Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

Anybody doing these door panel backings or do I need to get busy?

Since we are not talking GM or Ford cars don't recall anyone offering the service. Ron Carpenter does some not to common repros so he might be a possibility. Otherwise, I think you will need to get busy. Aside from the monotony of cutting multiple holes it is not too hard if you have the old for a pattern.

IIRC, one of our Australian posters had complete door panels for his 51 custom made by SMS. They were able to duplicate the original upholstery pattern but I don't know if that included the masonite or if so, if they would sell the masonite separately.

A couple of photos are in this post of Lee's Blog. There might be more earlier in the Blog but I didn't get that far. I saw the panels in person a couple of months back at our National Rally, they are great!

As of last October. Gretchen Keppich said she was retiring and would no longer sell interiors or tops. She did the interior kit for my Caribbean which included new side and kick panels which were well done.
The phone number was (336) 492-2286.
She might still be willing to do the panels or have the patterns.
Let me know if you have any luck.

What you need to look for is called "Black Board". It is what most upholstery shops use to make door panels and other trim panels with. Any upholstery supply store should carry it.

only thing its not as thick as packard, but its treated to repel water