Inlay Style Trunk and Door Panels - Need Help & Ideas

[The WidowMaker]

thanks for all the advice guys. below is what i posted in my build thread. one day when i have more time i will give the other methods a try.

made some progress on the trunk. i decided to use mdf since i have all the tools and somewhat know what im doing. so far the pieces around the latch are 1/2 and the uprights are all 5/8". both are ultralight mdf with the 1/2" at 42lbs per sheet and the 5/8" at 52lbs (3/4 regular is ~96lbs). the side pieces you see now have the inlaid portion cut out, but there is still more to cut. they currently weigh ~1.2lbs. im using 1/8" mdf for the inlay and should have these panels under 2 lbs. i know i could have saved some more weight with foam, but it would have been a lot more time and money and im not sure i would have gained that much. i will end up routing a portion of the bottom piece out to save weight as well.

i talked to the local shop and they want $75 an hour and $450 a hide to cover. ive looked around online and found hides around $150 shipped. ive already recieved some samples and they look really good (although not sure what im looking for). i plan on getting one and covering the trunk myself. i might do the rear shelf as well, but i have a feeling the door panels, dash and center console will be left to the pros.

i'll post more pics later.

[sniper]

I did not see it mentioned, but MDF is not a good idea especially in a trunk because it will swell like crazy with any moisture. Since you have already used it, you can simply seal it on the backside before you wrap it and you'll be good to go.

The good thing about it, is the ability to route it anyway you want. Layers, colors, aluminum, lexan and other options are limitless.

[The WidowMaker]

but MDF is not a good idea especially in a trunk because it will swell like crazy with any moisture.

i plan to give it a few coats of lacquer before wrapping them. i just need to make sure there wont be any issues between the lacquer and the glue. any other better sealers? poly? i can shoot a pre or post cat lacquer if that helps.

in the kitchen i built i actually used mdf centers in the raised panel doors. ive found them to be much more stable than the maple, but they are sealed with conversion varnish. we're only a couple miles from the beach and get the marine layer most nights. with the windows open, theres never been a problem. but this stuff will swell HUGE with moisture if not sealed.

[barrrf]

Im currently researching some things and came across your thread. Im starting the interior of the car this winter (wont be the trunk yet though - have some sealing issue I need to take care of first). But I wanted to shoot a suggestion to you.

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.

Cant wait to see your finished product!

[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