bump
Door panel install
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 736
Likes: 1
From: Chester VA
Door panel install
I'm putting my door panels back on and am trying to get them to sit tighter to the door, there's always been a gap. The velcro doesn't stick what so ever so am ordering that. I have seen some pics of C3's with screws at the rear upper corner, mine doesn't have a provision for it on the panel, but I see a hole in the door that matches up with where this screw would be in the pics. The door panels have Corvette America stickers on the back, were they just not on these aftermarket panels, or were they supposed to be added as a seperate part number and the previous owner just not add them? Finally any other tips for a perfect install?
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 246
Likes: 0
From: Cameron Tx
I'm going thru the same process and hat to punch any holes in the new fab put over em. My upholstery guy has said he is sending me some clips which i beleive are simlar to the plasctic push ones. He said they have a half moon head and will require a small hole inthe back of the panel to insert them. Then you drill a hole in the door and push them in.
Any one tried these? They sound like similar to what is use on newer cars.
Any one tried these? They sound like similar to what is use on newer cars.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
I don't think any of the replacement door panels have pre-punched trim screw holes. You're on your own for that since just about every Corvette would have had the trim screws installed in a slightly different position.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 246
Likes: 0
From: Cameron Tx
Mine are the originals with the board backing. I beleive there is enough space betweent the board and the covering to put these in the back of the panel and insert them. Just not sure what length I'll need.\
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,110
Likes: 4,172
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi,
My original 71 panels have a chrome plated self-tapping screw at each corner at the top. There needs to be a small chrome grommet on the screw to keep the screw-head from pulling through the vinyl skin on the panel as you tighten the screw. On the original panels there's also a grommet already installed in the fiberboard backing for each screw.
There are 2 clips, one on the front lower corner and one at the rear lower corner, that slide into a little pocket on the rear of the panel and have a screw that fastens into the metal part of the door.
There are also 5 plastic 'velcro' type pads, 3 spaced across the bottom and 1 about half-way down each side.
Even the original panels are difficult to get back on in the right position and tight all the way around.
Regards,
Alan
My original 71 panels have a chrome plated self-tapping screw at each corner at the top. There needs to be a small chrome grommet on the screw to keep the screw-head from pulling through the vinyl skin on the panel as you tighten the screw. On the original panels there's also a grommet already installed in the fiberboard backing for each screw.
There are 2 clips, one on the front lower corner and one at the rear lower corner, that slide into a little pocket on the rear of the panel and have a screw that fastens into the metal part of the door.
There are also 5 plastic 'velcro' type pads, 3 spaced across the bottom and 1 about half-way down each side.
Even the original panels are difficult to get back on in the right position and tight all the way around.
Regards,
Alan
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 736
Likes: 1
From: Chester VA
Thanks, I think adding the missing screw at the top, and replacing the velcro with new pieces that will actually grab will make a huge difference for the better.
Last edited by wiseman79; Sep 16, 2009 at 05:55 PM.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every Model vs Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!
Michael S. Palmer
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!
Joe Kucinski
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,991
Likes: 3
From: Piscataway NJ
Take a real good look at the back side of the door pad. The top screw holes should be visible. Like a brass ferrel.maybe filled with foam. Take a scratch awl and push from the back to front. Don't get your hopes up for a perfect fit from replacement door panels.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 736
Likes: 1
From: Chester VA
Yep, see it. Sweet!
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 246
Likes: 0
From: Cameron Tx
As I said , mine are the original and I realize thats howthey were originally attached. Those holes for the screws are just worn out as it the immediate area around them. They have been covered. I am looking for an alternative method.
As I said the upholstery guy sent me 4 small plastic clips with half moon ends on them. I beleive i can cut a small hole just through the rear of the panel board, work the clips in and then push them into holes i will drill on the door.
will leave me with no holes in that new upholstery.
As I said the upholstery guy sent me 4 small plastic clips with half moon ends on them. I beleive i can cut a small hole just through the rear of the panel board, work the clips in and then push them into holes i will drill on the door.
will leave me with no holes in that new upholstery.
