Most authentic doorpanels
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 188
Likes: 2
From: Flowermound Tx
Most authentic doorpanels
I'm looking to replace the deluxe door panels on my 74. I'd like to get the most authentic color,grain, & texture since the rest of the interior is in good to excellent condition. I've seen nice looking reproductions at car shows but the texture and appearance were slightly different than stock. Does anyone have a recommendation ? Any close up pictures of those they have used ?
Also, for interior painting of the hard plastic parts like the back window frame, seatbelt housing, etc. are Eckler's or Eastwood paints a good choice ? I used Eckler's silver about 20 years ago and was really pleased with the results.
Thanks for your thoughts,
Scott
Also, for interior painting of the hard plastic parts like the back window frame, seatbelt housing, etc. are Eckler's or Eastwood paints a good choice ? I used Eckler's silver about 20 years ago and was really pleased with the results.
Thanks for your thoughts,
Scott
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 876
Likes: 1
From: Same as our leaders Out of my mind
Hi, I don't know about the panels, but I used some of the Dupli-Color interior vinyl spray dye (paint) and it matched my 79's interior perfectly. I was also very pleased with the fast dry time and durability on my flexible center console. I also tried it on a piece of primed scrap metal and found that it also adhered very well (I couldn't scrape it off with my fingernail no matter how I tried). The "Desert Tan" was a perfect match for my tan/camel colored interior. It is available at most auto parts stores - I got mine at Auto Zone - and it only cost about 5 bucks, compare that to Eckler's 20 plus dollars. And no I don't work for Dupli Color but if they want a spokesperson....... and the money's right..... 
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,114
From: Crossville TN
If you have mild wear or color fading, the vinyl dye idea is the way to go. If you have significant damage to the vinyl, you have a number of choices. 1) buy new replacment panels with or without hardware...most costly but easiest option; 2) find someone in the business of vinyl repair (car dealers use them all the time)...second costliest option, but you still have the original panels; 3) re-skin the panels with new vinyl skins...cheapest option, but you won't have any hair left on your head [from pulling it all out]. Corvette America still sells the skins for less than $100 a set. Buy the recommended glue and follow the instructions precisely. Oh, the tough part is figuring out the sequence of putting the skin on your panel. You get one shot, and you can't shift it after its down. (Can you figure out which way I went?) 
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio Texas
if your looking for new Al Knoch is the only way to go. They pay great attention to detail. http://www.alknochinteriors.com/catalog.htm
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 19,659
Likes: 34
From: Lenoir City Tennessee
Ci 6, 8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
I used Al Knoch door panels and carpet in my car. I was not shooting for perfect reproduction but they do look pretty good. The backing on my door panels are not fiberboard but a hard plastic that should hold up for a long time.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
Originally Posted by caseybandy7777
if your looking for new Al Knoch is the only way to go. They pay great attention to detail. http://www.alknochinteriors.com/catalog.htm
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
Likes: 24
From: I can walk to MA
I'm thinking about getting the door panel skins from Corvette
Central. I've heard too many stories about people needing
to trim and muscle their new molded plastic panels into place.
My panels need some structural repair, and the new vinyl skins
will cover the repairs to my panels that I KNOW fit well.
Has anyone used these ? Experiences ? Comments ?
http://www.parts123.com/parts123/yb....Z5Z5Z50000050G
Thanks, Dave
Central. I've heard too many stories about people needing
to trim and muscle their new molded plastic panels into place.
My panels need some structural repair, and the new vinyl skins
will cover the repairs to my panels that I KNOW fit well.
Has anyone used these ? Experiences ? Comments ?
http://www.parts123.com/parts123/yb....Z5Z5Z50000050G
Thanks, Dave
Last edited by NHvette; Feb 7, 2006 at 12:50 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 7,106
Likes: 38
From: Newark DE
go with Al Knoch or you are sure to be disappointed otherwise.
al may not be the least expensive but he is BY FAR the best stuff out there.
Here is a hint for you....... look up Wally Knoch who posts in the C1/C2 forum under the name Ironcross. Wally is Al's brother and also is a distributor for the Al Knoch products. Wally gives a discount to forum members, usually around 20%.
al may not be the least expensive but he is BY FAR the best stuff out there.
Here is a hint for you....... look up Wally Knoch who posts in the C1/C2 forum under the name Ironcross. Wally is Al's brother and also is a distributor for the Al Knoch products. Wally gives a discount to forum members, usually around 20%.