• 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
  • Albright's Supply
  • OEM+ Banner Ad - The Hog Ring
  • Hyde Leather
  • MasterTech Expo 2026
  • Douglass Interior Products
  • Keyston Bros

THR Favorites

Shop Profile: Edge Automotive Interiors

Anyone who thinks that auto upholstery is a … [more] about Shop Profile: Edge Automotive Interiors

Don’t Just Paint Interior Trim, Flock It!

You may not have heard of flocking, but … [more] about Don’t Just Paint Interior Trim, Flock It!

The Hog Ring - Trim Shop Closes after 111 Years in Business

Trim Shop Closes After 111 Years in Business

After 111 years in business, one of the … [more] about Trim Shop Closes After 111 Years in Business

10 Tools Your Shop Shouldn’t Skimp On

Not every tool you own needs to be a Snap-On, … [more] about 10 Tools Your Shop Shouldn’t Skimp On

The Hog Ring - What Trim Shops Looked Like in the 1800s

What Trim Shops Looked Like in the 1800s

What did auto trim shops look like 150 years … [more] about What Trim Shops Looked Like in the 1800s

Auto Upholstery - The Hog Ring - Door Panel Vinyl

Where to Find Mustang Door Panel Vinyl

Since its debut in 2005, the fifth-generation … [more] about Where to Find Mustang Door Panel Vinyl

Categories

Footer

Recent Articles

  • Keyston Bros Drops 10 New Carbon Fiber Vinyl Colors and They Pop
  • Trimmer Michael Andrew Piccolo Dies at 67
  • 2026 SEMA Show Registration Opens May 4
  • Nexus Fastening Co. Introduces Solid Gold Hog Rings for Luxury Cars
  • Everything We Covered in March 2026

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