Gentlemen, I just wasted a Saterday trying to install one quarterpanel (late 74 to 77 style). Unfortunatly my old ones where broken beyond repair so I bought a 250$ reproduction set (Corvette America quality control label on the back ...). These are thermo formed and have blocks glued with inserts for the outer retainer. First of all the position was way off and they where about 1/2" above the slotted hole in the rear door jam. So i dremeled them (probably first mistake, luckely one side only). When they aligned I had to force them in place so the gap next to the B post weatherstrip was as minimal as possible. This resulted in the lower corner of the panel to stick towards the front for over a inch. Force the lower part (first retainer hole) back and a gap between the b post and panel becomes unacceptable (littleless then half a inch). I know it well never be a perfect fit but there is no way that both panels will fit half decent. A few questions :
1) does anyone have experience with the same type of repro?
2) does anyone have pictures of the area b post and upper panel to see how big the gap is?
3) would original parts have a better fit
4) does any supplier offer a better repro then the thermoformed ones
5) any links to a good NOS source?
Such a shame that such an expensive part is again causing delay and fitment issues. The body is not hit, no panels are replaced so the whole area is as it came from the factory.
Thanks in advance
Nick

 

It's equally incredible that a $250 part doesn't come with complete and clear instructions on exactly how it is to be installed!

 

My repro quarters from Corvette America fit perfectly. I had to move the wiring under the carpet that was in the way. I left the Dremel alone until I could figure out what was wrong.

 

Hi nick...i got my panels from wilcox, i dont remember having much trouble with them, not like the shifter console we both had struggles with... i just remember not even using the top screw to secure the panel...i think i was afraid it wouldnt hit the target and didnt want to mess it up and it was secure enuff...maybe today will work out better, sometimes a lil time off from a project gives new light...jeff

 

Had the same problem. Sold them on ebay and located decent used pieces.

Amazing how easy the original parts were to install

I got mine pretty cheap since they needed a little repair.

I cut up an old tire tub and used the pieces to bond the trim panel back together. Mine were broken at the bottom so when installed it can not be seen.

Unless they are extremely brittle the originals can likely be fixed.

Bill

 

I didn't do it rush rush, I took a whole day just to try and get one in. It's not rocket science either on how it should fit in. The contour itself actually defines on how it should sit. Nothing is interfering and that wouldn't explain the offset of the glued inserts compared to the slots as the contour itself is pretty good.
Pictures anyone, especially if it are the Corvette America ones.
Jeff, are it also the thermo formed ones?
I'll snap some pictures tomorrow to show it's not just me at fault here..
Thanks,
Nick

 

Nick,
If you continue to have "fit" problems with these panels,
E me a photo of the "late" style you need.
I have a few original panels that I will sell cheap.
George
geopar@gvtc.com

 

Too kind George!
I'm already mailing with paulwannafly who is parting out a '74. I'll come back to you if it falls through or if he has a set I can use.
Thanks again,
Nick