Door Panel Recommendations?

[The73vetteman]

I need to replace the panel on my drivers side door. Anyone got any recommendations - Ecklers, Corvette Central, anyone else? They all look pretty expensive to me.

'73

 

[red70vette]

I need to replace the panel on my drivers side door. Anyone got any recommendations - Ecklers, Corvette Central, anyone else? They all look pretty expensive to me.

'73

I went with Al Knoh good quality, good fit. Interior is probably not the best place to save a few bucks.

 

[Imachad]

Just curious to see why you need to replace them? I don't doubt that they need to be replaced, I'm just wondering what the damage is?

Chad

 

[paintdaddy]

If your trying to save a buck,try Corvette americas "not quite perfect(NQP) section.Sometimes they will have it in your color or if not dye it.If bought many items this way and the blems are not noticeable unless you are looking for them.

 

[ChuckG]

Many have problems with door panel fit, as the repro's are made over a plastic backing....not the fiberboard as in the original. Be prepared to fight the installation, especially around the window cranks, and around the top edge where it "pops" over the top of the door. Al Knoch will make you panels using the fiberboard as original, but it will cost you approximately an extra $100.00 per pair. Chuck

 

[BlueL36]

alknochinteriors.com

 

[bossvette]

I got mine off E-bay at a reasonable price and they are OK for a driver and fit decent, but then I am not a NCRS type of guy.

 

[ScrantonScrambler]

keep checking Ebay. I recently bought 2 NOS ones,deluxe w/ all trim, never been mounted. Got them in separate auctions. Paid $100 for a white one, still has a tag on it. All I have to do is dye it black.
Then I paid $150 for a perfect black one. Paid $15 ea shipping. Then sold my old ones for $100/ pr.
So In the end i got 2 new fiberboard deluxe panels for $180. Take your time, dont be in a rush and you can get a good deal.
I saw a never mounted NOS left side panel go for $180 last wk.

 

[Vmo]

I got a pair of NQP from Corvette America on E-Bay for $200. Great deal, I couldn't find the NQP part. They looked great. Good Luck

 

[The73vetteman]

Just curious to see why you need to replace them? I don't doubt that they need to be replaced, I'm just wondering what the damage is?

Chad

Chad,

I'll try to post a pic tonight but let me briefly explain: at some point in my car's past a previous owner decided to secure the panel to the door with about 6 wood screws punched through the panel and metal of the door. It actually didn't look as bad as it sounds except that at the top there was a big gap between panel and door. To make things worse, the panel itself has broken up around the top rearmost screw (the one at the opening end of the door - make sense?)

I felt I could live with it but when I had to remove the panel to fix a jammed lock I thought I may as well do a proper job and fix everything.

If you have any tips on how to repair a "screwed" door panel I'd love to hear them!

'73

 

[Imachad]

Chad,

I'll try to post a pic tonight but let me briefly explain: at some point in my car's past a previous owner decided to secure the panel to the door with about 6 wood screws punched through the panel and metal of the door. It actually didn't look as bad as it sounds except that at the top there was a big gap between panel and door. To make things worse, the panel itself has broken up around the top rearmost screw (the one at the opening end of the door - make sense?)

I felt I could live with it but when I had to remove the panel to fix a jammed lock I thought I may as well do a proper job and fix everything.

If you have any tips on how to repair a "screwed" door panel I'd love to hear them!

'73

I'd love to hear some tips too 73! I just repainted my door panals on my 76 beause when I was at the bank I noticed that the entire door panal was being held on by the 2 screws that attaches the door handle!! So the project snowballed from there. I took mine off and repainted them but I was ashamed at how poorly the door panals fit to the door. I suspect it is because my door panals are newer (plastic backing) and they don't flex as well as the original fiberboard would. It took me a few hours of fighting with the door panals to secure them using the original holes in the door. If i were to offer any suggestions it would be to take your time and do it right. I'm not sure what i'd do in your case. Thats why we have this great website to help us along!

Chad

 

[ScrantonScrambler]

To make things worse, the panel itself has broken up around the top rearmost screw (the one at the opening end of the door - make sense?)


If you have any tips on how to repair a "screwed" door panel I'd love to hear them!

'73

I just patched up my old panels in order to sell them.
For the backside.......If it is a fiberboard panel you have to keep peeling away all the loose & rotten backing until you get to material that is solid. It will come off in layers. Get a tube of Liquid Nails and start building up the repair with that using a small scraper for a spreader. You should make at least 2 layers/ 24 hrs apart.
This will work but it wont stick fast to loose material.
For the front side..... fill the holes drilled thru the vinyl w/ Shoe Goo. Fill them from the back, let it dry over nite. Then you can cover the Goo w/ the Permatex Vinyl & leather Repair kit and redye the panel. You will be able to drill thru the Goo to reuse your 2 top holes.

If the clip slots are broken , the Goo will repair that too, but it will only stick to solid material and not flaking/rotten fiberboard.
you can get the GOO and Vinyl repair kit at Walmart. $10 will buy both.
here is a set of pillar posts repaired w/ this method

 

[The73vetteman]

Scranton,
That sounds like great advice. I've just ben to WalMart for the ShoeGoo etc and plan to get on the job tomorrow.

If all goes well you'll have done me a very large favor. I'll let you know how it all works out.

'73

 

[jetech]

I recovered mine with vinyl. The came out ok. I also added solid walnut inserts to the upper trim and armrest.