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[C2] Door Panel Replacements

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Old Jun 29, 2017 | 06:24 AM
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Default Door Panel Replacements

Hello everyone, I am working on a 65 Convertible and it is time to source new door panels. There is a myriad of vendors supplying parts for the C2 Corvettes and door panels are no exception. I know this is a subjective question (kinda like what beer is best), but does anyone know just how many door panel (or interior for that matter) manufactures there are and level of quality? I am looking for a quality replacement, but also have to consider budget restrictions. I know there are more vendors selling parts than there are manufactures, so the decision becomes a little more perplexing.

Anyhow, any thoughts or opinions would be greatly appreciated.
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Old Jun 29, 2017 | 06:44 AM
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You have two vendors Al Knock and Corvette America. Both have there ups and downs.
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Old Jun 29, 2017 | 07:04 AM
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Yeah, I wouldn't say there are a 'myriad' of soft part vendors for midyears.
AK gets my vote.
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Old Jun 29, 2017 | 07:18 AM
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Thanks, my comment about a "myriad of vendors" is in regards to the number of vendors selling Corvette restoration parts. I know that there are over 10 that I can think of and I am sure there are more. I have been looking at both Corvette America and I think AK has been doing Vette interiors for years if not decades.

I appreciate the feedback
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Old Jun 29, 2017 | 07:20 AM
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Knock has been doing it since the 70's. CA just about as long
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Old Jun 29, 2017 | 07:23 AM
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Both firms have long and respected track records some say the AK is a better fit but the CA 'grain' is better for say, dash pads. Some say AK has the best headliners while CA has adhesion problems (like me). Its a toss up, but I generally go with AK for soft parts, I go to CA for interior dyes and some other things.

At this point is like trying to pick between Ginger and Mary Ann...

Last edited by Frankie the Fink; Jun 29, 2017 at 07:24 AM.
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Old Jun 29, 2017 | 08:36 AM
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Great analogy and I would agree.
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Old Jun 29, 2017 | 09:32 AM
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Maybe one holds up a little better than the other?

Call Willcox. I think they sell both brands.

https://willcoxcorvette.com/weekend-sale

Knock is spelled Knoch.
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Old Jun 29, 2017 | 09:36 AM
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I used AK in 2004 and CA in 2015 and found the CA better fit, nicer vinyl but that doesn't mean AK is not equivalent now. The CAs are very nice though.
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Old Jun 29, 2017 | 09:48 AM
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Neither company offered door panels with the correct "bend" at the vent window for the earlier midyears a few years back, but I understand that has been addressed.

Bending that upper metal reinforcement to match the original style without FUBARing an expensive panel was a bit nerve-wracking...
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Old Jun 29, 2017 | 04:37 PM
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I can only imagine how screwing that up would ruin your day. Nice looking interior in that coupe.
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Old Jun 29, 2017 | 04:59 PM
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I bought the door panels for my 65 roadster from Willcox on sale - they were Corvette America panels and were a perfect fit. I previously tried 2 other brands that did not fit correctly.
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Old Jun 29, 2017 | 05:07 PM
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I would say AK would be my number one choice. And if you have served in the military you get 10 or 15% off.
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Old Jun 29, 2017 | 06:43 PM
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Thanks for the info on the discount as I am a former Marine. I have to buy quite a bit to finish the inside so any discount would help immensely. Thanks again
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Old Jun 29, 2017 | 07:04 PM
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I bought a top and install parts and carpets for my 65 from AK. No military discount - and I'm retired Air Force!

Last edited by TCKT B8; Jun 29, 2017 at 07:04 PM. Reason: typo
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Old Jun 29, 2017 | 07:08 PM
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Originally Posted by TCKT B8
I bought a top and install parts and carpets for my 65 from AK. No military discount - and I'm retired Air Force!
You do not have to be active. I was in the army in the 60's and only stayed as long as I had to.
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Old Jun 29, 2017 | 07:10 PM
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Look -- if you tell any of the vendors you are starting a large restoration project and you intend to make some large purchases you'll get a discount. You don't have to be a veteran.
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Old Jun 29, 2017 | 07:47 PM
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Originally Posted by Frankie the Fink
Both firms have long and respected track records some say the AK is a better fit but the CA 'grain' is better for say, dash pads. Some say AK has the best headliners while CA has adhesion problems (like me). Its a toss up, but I generally go with AK for soft parts, I go to CA for interior dyes and some other things.

At this point is like trying to pick between Ginger and Mary Ann...
No contest...........Mary Ann.

Do you have a better example for us??

Larry
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Old Jun 30, 2017 | 06:10 PM
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Originally Posted by MOXIE62
You do not have to be active. I was in the army in the 60's and only stayed as long as I had to.
I understand that. I'm just sayin' I'm retired military and I received no military discount from AK - and none was offered.
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Old Jun 30, 2017 | 07:38 PM
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Originally Posted by TCKT B8
I understand that. I'm just sayin' I'm retired military and I received no military discount from AK - and none was offered.
You have to ask for it. If you go to their website it states all active veterans 15% and NCRS members 10%. I called up and said if it was not for the guys that have already served and are out you may not have a free business today. The women said your right and gave me the 15%.
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