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

THR Favorites

The Hog Ring - The Shop Features Interview with Bux Customs

Bux Customs: ‘We’ve grown from each build’

Chris McClintock of Bux Customs is a rising … [more] about Bux Customs: ‘We’ve grown from each build’

4 Measuring Tools Every Trim Shop Needs

Measure twice and cut once – it’s good … [more] about 4 Measuring Tools Every Trim Shop Needs

5 Celebrities Who Can Upholster

Great upholsterers are creative free … [more] about 5 Celebrities Who Can Upholster

Start Charging What You’re Worth

It’s time to stop preparing estimates with … [more] about Start Charging What You’re Worth

Custom Dashboards Made to Order

Most auto trimmers have the knowledge and … [more] about Custom Dashboards Made to Order

The Hog Ring - Sewn Tight Custom Interiors - Successful Shops are Clean and Organized

Sewn Tight Custom Interiors’ Secret to an Organized Shop

Every auto upholstery shop can benefit from … [more] about Sewn Tight Custom Interiors’ Secret to an Organized Shop

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