Go Westy ABS Door Panels

[Syncronoid]

I gave Sally some new GW ABS Door Panels for Valentines Day. Happy with the outcome. http://www.gowesty.com/product/trim-panels-clips/24027/gowesty-abs-front-door-panel-set?v=

Next is to move and hookup the new window switches on the dash with their Window Switch Relocation kit. http://www.gowesty.com/product/cup-holders/4456/power-window-switch-relocation-kit-?v=

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'90 Syncro Westy w/GW2.5L

[shagginwagon83]

You forgot the beer holder on the driver side. JUST kidding! Nice job, it looks great.
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Brandon
"Jo Ann" - '83.5 Westfalia EJ22e w/Peloquin
Instagram @joannthevan

[Gauche1968]

[VicVan]

I understand ABS panels are more convenient than the original, but they really look dull and sad.
Is there a way to make them look better, and not give me the impression I'm in my fridge?
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'90 Little Blue Truck, 2WD auto, FAS GenV 2.0 NA (AVH)

[RainierSyncro]

VicVan -- ABS panels don't have to be dull. Any competent upholstery shop can put any design on them with a foam backing to give it a custom look. In my case, I wanted a diamond pattern from 50/60's sports cars. The shop nailed it.

[Syncronoid]

Actually, I tried to do that but realized that the only realistic spot for it on the door was above the map pocket. But the steering wheel prevented proper access and it makes accessing the map pocket difficult. Currently it's down on the dash near the stick shift.

[Syncronoid]

I like the clean look. But, you can cover them with what ever you want really.
They are completely customizable.

[VicVan]

Thanks Rainier. What did the upholstery cost you more or less (MP if you prefer)?
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'90 Little Blue Truck, 2WD auto, FAS GenV 2.0 NA (AVH)

[SyncroChrick]

nice job. But your original panels looked to be in great shape - not sure if it's just the pictures...

I hope you did not throw them away...

[Syncronoid]

They were in great shape, a bit of warping, but dealing with the window switches was a pain in the ass. I will put them in my storage for sale at a later date.

[RainierSyncro]

VicVan - The panels cost me a little over $500 to have done. Not exactly cheap, but the shop has been around for decades and they knew exactly the look I wanted.

[shagginwagon83]

[Team WorldTour]

Same as if something broke here, I imagine:

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1990 Feldjäger Syncro AAZ
Click to view image
H6 Subaru Engine Swap Thread
WV2ZZZ25ZFH094138(x)/ WV2YB0257LH057308(x)/ WV2ZZZ25ZLG113270/
"Where am I going? And what am I doing in this handbasket?" -Nicodemus Jordan
When All Else Fails: Lather, Rinse, Repeat!

[shagginwagon83]

True. I thought it was a different style. Like on Toyota's I have broke many of those things pulling panels. But the new replacements slide right in
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Brandon
"Jo Ann" - '83.5 Westfalia EJ22e w/Peloquin
Instagram @joannthevan

[joetiger]

On a related note, if you're buying ABS panels, the standard fasteners are worthless garbage, while the Deluxe ones work very well.

http://www.gowesty.com/product/trim-panels-clips/24338/replacement-clip-for-gowesty-abs-panels?v=

More specifically, the standard ones get bent out of shape if the holes aren't perfectly lined up, and even if they are lined up right, they can be loose and cause rattles. The deluxe ones are rubber and expand as they're tightened, creating a strong, rattle-free connection.

Well worth the extra cost.
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Joe T.

'86 NAHT Vanagon GL Syncro/ supercharged ABA 2.0 "Pigpen"
'04 GTI 1.8T
'04 Golf R32

"get metaphysical with it. if it's simply a means to get to and from places, it will let you down. if it becomes your zen, it can't fail you." -dabaron

"Still, it's good to be afield."--VWagabond

Available Now! Vanagon to Louisiana--A Two-Lane Reckoning Through Past and Present

www.josephtrussell.com

[Syncronoid]

Yes, a broken fastener was one of the reasons I got fed up with the old panels. Once it tears out of the wood panel, there's no way to replace it.

[SteveMc]

[VicVan]

Some thoughts from 4 am:
1/ Can I buy a ABS panel and just put the original trim on it? It will be a pain to remove from the original wood panel for sure. It's cheaper, and you keep the stock look (which I find nice).
2/ Since I'm covering the panel, I can buy whatever ABS sheet and cut it myself I guess. What's the gauge/thickness?
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'90 Little Blue Truck, 2WD auto, FAS GenV 2.0 NA (AVH)

[joetiger]

[Pingora]

I did this to my ABS panels, cost me about $60 in cloth, jute, and 3m77, and it wasn't very hard. I like having some sound insulation, since you shouldn't put it inside the front door panels.

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1990 Vanagon Carat
2002 Suby 2.5 Mizu Bokusa
17" wheels, 26.5" diameter tires