• 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

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

THR Favorites

Auto Upholstery - The Hog Ring - Classic Volkswagen Beetle Door Panel

Design Studio: VW Beetle Door Panel

Last month, we introduced two illustrations … [more] about Design Studio: VW Beetle Door Panel

5 Items to Hang on Your Shop’s Walls

Most auto upholstery shops have front offices … [more] about 5 Items to Hang on Your Shop’s Walls

The Hog Ring - Meet Stephen Kurzman of The Custom Stitching Co

Meet Stephen Kurzman of The Custom Stitching Co.

Formal training at one of the country’s few … [more] about Meet Stephen Kurzman of The Custom Stitching Co.

Auto Upholstery - The Hog Ring - Dodge Challenger Vinyl Top

Hot or Not? Dodge Challenger Vinyl Tops

To honor the first-generation Dodge … [more] about Hot or Not? Dodge Challenger Vinyl Tops

The Hog Ring - How To Wrap a Shift Knob in Leather

How To Wrap a Shift Knob in Leather

Often times, the smallest upholstery projects … [more] about How To Wrap a Shift Knob in Leather

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

Categories

Footer

Recent Articles

  • Auto Interior Manufacturer Expands Alabama Operation, Signals More Jobs
  • Hydes Leather Introduces Their 3D Mesh Spacer Fabric
  • Choosing the Right Grommet for Long Lasting Performance
  • Chinese Automaker Patents Slide Out Toilet for Drivers Who Can’t Hold It
  • The Foam and Adhesives Industry’s Biggest Event Returns in June

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