Inlay Style Trunk and Door Panels - Need Help & Ideas

[crazycarguy22]

Looks like it is coming along nicely. If you don't mind me asking too how do you plan on securing the side panels in place?

Looking forward to the next updates.

[The WidowMaker]

Are you dead set on using the leather? There is an AWESOME product Im using to cover my dash pad, a pillars, door panels, ect..... called wisper vinyl. Its a soft touch vinyl that looks and feels a lot like leather. Its $30/yd. If you want to know where I got it, shoot me a PM. They do have samples or I can mail you a sample if you want - up to you but since its going in the trunk I thought I would throw this out there.

well yes and no. i was planning on just using vinyl, but ended up finding the leather for a decent price. i have nothing against vinyl, especially since most "leather" interiors are a mix anyways. but with the money and time already spent i dont want to regret not putting the real thing in. i also dont want to spend double the money putting a crappy leather in either. id love to hear some more options/opinions on materials.

Looks like it is coming along nicely. If you don't mind me asking too how do you plan on securing the side panels in place?

Looking forward to the next updates.

there are 4, 3/4" square maple strips underneath for a flat base that will be screwed to the sheetmetal. i will only use a couple screws to mount the 1/2 mdf floor to these strips. i then made some aluminum brackets for the side pieces with 1 in the middle on the bottom and one about half way up each side. this not only secures the sides, but also the front and back. there will be 3 more for the big piece. i was planning on using the "christmas tree" fastners, but ended up testing velcro first. theyre really well attached, and thats with about 1/8" slop to allow for the material. i have a feeling they will be really snug when done.

[The WidowMaker]

and heres the latest on the trunk panels. theyre mounted and ready for more router work. im going to get all the inside edges cut and cut out the inlays as well. then its on to the rear shelf, dash, door panels and center console....

[The WidowMaker]

inside edges are now routed. i was hoping to find a bit that left a ledge for the inlay to sit on, but it didnt work out. not a huge deal, but could have been a little easier.

[70 chevelle]

Looks good . When will your engine be ready?

[windycitychev]

Sweet

[The WidowMaker]

Looks good . When will your engine be ready?

it shouldnt be too long. the heads and the crank are going to be the hold up though. we're going to try and get tony to cut me some 74cc heads to drop the compression down just a little more. it will save me about 500 bucks vs a custom piston.

more updated pics. i would call the trunk just about done. i plan on making an aluminum "cover" for the trunk latch hole and i need to remount the new back piece. other than that, its ready for material.

a few people have asked about the back cuts that i used to lighten the panels. if i wouldnt have put the detail in the panels, i could have gone with a thin piece and not needed a back cut. id also wait until done mounting before doing the cut if i did them again.