years, so they needed a little attention. I'll post pics later today.

Here's my door panel with the Krylon

 

[Sad Sack]

Here's my door panel with the Krylon

Good enuff fo govmint work!