73-75 Door Panel Trim Restoration

[Jason S]

I've searched the site and didn't find any posting that really answered my question...

Has anyone tried to restore the trim panels for the 73-75 door panels? If possible, I don't want to recreate the wheel.   

I have seen the area with the printed pattern on the outer aluminum trim piece simply painted black. In an ideal world, I'd like to somehow restore the piece (if possible).   

As for the woodgrain, I've thought about the plastic film they use to cover cars and truck for advertising or camouflage. If that film could be had in woodgrain, it might do the trick. 

Any hints, thoughts or suggestions?

Worn aluminum trim panel piece.


Photo of original pattern on the aluminum panel, as well as the woodgrain pattern.

[bake74]

     I wonder if those are overlays on both those pieces, have you tried to ask a local GM dealer at their parts counter ?  Sometime this week I should have time to print those pics and take them over to my buddy that works at the parts counter at the local GM dealership.  I will give it to him and see what he can find, he has access to all the old books and such and has helped me out in the past with 73 - 75 diagrams I thought I would never find.

[Sartobuilt]

I used Metro Restyling for the wood grain on my door panels. Its a 3M product. Although my panels are 76-80. The woodgrain looks diffrent on yours. If you dont have to match the dash panels you'll be ok.

[Jason S]

Bake - the design/ pattern on the outer aluminum panel trim piece appears to be painted.  The woodgrain looks like it is a plastic film applied over the metal trim panel.   

Sartobuilt - I'll check out the Metro Restyling.  Would you happen to have any photographs of how your panels turned out?

Thank you both for the input.

[Captkaos]

I wish you luck on this.  The ones I had the wood trim was plastic over metal and the trim was "painted".  I don't know of anyone that reproduces the pattern, so keep us informed.

[bake74]

     I second Capt.  My guy at the dealership had no information in any of his books for covering for those doors in that year range.

[Jason S]

Thank you Capt and Bake.  It may be a while before I try to tackle any restoration work on the door panels...

I just found out from there are tentative plans for me to be transferred to the other side of Oklahoma.  So maybe I'll get to see some rain again!   

I'll be sure to post anything relevant to the restoration.