re-skinned door panels

[kenz240z]

I recently purchased some new door panel skins from DatsunParts.com (http://www.datsunparts.com/2334). I had a local interior shop repair the old door panels and install the new skins. They turned out real nice!

[conedodger]

Reproductions are available. Did you want to maintain originality?

[cygnusx1]

Looks great! I didn't even know that was an option. ;-)

[ZCurves]

Very nice!!

[esprist]

I recently purchased some new door panel skins from DatsunParts.com (http://www.datsunparts.com/2334). I had a local interior shop repair the old door panels and install the new skins. They turned out real nice!

That is the kit that Classic Datsun makes, right?

I bought some from Classic Datsun (www.classicdatsun.com), and comes in different colors. Very high quality.

[SteveJ]

Has anybody run across good reproductions for the 260Z/280Z crowd?

[lonetreesteve]

Hi Kenny,

The panel looks great! I've seen the 240Z reproduction skins before, but never with with new chrome strips. I wish they would make them in blue.

[ConchZ]

My chrome strips are turning blue.

[Bonzi Lon]

My 73 off-white panels were in storage for 26 years. The majority of the chrome 'foil' had peeled off from back to front, leaving about 3 inches. The blue plastic was a pleasent surprise. It makes for a nice accent to a blue car.

However, I understand the ones that want a solution, I sure would if it didn't match. Has anyone tried the 'newer' chrome sprays to cover the strips?

Bonzi Lon

[Oiluj]

My chrome strips are turning blue.

Unless you are going for originallity, you can go with the blue strip. On my previous Z, I just peeled-off the remaing chrome and polished the blue plastic. I thought it looked pretty good!

Eventually, I did cover it with self-adhesive, iron-on RC model "chrome" mylar. It actually worked very well. Still, when I was done I didn't think it really looked any better than the polished "blue".

[ZCurves]

I found that you could put Aluminum Foil on and it looks almost OEM.

Here is how (Sorry no pics to share).

1. Tape off the door panels with painters tape leaving only the Blue Strips exposed.
   
2. Apply Contact Cement adhesive on Blue Strips of the door panel and let dry.
   
3. Cut long strips of Aluminum Foil (Heavy Duty is best).
   
4. Apply Contact Cement adhesive to the 'Dull' side of the Aluminum Strips and let dry.
   
5. Remove tape.
   
6. Slowly Lay down the Aluminum Strips onto the glued surface and rub with fingers as you go.
   
7. Carefully trim off the excess foil with an X-acto knife.
   
8. Carefully Rub length-wise with old t-shirt to polish.
   

Voila!

Send Pics.

[Montezuma]

That is the kit that Classic Datsun makes, right?

I bought some from Classic Datsun (www.classicdatsun.com), and comes in different colors. Very high quality.

The skins that Les sells at Classicdatsun are very nice and look just like the originals. They even get the fuzzy strip back on correctly.