Door panel upholstery fabric

[Mikemomd]

I am rebuilding the front driver and passenger door panels to my '48 Dodge D24 convertible. The originals are shrunken and breaking down. I have cut cowlboard waterproof door panels to fit both doors and now working on the fabric to cover them. My seats are burgundy vinyl so I would like to replace the door panel material with a durable high performance CLOTH fabric [ rather than vinyl ... it is nearly impossible to match a new vinyl with the seats, and I don't want to replace them as they are in great shape ].

 

Does anyone have any recommendations on a good fabric / online seller site to use and order from? I have actually looked at awning fabric [ such as Sunbrella ] which is 100% acrylic, durable, stain and UV resistant. Open to any ideas and suggestions.

 

Thanks,

Mike

Edited October 31, 2022 by Mikemomd

[Plymouthy Adams]

there are a few low cost choices...some may be right around the corner from you in a thrift shop or consignment shop.  Often drapery fabric (little heavier weave) can be had in colors to suit your needs.  Lined drapes provide non faded panels more-so over thinner single layered cloth.   Some table cloths are also a nice heavy linen that will look and wear well.  If you strike out there you still have other lower cost avenues as most fabric shops have discounted fabric by the yard and also never overlook picking among remnants at the local upholstery shops.   They sell at discounted prices as they are often overrun with remnants.  Anyway, just a few options you have available to you in most towns across America.

[desoto1939]

I thought all convertibles did not have cloth panels or seat material because of the possibility of when the top was down and it started to rain the cloth material would get soaked but with leather is was more water proof.

 

Rich Hartung

 

 

[Plymouthy Adams]

am sure you are right 100%, same as most any convertible maker....but yet the floors usually get carpet and while the seats may be in good shape down the hands of time....it is not much good if dragging the pavement after falling though rotten floors.....lol

 

then the real issue, it is all about what each person wants regardless to if or if not stock....with the proposed changes by this owner one can assume originality is not a major concern here.

 

I live in the south....my convertible I purposely put fabric covered seats over that of the stock vinyl as that will blister the back on most legs when entering a vert wearing shorts among other improvements in comfort.  While Lucas stated in regard to his lighting when pointed out it is a high fail system, he stated a gentleman never motors at night.  Well for vert owners, a gentleman never escorts his maiden in a rainstorm.  

[9 foot box]

   I went with tweed and a marine grade, slate gray vinyl. Prestige tweed, has some options. Fabricwholesaledirect has some Ottertex vinyl that might work for you. I glued three separate 1/4” sew foam pieces to the panel, with a 3/4” margin between them, for the trim to be in contact with the panel board. I bought the staples for the lower trim from rubbertherightway.com, 19-051F. I tried to replicate the original, minus the cotton batting.  Rick D.

[Mikemomd]

"Plymouthy"... as always, thanks for your tips!!!

 

16 hours ago, desoto1939 said:

I thought all convertibles did not have cloth panels or seat material because of the possibility of when the top was down and it started to rain the cloth material would get soaked but with leather is was more water proof.

 

Rich Hartung

 

 

Rich ... I have obtained I don't know how many samples of vinyl and none match up with my present seats so the cloth panels seem a lot easier to match up ... especially if I use a striped pattern which may bring out my auto's paint color as well. As far as rain... my power top goes up in 10 seconds and I usually avoid rainy day travels ?

 

9 Foot box ... very nice job on your door panels! I did try Fabricwholesaledirect / Ottertex vinyl along with several other online vinyl suppliers ... the colors just didn't match up well. 

[BobDeSoto]

smsautofabrics.com

[Mikemomd]

Thanks, Bob ... yes, I have some sample swatches coming from them.

[Tired iron]

Albright upholstery supply.

[bartenderfloyd]

I went to Michael's for everything. Batting and fabric.