BananaVan Posted November 3, 2016 Share Posted November 3, 2016 Hi guys, I am a super happy new owner of a transit connect cargo as my bike and ski carrier. One of the things I have not been ecstatic with however is the hardboard panels on the sliding and rear doors. I am thinking of making up a replacement set out of a super impact resistant polypropylene composite called tegris. It was developed for ballistic purposes but is really hard wearing and used in other areas such as high end luggage. I happen to work for a helicopter outfitter who provides interior protection kits made out of the material. I have heard of a few other complaints about the hardboard and would be curious to see if there was enough interest in such a kit to justify producing a few sets for sale. The material is completely waterproof, extremely impact resistant, temperature stable, and generally very wear resistant. A massive upgrade over hardboard. It also has a pretty cool looking finish somewhere between carbon fibre and tweed. I am considering two separate kits. One would replace all existing hardboard panels using OEM fasteners. A second would provide new panels for the window areas and likely affix using either industrial velcro (my preference and what is used in several helicopter kits) or customer drilled fasteners. The picture below shows the areas in red that I would like to make panels for. Costs would likely be around $250-300 for each kit as the material itself is quite expensive. I have attached a few pictures showing the material. Around 5-10 sets on either kit would the point where we could consider production. Let me know what you think and about any questions or suggestions. Cheers! (PS individual modifications such as speaker cutouts or engraved logos could also be possible) Willygee 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrtn Posted November 3, 2016 Share Posted November 3, 2016 Great idea, I was just thinking of securing mine today once I get the garage empty and can start working on logos and such. It's been discussed here before and some members have made their from aluminum composite board. I'll just go with 5 mm PVC board and silicone it to place. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G B L Posted November 3, 2016 Share Posted November 3, 2016 The hard board panels are available in Black plastic for the passenger version. The window replacement panels would be cool. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4String Posted March 4, 2017 Share Posted March 4, 2017 I replaced ALL of the Masonite panels with textured ABS from Tap Plastics for $65. I traced the old panels, and reused the plastic clips. I matched the thickness, no rattles. Looks great! A jig saw and one day of my labor is all it took. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fifty150 Posted March 6, 2017 Share Posted March 6, 2017 Tap Plastics is a great resource, as long as there is one in your area. I've gotten all sorts of "parts" from that place. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buckethead Posted May 18, 2017 Share Posted May 18, 2017 Wait. You say the hardboard panels but your picture shows where the glass goes? But yes I want a set. Rattle-canned mine. Meh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buckethead Posted May 18, 2017 Share Posted May 18, 2017 Ah. Two kits. Got it. But velcro? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrtn Posted May 18, 2017 Share Posted May 18, 2017 Looks like my IKEA furniture :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loafer Posted May 18, 2017 Share Posted May 18, 2017 (edited) Clever use and good clean looks of Ikea. Edited May 18, 2017 by Loafer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loafer Posted May 18, 2017 Share Posted May 18, 2017 (edited) Tegris is a fine idea, especially for a cargo van. Would the kit include both door panels or just one? Also, what is the appx weight of each panel. I would expect it to be somewhat light given it's use. Edited May 18, 2017 by Loafer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BSUPC Posted May 18, 2017 Share Posted May 18, 2017 I think this was just a spam post. BananaVan posted this on Nov. 2, 2016 which was also the last time he logged into the site and he only has this one post. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loafer Posted May 18, 2017 Share Posted May 18, 2017 Oh....thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BSUPC Posted May 18, 2017 Share Posted May 18, 2017 I hope I am wrong and he returns to answer questions, but it has been 6 months already. I would like to know if he can do this for the first gen tc's as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Stanley Posted June 8, 2017 Share Posted June 8, 2017 I'd like a set for my rear cargo doors! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MLB Posted June 16, 2017 Share Posted June 16, 2017 Yes, too bad, I'd have been interested. Guessing he posted similar in other vehicle forums. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LAVAvan Posted May 21, 2018 Share Posted May 21, 2018 I. would be interested , too. I'm looking for the plastic "pocket style". for doors like in the passenger type, If anyone has a lead on that... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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