68 door panel question
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,161
Likes: 239
From: Southern CALIFORNIA
yeah theyre different. the early ones lock mecanism edge part are molded for different weatherstrip. 68-69. and obviosuly the pull and inserts.
I think for the most part the 70-77 are very much the same molded backer board.
the pull handle has molded in surfaces for placement. the pulls are screwed thru the door panel and held onto the door
The insert trim and carpet trim was drilled in.
there is a sticthing detail that goes from the dashpad and thru the top of the door panel which was removed on later panels.
I think for the most part the 70-77 are very much the same molded backer board.
the pull handle has molded in surfaces for placement. the pulls are screwed thru the door panel and held onto the door
The insert trim and carpet trim was drilled in.
there is a sticthing detail that goes from the dashpad and thru the top of the door panel which was removed on later panels.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,806
Likes: 258
From: Dublin Ohio
Sorry, I should have been more clear. Early 68 door panels only have the pocket you reach up into to pull the door shut. Then at some point in 68 they started screwing on a horizontal grab handle under that area. I was just trying to find out for my dad if the 68 door panels that have the grab handle are molded differently to accept the grab handle.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,192
Likes: 343
From: Allenton Wisconsin
My 6t8 was a January 68 build, and it came with the pull handled. To answer your question as if there is a difference from panels with and the one with I don't think so, I just looked at mine and where the pull handle is at the panel all is smooth with no specific changes in molding of the panel. Just a note, mine are after market from Corvette America. T
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 1,957
Likes: 576
From: Pittsburgh PA
My 6t8 was a January 68 build, and it came with the pull handled. To answer your question as if there is a difference from panels with and the one with I don't think so, I just looked at mine and where the pull handle is at the panel all is smooth with no specific changes in molding of the panel. Just a note, mine are after market from Corvette America. T
My may 68 build has the handles, and I see no difference in the panels other than 2 holes for the handle
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,765
Likes: 254
From: Catlett VA
I have an early 68 without the grab handle, just the pocket to pull with your fingers. My sister-in-law has a 69 and her door panels look like mine, except for the extra handle attached. Not sure if there is some extra reinforcement on the back to hold the screws for the handle or not.
CF Community Team
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 9,316
Likes: 359
From: Delaware
St. Jude Donor '25
I do not think they are different. In fact I read dealers installed these on earlier cars after they became factory installed at the customer's request. My friend added them to his early car and they look identical now to the factory installed handles on my May 68.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,034
Likes: 503
From: myrtle beach sc
Army
The sissy new 68 Corvette owners did not like the really cool hidden interior door handle. I know a lot of people that I have given a ride to in my car could not figure out how to close the door!
So GM took the deluxe 68 Camaro rubber door pull and screwed it on our 68 door panels. My March 26, 68 coupe did not have the added door pulls.
How many of you know that early 68's had a solid inner door release handle? GM cheapened them and made them hollow inside. Mine snapped off after a couple of years. The GM replacement added a couple
of ribs on the inside to strengthen them.
Also new owners complained about not having a glove box, so in 69 they added the passenger side dust collector...oops, I mean map pouch. Lou.
So GM took the deluxe 68 Camaro rubber door pull and screwed it on our 68 door panels. My March 26, 68 coupe did not have the added door pulls.
How many of you know that early 68's had a solid inner door release handle? GM cheapened them and made them hollow inside. Mine snapped off after a couple of years. The GM replacement added a couple
of ribs on the inside to strengthen them.
Also new owners complained about not having a glove box, so in 69 they added the passenger side dust collector...oops, I mean map pouch. Lou.