door panels
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,570
Likes: 1
From: Algonac Michigan
door panels
Can anyone tell me what other year door panels will fit on a '69 vert? I have the correct ones, but I don't like the flimsy look to the interior door pulls. It looks to me that the '68 had door pulls molded into the panels themselves. If in fact, this is the case, will the '68s fit on a '69. Or are
there any other panels that will fit with the molded door pulls?
Thanks SLY
there any other panels that will fit with the molded door pulls?
Thanks SLY
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,131
Likes: 4
From: May help you? You can sure as hell try!
I don't think '68 door panels will fit. The 69's have the rubber window wipes attached to the panel. The '68's have a rubber seal that is attached to some "fuzzy" strips that seal against the door panel and against the window.
The '68 panels DO have integral door pulls molded in but you have to grab them in an unnatural, underhanded manor to close the doors. I absolutely hate the original '68 door pulls. Apparently, many others did too because late in '68 GM added a strap type of pull that attaches just under the integral pull. I added the later style door pull even though my '68 is technically an "early" build.
I also think that the '69 and later door frames lack the indentation where the integral pull attaches via sheet metal screws(which also helps to hold the panel in place on the door).
The '68 panels DO have integral door pulls molded in but you have to grab them in an unnatural, underhanded manor to close the doors. I absolutely hate the original '68 door pulls. Apparently, many others did too because late in '68 GM added a strap type of pull that attaches just under the integral pull. I added the later style door pull even though my '68 is technically an "early" build.
I also think that the '69 and later door frames lack the indentation where the integral pull attaches via sheet metal screws(which also helps to hold the panel in place on the door).
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,408
Likes: 792
From: Redondo Beach, California
Originally Posted by SteveG75
Well, the door pulls may "look" flimsy but since the scrw goes through the metal part of the pull and into the door sheet metal, the work very well.
Here's what you should really be worried about. Your early C3 door handles mated to a relatively small pot metal molding. When bubba is in your passenger seat and he decides to use all of his bicept power to open the door, he will destroy this fitting. In later C3 door handle mechanisms this this pot metal fitting was replaced with a steel moulding.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,570
Likes: 1
From: Algonac Michigan
I really haven't seen a Vette with chrome pulls, but then again, theres alot of things I haven't seen yet 
Could you be more year specific or guide me to a pic of these chrome pulls?
Thanks
SLY
Could you be more year specific or guide me to a pic of these chrome pulls?Thanks
SLY
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Race Director
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 12,142
Likes: 54
From: Taylor Michigan
Door Panels
Contrary to some beliefs most Corvette door panels are year specific and not interchangable due to grain, handles, shape and colors. Some other years may be made to fit, but are not totally correct if thats important to the owner. 
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,570
Likes: 1
From: Algonac Michigan
I guess I'll stick with what I have now. Since I pulled the driver side door panel I found that there were mismatched screws and they were mounted in different holes than the manufacturer supplied. (just all Bubba tracks all over this car) I feel that if I get everything in there proper position, everything will be allright.
Thanks Guys,
SLY
Thanks Guys,
SLY