From Blank Panel to Finished Interior: Installing RodDoors Designer Door Panels

From Blank Panel to Finished Interior: Installing RodDoors Designer Door Panels

How to Fit Universal Hot Rod Door Panels (DIY Guide from a 1996 Custom Rodder Classic)

From Custom Rodder Magazine to Your Garage: A Proven Interior Upgrade

Back in the November 1996 issue of Custom Rodder Magazine, a great promoter of the custom and hot rod industries named Jerry Weesner shared a practical, no-nonsense method for fitting universal RodDoors door panels to virtually any vehicle.

But what makes this article so valuable today isn't just who wrote it — it's how relevant and achievable the process still is.

And even better? You can do it yourself.

If you've ever priced out custom upholstery work, you already know:

  • Long wait times (sometimes years)
  • High cost (thousands of dollars)
  • Limited control over final fit and layout

This is exactly where universal interior components — like those from RodDoors — change the game.

Instead of starting from scratch, you begin with precision-formed, oversized panels designed to be customized to your exact build.

One of the biggest takeaways from Weesner's original guide is this:

 You don't need to be a professional upholsterer to get professional-looking results.

With the right approach, fitting universal door panels is a weekend project for most builders.

Here's the basic process:

1. Start with an Oversized Panel

RodDoors panels are designed using three-dimensional molds, giving you:

  • Extra material for trimming
  • Flexibility in placement
  • A true custom-fit end result

 

2. Center Your Design for Comfort & Style

Because the panels are oversized, you can:

  • Align body lines with your vehicle
  • Position armrests exactly where they feel right
  • Adjust for seat height, driving position, and ergonomics

This is something pre-made or stock panels simply can't offer.

3. Trim to Fit Your Vehicle

Once positioned:

  • Mark your cut lines
  • Trim to match your door contours
  • Test-fit and refine as needed

The ABS material makes this process straightforward and forgiving.


4. Finish It Your Way

From here, you've got multiple finishing options:

  • Dye the panel for a clean, factory-style look
  • Paint to match your vehicle using automotive coatings
  • Wrap in fabric or vinyl for a traditional upholstered finish

 In the original 1996 article, the example panel was covered in fabric, showcasing how adaptable the base panel really is.

Skip the Wait. Keep the Craft.

What Jerry Weesner demonstrated nearly 30 years ago still holds true:

You can achieve a custom interior look without the custom shop timeline or cost.

With modern materials and precision-molded components from RodDoors, the process is even more accessible today.

Why Builders Choose RodDoors for Interior Panels

  • Designed for hot rods, classics, and restorations
  • Made from durable ABS plastic
  • Engineered for easy trimming and customization
  • Ideal for DIY builders and professional shops alike

There's something special about bringing a proven technique from a 1996 magazine into today's garage.

It's a reminder that:

  • Great craftsmanship never goes out of style
  • The right materials make all the difference
  • And sometimes, the best builds start with doing it yourself
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