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Hi,
I've tried to search and did find several posts about the wood door panel inserts. Is there a way to clean the wood or would it be better to buy new inserts? I already have the door panels off the doors. Thanks for any help or insight you may have.
The original deluxe interior trim had real wood inserts. It is very thin veneer glued onto a thin metal backing. There are no Real wood replacement inserts available as far as I know. The replacements offered by the Corvette parts companies are actually formica with a picture of wood. If you will be happy with that, it's the easiest route to take. If you have the time and want the original look, you can replace the wood veneer.
My current car had one "formica" insert and the original, other side had cracking. I used a hair dryer to heat and remove the reprduction one first. You have to use care removing the original inserts without bending the metal backing. After removal you have to strip the old veneer off the metal backing. It can be stubborn; heat along with sharp scrapers and laquer thinner will work. You will be reusing the metal backing with the new wood and gluing it back in place.
I bought new wood veneer on ebay, cut it out to the exact shape of the metal, sanded the edges, test fit and then stained and sealed with clear laquer. Use contact cement on both surfaces, carefully set in place. I used a wall paper edge roller to guarentee good contact. I am very happy with the results.
Wood Door Panel, Restore or Replace
