I decided to try and install new door panels on my 1975 corvette. The originals weren't horrible but were showing their age. I noticed that both old door panels had two screws up at the top at each end (pic below). You can only see one in the pic, but the other one is at the other end.





The new panel had the area marked to make a screw hole on the inside, but didn't have it predrilled on the exposed side. (pic below).



I looked online and have seen both with the screws and without the screws on a 1975 interior. I was wondering if ya'll might know which is correct or the reason why some came with them and some didn't.

This car was originally classic white and though the interior is original, I'm not sure what has been added over the years. I've found added brackets on the bottom holding the panel to the door and the arm pads seem added to cover up the cracking panels.

 

The door panels for 75 should have both chrome screws Philip oval head with an integral washer just like your old one has. I guess some of the repro manufacturers don't pre drill the holes?? The black flat phosphate brackets, one in lower front and one in lower rear of the panel are also correct. The screw for these should be a black flat head philips...Also, I note that you mentioned that your interior is original but not sure if anything was changed. I see that your seat covers are leather. Leather seats would have come with the deluxe (custom) interior in 75. With that package you would have cut pile carpet, walnut door trim, walnut trim on the shifter plate., and cut pile carpet trimmed with a chrome strip on the lower door panels. Looking at your carpet, it appears to be 80/20 loop pile which was standard. Standard seat covers are comfort weave vinyl. If you look at your Trim Plate and see 73V your car came with dark red (Oxblood) vinyl. If you see 732 it would have come with DR leather.

By the way I love that Oxblood interior, that's what I have in my 73. FYI, 1975 was the first year that an owner could order the deluxe interior in the Dark Red Oxblood color.
Here's a photo of my deluxe interior ( not correct in '73). A previous owner changed it to the deluxe back in '98. I took a big hit with deductions for it during judging but I really like it, and it would be just too much$$$$$$$ to switch it back since it really is in great condition.
Hope this helps,
Merry Christmas!
Tooch

 

Thanks for all that information, yeah I forgot to mention that the previous owner changed the seats from vinyl to leather. They need to be replaced as well, but for now they will do. I really love this color red, it’s bright enough to get noticed, but dark enough to not be too much on the eyes.
As far as the door panels go, they have the predrilled holes with metal ring on the backside. I would just need to drill a small hole through and then screw the chrome screws (I ordered/have) with gourmet in.
I just wanted to make sure that was a 100% correct since I’ve seen cars with and without. I’m trying to figure out why some have them and some don’t. Does the panel not stay on as well without them? Will the panel not last as long with them (start showing stress around the screw)?

Btw your interior looks awesome!

 

Factory door panels had both the top front and rear screws.
The new door panels have a stiff plastic backside and a sturdy lip at the top so the panels stay firmly in place without the screws.

Install tips:
Confirm that the top is even at the top of the door.
Confirm that the lock hole is centered.
Use a #25 drill bit (5/32) to make new holes for the door pull.
Tap holes with #10/24 tap.

Enjoy the new refreshed look!

 

Here's a picture of mine.

 

Yeah I think I'm going to leave them off for now, I kinda like the cleaner look (just me).

 

I installed new Corvette America doors, and did NOT install those screws. They just eventually pull through and look bad. The door isn't going anywhere with the lip securely engaged at top and two metal tab attachments on front and back.

Watch out, you might loose points at a NCRS contest.