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[LLeeT]

Getting ready to do a complete interior in a 64 Econoline pickup. At the rear corners of the cab the panel board needs to make a curve with about a 8" radius. Should I perhaps steam the back side of the panel board and hold the radius until dry?
My concern is that if it is upholstered first, when curved into place it will cause wrinkles in the upholstrey. The owner is wanting a diamond pattern. Any thoughts or suggestions on this?

[John]

Those are always difficult. It depends if the top radius is different than the bottom radius. You can try to shape the panel board that way. It could work.
I have done those truck panels out of abs in the past with success. sometimes you will have to make a fiberglass panel to get it to take the right shape.

If you cover the panel flat you will %100 get wrinkles when you bend it to the curve.

[LLeeT]

Thanks John. I had some 8" wheels to form the panel on. First I steamed the backside just enough to look damp. Next formed around the wheels, used bungee cords to make
it hold its curve. Steamed a bit more, let dry for 2 days and it held its curve pretty well. Now it can curve a bit more or less with out any problem.