• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About
  • Forum
  • Design Studio
  • Upholstery Jobs
  • Newsletter
  • Sponsors

The Hog Ring

Auto Upholstery Community

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

When Door Panels Were Luxury Items

February 20, 2014 By Nadeem Muaddi

Auto Upholstery - The Hog Ring - 1971 Monte Carlo Door Panel

Forget about expensive cup holders, perfuming systems and even vibrating car seats. Believe it or not, at one time a feature as simple as a door panel was considered a luxury item. And when automakers started making them standard, well that was a big deal.

Check out this commercial for a 1971 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. The presenter boasts that the vehicle’s door features “a map pocket, carpeted scuff panel, elegant upholstery and a vinyl assist grip — all at no extra cost.”

The door panels were such a big deal that Chevy even recruited Anthony Eisley, star of the hit television series “Hawaiian Eye,” to host the commercial.

We’ve sure come a long way — haven’t we?

http://youtu.be/-FPQlf6Ib9k

Filed Under: Archive, Industry History Tagged With: 1971 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Auto Trim, Auto Upholstery, Car Interior, Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Door Panels

Primary Sidebar

THR Sponsors

NC Sewing Machines
Miami Corporation - Right Rail Ad 3
  • MasterTech Expo 2026
  • Douglass Interior Products
  • Albright's Supply
  • Hyde Leather
  • Keyston Bros
  • OEM+ Banner Ad - The Hog Ring

THR Favorites

Auto Upholstery - The Hog Ring - VW Bus

JNG Creations 1961 VW Bus Resto-Rod

After converting a 1961 Volkswagen single-cab … [more] about JNG Creations 1961 VW Bus Resto-Rod

Auto Upholstery - The Hog Ring - Juki Sewing Machine

How Does a Sewing Machine Work?

You know how to work a sewing machine, but do … [more] about How Does a Sewing Machine Work?

Auto Upholstery - The Hog Ring - Design Studio - 1969 Chevrolet Camaro

Design Studio: 1967-69 Camaro

The popularity and timeless design of the … [more] about Design Studio: 1967-69 Camaro

Auto Upholstery - The Hog Ring - Vinyl Top Rust

The Hidden Horrors of Vinyl Top Roof Rust

"How much to slap a new vinyl top on my car?" … [more] about The Hidden Horrors of Vinyl Top Roof Rust

How to Sew Hexagon Pleats

Last month there was a lot of talk within our … [more] about How to Sew Hexagon Pleats

Is Auto Upholstery Under-Appreciated?

How often does this happen to you? A customer … [more] about Is Auto Upholstery Under-Appreciated?

Categories

Footer

Recent Articles

  • Nexus Fastening Co. Introduces Solid Gold Hog Rings for Luxury Cars
  • Everything We Covered in March 2026
  • WyoTech Taps Dominic Olson for Upholstery Program, Installs New NC Machines
  • MasterTech Expo 2026 Draws Global Crowd and Raises the Bar Again
  • Free SEMA Webinar: How to Start Your Own Auto Shop

Recent Comments

  • Edward Munday on Hidden Mouse Nest? How to Charge for the Extra Dirty Work
  • Jack on Keyston Bros. Acquires DLT Corporation
  • Brodie Smith on Aston Martin Just Introduced a New Convertible DB12
  • THE CAPTAIN on 6 Tips for Turning Callers into Customers
  • Dmei on Star Wars Seat Covers are ‘So Wizard’

Advertise With Us!

We're always looking for companies to collaborate with. Watch this short video about the benefits of sponsorship and then email us to say hi.

Copyright © 2026 · Magazine Pro On Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in