attaching new door panels

I was also thinking of doing something like this in the future. I thought about it and i don't think doing a permanent installation would be the best thing for an every day driver. Just in case your power windows stop working or you need to replace a window, etc.

My idea was to put hidden screws that could be accesed through the speaker hole, in the inside door handle area, and several other not so noticeable places. Pretty much the same places that you'd find them on the stock door panels, accept mabye a few more for strength. I want to put an 8" sub in each of the back doors, so I would need to reinforce that a bit more than normal doors.

Most factory door panels are secured with disposable panel retainers. You can purchase new ones through the dealership and use them in your new panels as long as you put them in the correct locations. They can be laminated into the panel or done similar to factory technique, just integrate them into the design. Otherwise you can use screws, its not as clean looking this way unless covered with a trim panel.

Which demo vehicle are you referring to specifically? The RSX has like an installation to go along with it...

Really though, the cars they do the high intensity happen to be the ones that also have like a clip at the window area holding them up and plastic pop pieces for the bottom that would make a REALLY well concealed hold, though a few well hidden(possibly color matched/covered) screws would be a great idea or you'll end up cracking/breaking the fiberglass after so many open/closes of the door.

Hmmm, well they built the bottom for regular purposes. They made a cover piece to hide the screws going in there. As to how the HELL they attached that, not sure yet. This FG is like an eyesore to look at(way to freaking detailed). And christ their photographer SUCKS... 1 clean shot of the door, entirely missed the bottom of the door panel. Looks just kinda like an "out" panel... Though I have some ideas you could do something similar.

Method: Hook and Loop Tape(VELCRO) You can use a few pieces of this behind panels and if you want a good clean surface(no sign) just sand back enough for the areas where it will be applied and make a lip on the edge about like 1/8" or something that will firmly push against the touching surface and then the pressure of the velcro holding will keep it firmly there until you wish it removed. :) A little more work for an entirely hidden fix.

Method: Lipping. Take the Civic design. Make a mold similar to that but have it come up and over and nicely lip and go down. Make sure you do panel to your liking. Finish the panel(paint MIGHT not work as well here.) and then apply rubberized undercoating($3~ for a can at Walmart) to the inside covered part that no one will see, just a light coat. This will make it fit fairly nicely and provide a strong hold to the lip.

This is all theoretical, I haven't gotten to toying with it yet, but I'd try the lipping first.