Any one who’s been in the auto upholstery business for a few years certainly remembers RodDoors, one of the first companies to manufacture and sell pre-made custom hot-rod door panels. The company sold one-piece plastic panels embossed with different designs that were ready for covering.
While RodDoors went out of business in 2009, other companies have since come along to improve on the original concept – including the latest venture, Hotrod Panels.
While at SEMA 2013, I had the opportunity to speak with representatives of Hotrod Panels to learn how its products could benefit professional trim shops across the country.
Hotrod Panels aims to simplify the process of creating show-quality custom door panels by handling all the necessary fabrication for us. We simply call Hotrod Panels, tell them the year/make/model of our latest project and choose one of five stylish patterns offered. Within three days the panels are delivered and ready to install.
Hotrod Panels handles everything – from cutting out the pieces to punching holes for clips, even sanding and beveling the edges of high-density foam. All that’s left for us to do is wrap and mount. The panels are comprised of separate pieces, allowing for a two-toned finish or a combination of different materials – such as leather, cloth, suede, vinyl or carpet.
The company developed door-panel templates for the most common muscle cars of the 1950’s through 1970’s. As for the fit, I was assured it’s precise. In fact, Hotrod Panels recently invested several hundred thousand dollars in the latest design software and digital cutting machines to produce the best possible fit, with accurate edges and proper allowances for material wrapping.
Although Hotrod Panels sells direct to the public, trim shops stand to benefit the most because the company takes care of all the grunt work, saving us countless hours of labor while allowing us to produce high-end custom interiors at a faster rate.
For more information on Hotrod Panels, visit www.HotrodPanels.com. Another manufacturer of pre-made door panels to check out is Hagan Street Rods.
rich santana says
Just a heads up, last time I called, Blaine at Roddoors is still in business. He is just flys a little under the radar. His website is still up, and he still sells product. And, if you’re a trimmer worth your weight, you’ll probably try a pre-made panel once in your life and then then swear you’ll never do that again. IMHO.
jesscalderon says
Interested in door panels for 1971 ELcamino
please sent photos designs of different lay
-outs.925-676-2499
Jim Dillingham says
I want a door panel that fits in the original position for arm rests and attachment holes. Please send me pics and prices for a 1937 Chevy 5 window coupe.Thanks JIm
Larry LHeureux says
Do you make1936 ford pickup truck door panels.
Naseem Muaddi says
Contact Revo Reeves at http://stitchcraftinteriors.wix.com/hotrodpanels
Bill lee says
32 Ford ceiling and cab panels?
Mark Lindberg says
Looking for custom interior door panals 1955 Chevy cr and pick up truck
Phil says
Looking for door panels for a 57chevy pickup. Used rodoors on one of my other trucks years ago. Looking for something similar
George E. Stipe says
Needing metal interior door panels, can be similar to original for 1936 chevy short cab truck. Not trying to go original look, just some kind of metal panels. Thanks George
leonard says
do you make 1934 ford door panels
James Smith says
Hi, I need panels door, back sides and kick panels for a 1937 chevy 2 door sedan, thanks Jim
Tim Truitt says
Looking for alum. door panels for my steel 34 Ford 3-w
Bill Jordan says
Looking for aluminum interior parts (door panels, etc. for a stock early 1934 5 window model 40 ford. Thanks, Bill