marshal135

Hello Forum,
I'm in the process of restoring my rear storage area in my '68 coupe.
I'm dissembling it carefully as its old.
My center fiber board door I've come to find is in bad shape.
The well nuts that mount the hinge to the door are about ripped through to the other side. The hinge side is all warped and looks to have been water logged at some point.
Anybody have a center fiber board door to spare.
I do not need any of the parts but if it has BLACK 80/20 Loop carpeting already on and in good shape its a plus.
If I have to buy an original center fiber board door complete, I will bit the bullet and do such.
This will get my driver quality storage compartment serviceable again.
Other two doors are solid. This one looks like it got wet at some point.
Thank you in advance.
Marshal

69Vett

I think, I have a center door, let me check tonight.

forman

i fixed mine with gorilla glue and a vice took the warp out .. as far as the bolt heads pulling through you can glue tooth picks in the holes then drill them out ,you will never see the fix

Alan 71

Hi Marshal,
I'm under the impression the early center compartment lid was molded plastic with reinforcement ribs.
That was replaced with a 'masonite' lid.
I'm thinking 'fiberboard' lids appeared for the 69 model year.
??
Regards,
Alan

marshal135

Forman,
Thanks for the repair tips.
This thing is toast.
The two rear mounting points to hinge area is so water damaged it's like a sponge back there. There's nothing firm to attach to.
There is no ridged material to mount to left.
I thought about reinforcing etc.. but may ending up spending too
much time and I have other things to attend to before cruising season begins.

69vette, if you have one of the fiberboard types I'd be very interested in purchasing it.

Alan,
these are like the IKEA furniture like a layered particle board.
Once exposed to prolonged water they expand like a chia pet.
It is not repairable in my opinion.
Somewhere between California and Pennsylvania in the last 48 years someone obviously got caught in the rain without the T Tops installed.
I've been caught in an occasional rain and they did not leak in place.
I think the operative word is in place.
Got to get back to the car before it starts pouring.
Or take them with you so as not to get caught out there without them.
Marshal

avalonjohn

Alan is correct. Early to mid 68 center doors were molded plastic with vertical ribs. They warped and were replaced with the masonite. Adam, I forget, when was your car built?

marshal135

Hey John,
Thanks for jumping in.
My car was made June 1968.
Its a mix of early parts clean up and transitions to late.
All 3 doors are this laminate board no plastic.
They could have been changed out but I don't see why they would have?
Center lock is still matched to original keys
Thanks,
Marshal

avalonjohn

Naa. Mine is a late May build and has the fiberboars.

marshal135

When did they phase out the plastic doors?
I also have metal tabs not those vinyl loops.
Marshal

ksbunting

My 68 was built May 10, 1968 and I have owned since 1972 and it has the thick compressed fiber doors and they are original as I am second owner and I purchased from original owner who was a personal friend.
Car is factory original.
Kurt

Bandit54

On your 68 is there springs located in the hinges? Both of my 68's had springs one is late Feburary the other is late March. Both had the fiber doors.

Alan 71

Hi Marshal,
Only the center door was ever made of plastic.
I believe the change occurred during January, 1968.
So it seems likely that your June 68 car would have a 'masonite' door and not a plastic or 'fiber-board' door.
Regards,
Alan

I'm old enough to remember in the 50s when folks 'finished-off' their basement into a 'club room' Masonite paneling was often used.
Masonite… 'steam cooked' and 'pressure molded' wood fibers.

69Vett

I have a oem center door Black, made of plastic.
PM if interested, thanks, 69Vett

ksbunting

Yes, mine are spring loaded so the door pops open when you depress the button. I have the vinyl finger loops as well.

marshal135

Any pics?
Does it have black carpet or is it stripped.
These warped how is this one.
Thanks
Marshal

69Vett

looks flat to me,
carpet has been removed, have another good Black carpet for it.

ed427vette

Hello Marshall,
I have a center door from my Feb 69 car that I replaced. Its original. I think its in decent shape. Its not plastic, its the "fiberboard" type. I also have the carpet.
If you want pics let me know and I'll post some up tomorrow after I dig it out from the rest of my extra parts.
Ed

marshal135

69 Vette & Ed 427,
Thank you very much for offering up the part I need.
I found a correct take off in the Masonite material.
Thank you again.
Marshal

SIXTYTWO

Marshal,
Don't know if you found anything yet. These look pretty good. Rich

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1968-1973-Co...hY5F7h&vxp=mtr