need advice on building door panels

i built a set of wooden door panels for my 83 but the panels are straght and the door has a curve to it. i didn't notice this until i went to install the drivers side. how can i make the panel curve and stay that way without breaking the wood. i will post up some pics later.

oh and the wood is 1/4" oak plywood that i stained. and there is a backing for the mounting harware that is 1/8" hardwood.

ru trying to keep the attachment points hidden? if the bow or curve is slight i would have made 2 1/8"panels and glued them together with spring clips sandwich in between. you would have to make a little recessment point. i've done this with some abs panels in custom interiors before and worked great.

no i don't want to see the hardware at all. the back panel is 1/8" but i couldn't find any 1/8" wood without slits cut all down them. what do you mean on recessment point? thanks for the help.

Soak the wood real good in H2O and fit them up and let them dry in place.Water should allow the wood to flex just enough.Works when I am trying to repair antique rocking chair rockers.Will have a permanent contour to match ur door.

I would try this method as well! Seems to me like this is going to be a tough project!

Hmmm....

Dev

Post pics of the install when you get it figured out!

cool man, thanks. i talked to a guy at work today and he said to do something like this, so i will try to get it done when it warms up a little.

thanks for the help guys.

yeah I would have suggested soaking it in water as well. I would assume it would be hot water,almost like steaming the wood to make it plyable.

But man,all wood door panels...sounds nice. Can't wait to see them. Are you using the billet window cranks and arm rests?

yeah the cranks should be here this week, and i emailed billet specialties and asked them to make me a set of custom arm rests. actually to just take the door pulls that they make already and space the mounting screws 6 1/2" instead of 6 3/4" on one set for me. so i will have to see what they say.

awesome man. What are you doing with your other truck right now?

my 89 is a lot more reliable and has heat so i drive it on a daily basis. plus i have almost been pulled over several times in the 83 so until it is more legal it is parked. haha. i just got my mirrors in today so i can install those and that should help some. once the 83 is finished i will continue on with the 89.