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I will add (and I know that replacing door panels is very elementary). I won't be telling any experienced folks anything new...but there are some things that might help folks like me who don't do this often, I can mention here. I expect that new panels might be more aggravating than recovering originals. The new ones have to be "adjusted" across several areas. Even though the five little clips that go around the edge of the panel are simple, they do require some manipulation (The DZ door info sheet uses added sheet metal reinforcements, but they're not needed if you can get the clip to open wide enough to cover all the pressboard edge). Its not that easy just to slip them in the opening in pressboard area, because the clip opening is narrow and they will dig into the press board if not done right. I used a small screwdriver slid in between the clip, then turned side ways to open it more so it was easier to slip it over the edge of the cut pressboard; then pull the screwdriver out once mostly in place. Here are a couple pictures of what I am trying to describe. (also where the clips are templated to go from the vendor, may be off by as much as 1/2 in relation to the screw holes on the door). Ensuring the foam backing and pressboard edge is separated by using the tip of a screwdriver back and forth to free-up the area to insert the clip. Clip with small screwdriver twisted sideways to open the clip for inserting it over the pressboard edge. Clip inserted, then twist the screwdriver quarter turn to let clip clamp over the pressboard edge. Then pull out the screwdriver. As you can see here its over but not pulled to edge. Now in final secure place. This photo just shows that the template area cut for the clips isn't in the exact location as related to the screw holes in the door. Had to cut a slit to slide each 1/4" right (the areas above look chewed up, but that is just the first then layer not the bulk of the pressboard).
Last edited by vjjack04; 02-26-2024 at 09:56 PM.
Reason: clarity
Are those original racetracks? Just curious as I purchased a set of unassembled panels for my '66 from AK. I also had a tough time communicating with them, actually it was a failure for the most part.
Nutt,
By racetracks do you mean interior door trim? If so, no, those were on the Deluxe door panels from Al Knock. I think those would be polished if original. My car is modified and I like the brushed look.
Can i get some thoughts on this fitment? The panel is from CA (Top Flight). The upper trim doesn’t seem to be hugging the window near the vent, and the crank isn’t centering in the raised molding. Either I’m shifted or the repo is off 🤷🏻♂️
The pull handle is in the correct place, and so is the door lock.
I have seen this a few times in the last year with my door panels and it is pretty much what you see is what yoiu get . I have tried more than one manufacture and the same results.
Its seems the biggest problem is the vent window crank location is off center and the top of the panel doesn't have the slight bend to fit tight by the vent window. I ended up restoring my old 25 year old ones with new race track and a set of nos whiskers from ebay and the fit is so much better
Bob
I have seen this a few times in the last year with my door panels and it is pretty much what you see is what yoiu get . I have tried more than one manufacture and the same results.
Its seems the biggest problem is the vent window crank location is off center and the top of the panel doesn't have the slight bend to fit tight by the vent window. I ended up restoring my old 25 year old ones with new race track and a set of nos whiskers from ebay and the fit is so much better
Bob
oh man. I thought i was going crazy. I know it’s hard to tell on those pics, but the missing bend you mentioned is why there’s a big gap in front of the vent and also why the wiper trim doesn’t touch the window on the vent side.
i have a tear in my original vinyl so I don’t think I have many options to restore it.
oh man. I thought i was going crazy. I know it’s hard to tell on those pics, but the missing bend you mentioned is why there’s a big gap in front of the vent and also why the wiper trim doesn’t touch the window on the vent side.
i have a tear in my original vinyl so I don’t think I have many options to restore it.
unless it's at the arm rest there may be options to fix that tear.
One of the things about the new panels is that they have to be "hung" over that top edge. then sort of pushed or slightly tapped downward with your palm...then put in the parameter screws loosely and sort of center the handle or **** stalks and then tightened those screws...I was able to get some movement that way. I think the door pull handles were the last thing tightened. Anyway, you can also push in the panel some with the screws loose then tighten to get some movement too.
02-24-2024, 03:22 PM
