old door panels, worth it?

Hello,

I am wanting to start some custom work on a set of door panels but the ones I want to use have been sitting outside in a truck with no doors or windows... so they have been exposed to rain and heat and other things...They have been sitting out there for maybe a year? All I need is the plastic so should they be ok to glass? Or will they just fall apart after time or what? A new set will be very costly but if these are going to be unworthy then that's the route i'll go... But I figured since they were plastic they may be ok...

thanks,
-Jason

I would say they should be fine, just check them over for micro cracks (stress/spider cracks). Before you start your project make sure you clean well with soap and warm water,  then finish with a plastic  cleaner.

The panels will not matter if you are going to do a full mold of them.

Make sure there are not big big issues with the shape of them.

Lay down some foil over the top and secure it.

Lay down a layer of fiberglass / resin over it, let it cure.

Build it the way you want from there. If you are going to keep the shape / look then add more layers. If you are going to customize, do it on top of your layer you just laid down.

Basically, you'll be using your old panels to get the basic shape and foundation then after that is done, you can do what you wish to achieve your desired look.

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I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.

When you do not know what you are doing and what you are doing is the best -- that is inspiration.

I was not going to go full out with molding them.. just adding on and glassing pieces on and using the old panel as the back-bone... but as long as weather doesnt do too much damage then I will feel comfortable

Check out alpines site, specifically the area where they go over how they built the Civic Si. That will have a walkthrough on how to build your own.

If they plastic is dry and brittle then don't use the old panels as they will break.

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Certified Security Specialist
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Well, without a picture of the panels, it is hard to really give suggestions as to what you could / should do.

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I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.

When you do not know what you are doing and what you are doing is the best -- that is inspiration.

oh well, i wasnt needing ideas for custom work... just wanted to know if some old weathered door panels would be fine to work with opposed to buying a new set

With that said, I would just use your own judgement. Without pictures, only you yourself will know what will work or will not.

Be sure to post finished pictures at least when you are done.

Good luck

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I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.

When you do not know what you are doing and what you are doing is the best -- that is inspiration.