taylor34

Hey--

So I'm looking into replacing my door panels (currently the standard ones) with the deluxe ones from Willcox (probably made by CA I'm assuming). In any case, I want to change out the insert from the wood (which I don't have any else in my car) to either black, silver, carbon fiber, etc, whatever I can find. How hard is this removal, or is it even possible without damaging the door? Like heat gun and pry?

The other question I had is, how do the window roller holes get made on these panels? None of the panels online show the holes, wasn't sure if there was a guide to make them or if you have to use the old panels. Thanks!

Gazehound

Taylor - On my 77 when I got new door panels, I had to transfer my existing hardware to the new ones. I have a black insert and I removed it using a heat gun, after I removed the insert from the old door, and used a good glue remover to clean up the insert. I installed a home made carbon fiber insert and it came out good.

Also the holes for the window roller and door handles on on the back side of the new door panel and are easily cut out.

gbvette62

Buying the trim with the wood grain installed, is a waist of your time and money. You'll be buying the wood grain, which you don't want to use, and you'll spend plenty of time trying to remove the adhesive from the trim pieces.

If you don't want the wood trim, buy the upper door trim for a 77. The 77's are the same as 70-76, except the wood grain area is painted black.

As far as the holes for your window cranks, I think they're already in the substrate. If I'm right, all you need to do is cut out the hole from the back.

MidShark

I just did this on my '75, to cover up the adhesive mess and button holes left by these hideous things after I removed them:



Bought these '77 inserts for $20/pair. They are self-stick, I just used a heat gun to help things along:

7T1vette

Several vendors offer various insert pieces (dark wood, light wood, black, etc.).

Paul L

My preference was black.

Ibanez540r

There was a guy on ebay selling inserts in brushed aluminum, stainless, etc. but I haven't been able to find them anymore. Hope they get listed again.

taylor34

I went ahead and ordered the normal doors per recommendations above. Thanks for the help.