Door panel/trim panel grip
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 225
Likes: 0
From: Auburndale Florida
Door panel/trim panel grip
I own a 72 BB coupe to which I have replaced the entire interior however I have had a fit getting the grippy halves of the panel and door frame (and pillar frame) to play nice with the new half.
Both halves appear to be of the same configuration, size and location of the original plastic grip (velcro sorta stuff) but they wont lock into each other.
My question is, is their a "trick of the trade" to get the attaching stuff to play nice like mild heat or soapy water or such?
I can simply replace both halves, I understand, but I'd like to learn as I go and maybe resolve the issue using the original Chevy stuff.
Thanks guys,
Ken
Both halves appear to be of the same configuration, size and location of the original plastic grip (velcro sorta stuff) but they wont lock into each other.
My question is, is their a "trick of the trade" to get the attaching stuff to play nice like mild heat or soapy water or such?
I can simply replace both halves, I understand, but I'd like to learn as I go and maybe resolve the issue using the original Chevy stuff.
Thanks guys,
Ken
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,268
Likes: 2
From: Minnesota in the summer, Las Vegas in the winter
Am I understanding? Your panels will not match up with the curves of the door? My new panels would not match up to the door as they should have. On the passenger side the panel was close but on the driver's side I had to call in Bubba and have him put a screw in the new panel to get it to be even close to the door.
I wasn't too happy with the panel alignment but I don't know what else I could have done.
I wasn't too happy with the panel alignment but I don't know what else I could have done.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,831
Likes: 10
From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
Simple fix. Lay the door panel face down on something soft (so you don't damage the vinyl). Lay a concrete cinder block on the back. Let sit for a few days. That should flex the door panel back to its proper shape. If not, put the cinder block back on and gently heat the ABS backing with a heat gun.
Common problem with repop door panels from both manufacturers.
Common problem with repop door panels from both manufacturers.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 225
Likes: 0
From: Auburndale Florida
no that's not the problem...
Pardon my less then specific explaniation.
All curves fit well to each other as do all allignments however the velcro like plastic that is intended to attach to it's "other half" on the door panel will not simply push together as intended. They do line up just fine. You just can't press them together and have them mate as intended.
All curves fit well to each other as do all allignments however the velcro like plastic that is intended to attach to it's "other half" on the door panel will not simply push together as intended. They do line up just fine. You just can't press them together and have them mate as intended.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,301
Likes: 4,390
From: Westminster Maryland
I found that on the pillar post trim you have to get the trim in the exact position you want it and then give the trim a surprisingly HARD hit with the heal of your hand to set the plastic 'VELCRO' discs.
Regards,
Alan
Regards,
Alan
Racer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 293
Likes: 1
From: Pace Florida
Simple fix. Lay the door panel face down on something soft (so you don't damage the vinyl). Lay a concrete cinder block on the back. Let sit for a few days. That should flex the door panel back to its proper shape. If not, put the cinder block back on and gently heat the ABS backing with a heat gun.
Common problem with repop door panels from both manufacturers.
Common problem with repop door panels from both manufacturers.
(just kidding......sort of......
)
Former Vendor
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,092
Likes: 2
From: walpole ma
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,173
Likes: 1
From: Liberty Missouri
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Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,831
Likes: 10
From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
Those things use a lot of force. I've had old ones pull off of the chipboard backing of original panels rather than coming apart properly... 