What were the original door panels made of? I saw panels that were injected molded ABS and Vacuum formed panels. The vacuum formed panels are about $500 more. Aren't the vacuum formed panels thinner and more rigid? Also, was the original trunk lock shield (mine is missing) ABS or metal? Thanks
Door Panel Material
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pschlosser
Well-Known Member
the door panels MAY BE ABS plastic, but I don't think so. Polypropylene is a better fit. They resist melting (to weld) and gluing (by most adhesives) and of course, repelling moisture and hand acids and oils from handling.
Xcudame
Well-Known Member
The original truck lock shield was metal from the factory.
@pschlosser is probably right about the factory interior panels being polypropylene. Nothing seems to melt them (like glues or plastic welders) very well!
@pschlosser is probably right about the factory interior panels being polypropylene. Nothing seems to melt them (like glues or plastic welders) very well!
Is polypropylene called something else? The reason I ask, the description in the catalogues say vacuum formed or injected molded ABS. The vacuum formed are more expensive. I remember a few years ago I bought the vacuum formed panels and they were not very good. They were thin and brittle. Thanks
pschlosser
Well-Known Member
"vacuum-formed" may to refer the process to make the panel Whereas PP, ABS, HDPE, etc, are types of material injected into said vacuum formation.
The OEM panels defy repair, similar to non-painted plastics from other cars, motorcycles, boats, etc.
Thin and brittle seems like material, more than process.
PP is pretty much called PP, Polypropylene.
think take-out food containers, straws, medicine bottles, and other difficult-to-recycle plastics...
by design. PP is very resistant to some types of wear other plastics are plagued by. But that resistance has a cost. Difficult to repair and recover (recycle)
Among those poorly suited to resisted to UV light, are PP and LDPE. So, most white OEM interior panels are crumbling due to UV exposure. A sad truth in a busy changing world.
The OEM panels defy repair, similar to non-painted plastics from other cars, motorcycles, boats, etc.
Thin and brittle seems like material, more than process.
PP is pretty much called PP, Polypropylene.
think take-out food containers, straws, medicine bottles, and other difficult-to-recycle plastics...
by design. PP is very resistant to some types of wear other plastics are plagued by. But that resistance has a cost. Difficult to repair and recover (recycle)
Among those poorly suited to resisted to UV light, are PP and LDPE. So, most white OEM interior panels are crumbling due to UV exposure. A sad truth in a busy changing world.
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