funkyboogalooo

Just a quick bit of info that may help some. The top edge of my front door panels were warped with age. After speaking to a friend he reminded me that the hardboard was formed at the factory using steaming. So I removed the panels from the doors and got to work. I used a flat piece of ally across the top edge of the panel (just to make sure it curved evenly) using lightweight tie down straps I pulled the panel into shape slightly overcurving it as the inside of the door will push it back out to the exact shape. Then using a cheap hobby steamer with the point adaptor I steamed along the inner edge of the curve until the panel started to move and 'relax'. I then just let it dry and voila like new, fitted and looking good. I have taken photos so if anywould would like some for reference just ask.

All in all a simple but rewarding job

Cheers
Mike

Mike Frye

Cool! I'd like to see some pics! I had to do some work on the rear quarters, and I still have some warpage in the headliner that I'd like to fix.

Jim bailey - 928 International

You can also use fiberglass resin which soaks in to reinforce ,strengthen, and WATERPROOF the fiber board. Also note that there is supposed to be a plastic film barrier stuck to the inner door to block mosture.

Skiviking

Ahhhh Jim always with the great tip.....I have removed the panels from my doors to replace with good ones I noticed no vapor barriers like in my Audis. I was trying to decide when I install the newer panels if I should pick up some clear plastic and install it before the panels. Now I know I should. One question on the fiberglass resin, is it just the resin and how long does it take to set up and while it is setting up do the panels of headliner need renforcing to retain the shape until set?

Marine Blue

Mike are your door skins vinyl or leather and did you remove them before doing this?

I would also love to see pics of this!

funkyboogalooo

Vinyl and I didnt remove it. I'll get soime pics up tomorrow for you.
Mike

Jim bailey - 928 International

Use two part epoxy it sets up in a few hours. My door panel I cover the fiberglass wit plastic wrap (it does not stick) used a couple 2x4 and two C clamps to hold the shape. I also added a couple layers of glass cloth as well. That right side door panel the top is very straight very strong.....now I need to fix the drivers panel. My elbow has broken up the fiber board hitting against the door driving on the track !

Bill Ball

MIke: That's good to know. Others have attached all kinds of permanent bracing the straighten panels which would not be needed with the steam technique. And thanks to Jim for adding the fiberglass tip.

Rod Underwood

I did the fiberglas resin with some small pieces of sheet at the interior corner and the board trick as well. The additional step that I did was, using a dremel unit blade, cut some slits about half way through the fiberboard on the inside at the corner so that it would bend easily back into place.

I've done this on two set and they came out nice and straight. The good part, if it's not straight enough or not bent enough, you can just recut the slits and do it again, and again, and again, ....

Rod

Nine2Eight

Please post the pics, Mike. I have the same situation with my driver's door. Sounds like a great fix and I want to try it.

Joe C. - Seminole, Florida USA