68 Corvette Door Panel Help
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,044
Likes: 33
68 Corvette Door Panel Help
I've bought now two sets of door panels from the same big company and none fit. Who sells a perfect fit set for a 68 Corvette? I'm holding out on the company until they do the right thing and if not I will tell the complete story on customer service, AL.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,164
Likes: 4,243
From: Westminster Maryland
I believe there are only a couple of panel manufacturers who's panels many different vendors sell. You need to determine who made the ones you have so you can try a panel from a different manufacturer.
There are often posts about how difficult it can be be to get reproduction panels to fit well.
Try Wilcox as 68 suggested.
Regards,
Alan
There are often posts about how difficult it can be be to get reproduction panels to fit well.
Try Wilcox as 68 suggested.
Regards,
Alan
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 5,447
Likes: 3
From: Syracuse NY
I thought that I read that Al Knoch made a door panel using a backing more like the original fiber type.
The problem with everything else out there is the use of the ABS.
I got my repo panels to fit pretty nicely using a heatgun on the ABS backing, it took a while but I'm happy with them now.
The problem with everything else out there is the use of the ABS.
I got my repo panels to fit pretty nicely using a heatgun on the ABS backing, it took a while but I'm happy with them now.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,044
Likes: 33
60 Corvette Door Panel Fit
I thought that I read that Al Knoch made a door panel using a backing more like the original fiber type.
The problem with everything else out there is the use of the ABS.
I got my repo panels to fit pretty nicely using a heatgun on the ABS backing, it took a while but I'm happy with them now.
The problem with everything else out there is the use of the ABS.
I got my repo panels to fit pretty nicely using a heatgun on the ABS backing, it took a while but I'm happy with them now.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 5,447
Likes: 3
From: Syracuse NY
The 68 door panel is the worst one to fit because of the use of the first design door pull system that the door panel must fit up in to the door to receive the two screws. Seeing the price tag on Wilcox I agree they must be AL Knock's, You have talent my friend in fixing the manufacture's poor workmanship, AL.
This time I'm going to mount the panels while still heated and install all the hardware. I didn't have everything I needed when I had the heatgun last time!
I wish I still had my old doors, lay the door down, heat the panel, set it on the door and place weigh where needed.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,044
Likes: 33
68 Corvette Door Panel Fit
I just went to look at my doors trying to help in another thread and found that I need to get the heatgun back.
This time I'm going to mount the panels while still heated and install all the hardware. I didn't have everything I needed when I had the heatgun last time!
I wish I still had my old doors, lay the door down, heat the panel, set it on the door and place weigh where needed.
This time I'm going to mount the panels while still heated and install all the hardware. I didn't have everything I needed when I had the heatgun last time!
I wish I still had my old doors, lay the door down, heat the panel, set it on the door and place weigh where needed.
in getting the company to fix the problem and if they don't, I WILL make my voice heard!! Stay tuned 
, AL.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,164
Likes: 4,243
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi DZ,
Al Knock does advertise that he can make door panels with the fiberboard backing. I checked and believe it was about $ 750 a pair and they can't/won't sell just one. Too much $$$ for me.
I'd also be concerned about the 'skin' they use on the fiberboard version. Once the differences in the original and replacement skin is pointed out to you, it's easy to tell. I realize ALL this only matters to the MOST wacky persons. It's why my driver's side door has been without a trim panel for a couple of years.
I'm now trying to repair two 1" splits in the arm rest right at the driver's elbow. I made the splits by using pressure on my arm to reposition my butt in the seat. Another of those restoration moments I'll never forget.
I've had very little luck finding ANYTHING that will stick to 38 year old vinyl. Suggestions?
Regards,
Alan
Al Knock does advertise that he can make door panels with the fiberboard backing. I checked and believe it was about $ 750 a pair and they can't/won't sell just one. Too much $$$ for me.
I'd also be concerned about the 'skin' they use on the fiberboard version. Once the differences in the original and replacement skin is pointed out to you, it's easy to tell. I realize ALL this only matters to the MOST wacky persons. It's why my driver's side door has been without a trim panel for a couple of years.
I'm now trying to repair two 1" splits in the arm rest right at the driver's elbow. I made the splits by using pressure on my arm to reposition my butt in the seat. Another of those restoration moments I'll never forget.
I've had very little luck finding ANYTHING that will stick to 38 year old vinyl. Suggestions?
Regards,
Alan
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 5,447
Likes: 3
From: Syracuse NY
I'm not going fix this mess as you found out it just comes back to kick you in the a$$. I'm calling the company Monday and seeing what they want to do and WILL report back my results. This is not all about me but looking out for all of my Corvette brothers in getting the company to fix the problem and if they don't, I WILL make my voice heard!! Stay tuned , AL.
in getting the company to fix the problem and if they don't, I WILL make my voice heard!! Stay tuned , AL.
Hi DZ,
Al Knock does advertise that he can make door panels with the fiberboard backing. I checked and believe it was about $ 750 a pair and they can't/won't sell just one. Too much $$$ for me.
I'd also be concerned about the 'skin' they use on the fiberboard version. Once the differences in the original and replacement skin is pointed out to you, it's easy to tell. I realize ALL this only matters to the MOST wacky persons. It's why my driver's side door has been without a trim panel for a couple of years.
I'm now trying to repair two 1" splits in the arm rest right at the driver's elbow. I made the splits by using pressure on my arm to reposition my butt in the seat. Another of those restoration moments I'll never forget.
I've had very little luck finding ANYTHING that will stick to 38 year old vinyl. Suggestions?
Regards,
Alan
Al Knock does advertise that he can make door panels with the fiberboard backing. I checked and believe it was about $ 750 a pair and they can't/won't sell just one. Too much $$$ for me.
I'd also be concerned about the 'skin' they use on the fiberboard version. Once the differences in the original and replacement skin is pointed out to you, it's easy to tell. I realize ALL this only matters to the MOST wacky persons. It's why my driver's side door has been without a trim panel for a couple of years.
I'm now trying to repair two 1" splits in the arm rest right at the driver's elbow. I made the splits by using pressure on my arm to reposition my butt in the seat. Another of those restoration moments I'll never forget.
I've had very little luck finding ANYTHING that will stick to 38 year old vinyl. Suggestions?
Regards,
Alan
I bought my new panels around 8 to 10 years ago. My originals had splits in them it has taken me this long to finally decide to install the new ones.
I'm at the point now where I'd rather have the interior look nice whether it looks "correct" or not. I don't show the car and it will never be judged so
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,164
Likes: 4,243
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi Rick,
" I rather have the interior look nice whether it looks "correct" or not".
I'm in almost the same place.... "nice" but "correct".
I keep trying new stuff on the splits!!!!
Regards,
Alan
" I rather have the interior look nice whether it looks "correct" or not".
I'm in almost the same place.... "nice" but "correct".
I keep trying new stuff on the splits!!!!
Regards,
Alan
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 5,447
Likes: 3
From: Syracuse NY
I'm holding on to my old panels if for nothing else the cardboard backing.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,044
Likes: 33
68 Door Panel Fit
Well, I got a call this moning about the door panel from one of the higher ups and he wants me to completly install the panel. I have not did this because once you cut holes for the window cranks and door latch you own it! I will try it and report back. BTW I got some good nems on 68 park brake consoles, stay tuned 
, AL.
, AL.
