MTFCA Forum

Any ideas about how to treat these inside door panels. It looks like they were originally painted black? I would like them to show their age and not be totally black but rather something in between. This car seems to have been lightly used in it’s century of use. I’d like to show that historic patina and yet show its best side.

Something like a dark brown shade of Kiwi boot polish might be good to improve appearance and help preserve them.

I would try some watered down boot or shoe polish. Try some on an old leather shoe or maybe a piece of fiber board to get the right shade you need so it doesn’t look to new.
I’m not sure that’s the original door cover. But it looks OK. The original covers didn’t have the tacks that close together. It does look period correct though and I wouldn’t change it.

Bob,
I have has good luck touching up small areas in door panels using a black permanent marker such as a Sharpie or a Marks-a-lot.

Although lightly used in its century of use, I believe that door panel has been lovingly replaced. A door trimmed at the factory would have half as many upholstery nails, with low heads, 3/8" in diameter.

Keith

I wouldn't use shoe polish. It will rub off on clothing such as white items. What about shellac?

Why not leave them alone?

That’s a good idea especially if it’s a really good survivor car. Of course the owner of a car that’s in nice original condition can do what he wants but I have to say there been have nice cars “restored” that really didn’t need it. As been said before they are only ‘as they were’ one time and especially one that’s been lightly used.

I’d like to show that historic patina and yet show its best side.

Like John posted, they now have original historic patina! Maybe rub with a wax, Johnson's floor wax, that would give them a minor sheen and protect.

Those panels aren't original Ford cardboard panels, and tacks that way aren't stock either. If all the panels match, then only a light preservation should be done. New paint will detract.



Old original black-finish patterned grain cardboard driver's side kick panel from my barn '25 touring. Added that 'modern' hidem welting on the right side as the original gimp welting was worn and falling off.

Replaced/restored panels often have an abundance of tacks, but this one has more than most. Usual gap is approx 3". Just space them to suit based on a 3" gap.
I would leave these alone. They do not need to be messed with.
Allan from down under.

Simple Green. Seems to work on everything