Plastic Behind The Door Panels ?

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Jul 7, 2007 | 06:32 PM

Localbulldog

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Racer

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Plastic Behind The Door Panels ?

I'm putting on new door panels and in removing the old ones I found plastic sheeting attached to the doors with what looks like caulking. Any chance this was from the factory ? Anyone heard of this ? Should I put it back or cut new pieces ? And if so attach it with what ? Thanks

Jul 7, 2007 | 06:48 PM

curtis74

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From: Chicago IL

Yes this is from the factory. It is there to keep water, or moister from getting down inside the door. There may be more to that, but that's what I've always know it to be.

Jul 7, 2007 | 06:50 PM

...Roger...

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From: Dayton, Ohio

I think its more to keep the moisture "in" the door and away from the cardboard backing on the door panel.
You can buy caulking strips at Home Depot in the weatherstriping section.

Jul 7, 2007 | 07:35 PM

SteveG75

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From: FL

Quote:

Originally Posted by DWncchs

I think its more to keep the moisture "in" the door and away from the cardboard backing on the door panel.
You can buy caulking strips at Home Depot in the weatherstriping section.

Since my new panels have ABS backing, I didn't bother to reinstall the plastic.

Jul 7, 2007 | 07:39 PM

I'm Batman

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From: Springfield MO

St. Jude Donor '07

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveG75

Since my new panels have ABS backing, I didn't bother to reinstall the plastic.

I'm doing the same thing. The last time I took the plastic out, it tore rather badly.

Jul 7, 2007 | 07:54 PM

ghoastrider1

Le Mans Master

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From: indy indiana

GM did that for years. All is true what others posted and i believe it helped a little in the non- transfer of heat as well as sound. Mostly it was just a weather proofing barrier.

Jul 7, 2007 | 07:57 PM

GD70

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From: Peekskill NY

Quote:

Originally Posted by I'm Batman

I'm doing the same thing. The last time I took the plastic out, it tore rather badly.

Several vendors sell replacement plastic barriers.

Jul 7, 2007 | 09:11 PM

Bob Onit

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From: Connecticut

Quote:

Originally Posted by DWncchs

I think its more to keep the moisture "in" the door and away from the cardboard backing on the door panel.

If thats the case Roger, then I would rather remove the plastic and deal with replacing door panels then replacing doors

I have seen too many early C3's with rusted out doors.

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Jul 7, 2007 | 09:42 PM

Localbulldog

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Racer

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Thats how I feel Bob - why trap the moisture ?

Jul 7, 2007 | 10:33 PM

#10

...Roger...

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From: Dayton, Ohio

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Onit

If thats the case Roger, then I would rather remove the plastic and deal with replacing door panels then replacing doors

I have seen too many early C3's with rusted out doors.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Localbulldog

Thats how I feel Bob - why trap the moisture ?

The doors are going to have water inside them whenever it rains.I dont think there is any way to keep it out so GM just routed it out the bottom of the doors on each end and maybe in the middle.Keeping the drains open is a good defense.
EDIT-the plastic is like the vapor barrier in the walls of your house-keeps the moisture on the outside

Last edited by ...Roger...; Jul 7, 2007 at 10:36 PM.

Jul 8, 2007 | 12:35 AM

#11

I'm Batman

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From: Springfield MO

St. Jude Donor '07

Quote:

Originally Posted by GD70

Several vendors sell replacement plastic barriers.

I haven't seen them in the catalogs...I might just be looking in the wrong spots. Could you give me a heads-up on who might have them?

As far as door rust goes, make sure those drain holes don't get clogged.

Jul 8, 2007 | 04:04 AM

#12

saudivette

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From: Aussie expat in Saudi Arabia

I've replaced them in other cars before by just getting some heavy duty clear plastic, cutting it to shape and sticking it on. Even if you find a vendor that has "replacements", would it be really worth paying for a couple of pieces of plastic and shipping?

Just my 2c

Jul 8, 2007 | 04:06 AM

#13

I'm Batman

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From: Springfield MO

St. Jude Donor '07

Quote:

Originally Posted by saudivette

The only thing I can think of is that unlike most cars I've seen, the Corvette door plastic is molded to go around the various bumps and valleys in the doors.

Jul 8, 2007 | 04:15 AM

#14

saudivette

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From: Aussie expat in Saudi Arabia

Were the ones you removed moulded plastic or just sheet?

Jul 8, 2007 | 05:08 AM

#15

panic

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From: Sorrento Italy

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Onit

........I have seen too many early C3's with rusted out doors.

C3 doors, at least those in my '77, had a counter steel panel and a steel 'reinforcement' side bar that was intended to work as protection for driver and passenger, these were pretty rusted in my car (even if ground restored only 4 years ago...), but as i've emptied both doors actually i only have the fb panel now...each door, with power windows motors, steel reinforcements and ancillaries weighted a hell! i guess i've saved around 80 lbs of death weight for both (included the windows)...

Jul 8, 2007 | 07:29 AM

#16

Localbulldog

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Racer

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The plastic was moulded to the door not flat. The car never sees rain so I think I will leave them off. Thanks Guys !

Jul 8, 2007 | 12:37 PM

#17

I'm Batman

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From: Springfield MO

St. Jude Donor '07

Quote:

Originally Posted by saudivette

Were the ones you removed moulded plastic or just sheet?

Molded sheet. I still have the wreckage of the driver-side one laying around, I'll try to get a pic later.

Jul 8, 2007 | 12:47 PM

#18

saudivette

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From: Aussie expat in Saudi Arabia

Quote:

Originally Posted by Localbulldog

The plastic was moulded to the door not flat. The car never sees rain so I think I will leave them off. Thanks Guys !

Don't you wash it either?

Jul 8, 2007 | 01:29 PM

#19

Localbulldog

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Racer

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With a hose to get it soaking wet ? NOPE NEVER

Jul 11, 2007 | 08:43 AM

#20

saudivette

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From: Aussie expat in Saudi Arabia

Quote:

Originally Posted by I'm Batman

Molded sheet. I still have the wreckage of the driver-side one laying around, I'll try to get a pic later.

Any pics yet?

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