How many times have you waited for that wonderful box of "new replacement Vette parts" to arrive only to be driven crazy by the simplest of things taking forever to do? For instance, that new "big head mirror" just won't go on because the allen head bolt won't line up and screw in, the new windshield pillar post fits in place just fine, BUT, the plastic velcro type fasteners will not go together no matter what you do, or the $5 power brake booster vacuum hose turns out to be a 3/8 piece of fuel line (CC). It just seems that five minute jobs take an hour (or longer) but every once in a while things do go right. I guess I (we) need to focus on the end product/result and be happy when the compliments start flowing at car club meetings, gatherings, or shows.

Here is the reason for this posting after all is said. It has to do with new parts just not fitting right. Thankfully, the previous owner of my car purchased and installed brand new deluxe door panels. I have noticed that the chrome door opening handles (on both sides) press against the door panels. When I pull the handles away from the panels to open the door, there are little dents in the door panels. I am afraid that these handles will eventually (as time passes) cause a crack or puncture of the door panels. I can't seem to figure out a way to adjust them (handles) so they don't make contact with the door panels. Can they be adjusted? I hate the thought of sticking little pads on the door panels to protect them but that may become neccessary. I'd appreciate your thoughts on this problem. It just seems like these never end. I still love my chrome bumper C3.

Rick in Tennessee

 

As with any DIY project, whether its working on your Corvette or a home improvement project, the basic rule is figure the amount of time required and the cost; then double the costs and triple the time.

 

These cars are quite difficult for perfectionists to work on! :banghead: That's because they were very imperfect in the first place...

Remember, they used rubber mallets on the production line to bang cars together back then. :lol: By today's standards, a C3 Vette was essentially hand-made. And make-ready at a car dealership was a much more involved process than it is nowadays!

Many top-flight NCRS cars are MUCH better assembled than they would have been originally coming out of the factory.

Food for thought.

 

Thank the guy who installed the door panels....:smash: This simple looking replacement (door panels) cost me an entire saturday and more than a few choice words. :lol:

 

Rick:
Yeah...I have the same thing on my 72. Depending how deep the handle marks the panel, perhaps placing washers between the lock/open mechinisum and the inner door metal would help. BUT...too many washers might make the inner door lock rod bind. I haven't tried this yet....let me know if you do and how it turns out.
Good Luck
Eddie

 

My right hand door panel is like that to some degree. I am not worried that it will cut a slit in the door panel though. I don't think there is an adjustment for the door handle. As far as those white "velcro" type fasterners go, you really have to :smash: really hard to get them to work. I thought I was going to break my hardtop after taking the head liner out and cleaning it up. Once the stick, they don't let loose.

 

:yesnod: :thumbs: :seeya

 

I have had a similar problem with replacement door panels. One fits fine, the other has the problem you describe. I used a heat gun (CAREFULLY!!!) to heat the back of those panels to reshape them a little- not a great solution and certainly bubbaish, but helped some. But again, BE CAREFUl or you will melt the skin on the panel. P.S. -If you don't have a heat gun, get one. It is a handy cheap item.