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I've been trying to get to the root cause of why my driver's door panel isn't lining up properly with the lock mechanism. In order to get the door lock **** and backing plate installed, it looks like I need to move the panel around 1/4" to the rear. However, there doesn't seem to be any adjustment possible.
All of the door fasteners and trim pieces fit together and line up perfectly, with the exception of when the door is installed, the lock rubs against the trim instead of being centered in the hole.
Is this an issue with the door panel itself, or am I missing something?
Hello,
I notice that this is a replacement door card.
Is this the first time you're installing it?
Or did it fit in the past?
Regards......
You're correct - the door panel is a replacement. It came from the company whose name rhymes with Flip.
Since 2015 I have been trying to get this panel lined up and the lock **** installed, so it's never fit correctly. Truth be told, "trying" is probably an inaccurate term; more like I was "thinking" about trying. If my efforts were sincere, it would be fixed already.
I've decided that 2026 would be my year. It's never too late...right?
If there is some type of support behind the door card, consider using an awl to scratch and mark the spot on the door. If there is enough "meat" on the door, carefully drill a hole in the door and mount the panel. If there is no meat on the door in the right spot, perhaps a fabricator could make a piece that will work. Perhaps a small weld on piece would work. Good luck. Jerry
Try loosening the grab handle and all of the other attachment screws and pull/push the card to where it needs to go. Worst case, remove all the other fasteners and put the lock *** in first, then using an awl, line up all the other fasteners.
Try loosening the grab handle and all of the other attachment screws and pull/push the card to where it needs to go. Worst case, remove all the other fasteners and put the lock *** in first, then using an awl, line up all the other fasteners.
My first thought was to pull the panel back some, but it's too far. Over 1/4" would put all the fasteners out of position and leave no door gap.
The door is hung correctly. The lock mechanism is installed correctly. Could this be the trim bezel is too far forward?
Same problem on my 69. Repro door panels new and lock about 1/4" off. What i did was what Kanvasman suggested sorta. I slotted the lock/handle bezel holes in the door panel and slide the bezel over a bit to fit. Not too noticeable and you can only see it if I pointed it out to you. Other option was to get another door panel which I was not going to do. Hope this might help. Just thinking now I might could also have slotted the door lock mechanism in the door and maybe moved it over too??
Same problem on my 69. Repro door panels new and lock about 1/4" off. What i did was what Kanvasman suggested sorta. I slotted the lock/handle bezel holes in the door panel and slide the bezel over a bit to fit. Not too noticeable and you can only see it if I pointed it out to you. Other option was to get another door panel which I was not going to do. Hope this might help.
I've given this more thought than it probably deserves, and I came to the same conclusion. I think reworking the door panel is the only possible answer.
Hopefully I can avoid the cost of a new door panel. I'll keep everyone posted.
I hadvthis same issue years ago with replacement door cards on the black 77 in my avatar. I just egged the hole slightly. Once the lock **** was installed you couldn't see it.
I've given this more thought than it probably deserves, and I came to the same conclusion. I think reworking the door panel is the only possible answer.
Hopefully I can avoid the cost of a new door panel. I'll keep everyone posted.
Thanks!
I have original door panels on my ‘68 and the driver door panel is off enter more than yours. Scribe a partial circle onto the metal trim piece where the lock rubs. Use a dremel cutting bit to enlarge the hole enough for the locking ****. Take your time with the dremel tool.
That trim looks like it was installed a bit too far forward, I would look into removing the fasteners and unbending the tabs on the trim from backside and try moving it back a bit throughout... even if you had to elongate the holes a bit
Truth be told, most all of the door cards don’t fit that great. For some areas my friend was able to use a heat gun to soften the plastic. In your case, the Dremel is probably your best bet.
So, my overall impression based on these responses, is that some of these door cards just don't fit correctly.
Does anyone have a positive experience? While I know there's a few distributors of these, being such a niche product I can't image there's too many manufacturers. If I have to buy a new one, who's my best bet?
Door Panel Issue
