Installing door panels...any tips
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 528
Likes: 146
From: Palmyra NY
Installing door panels...any tips
This seems like it should be pretty straight forward, but my door panels have about a 2-3 inch gap at the bottom of the door. It appears the only fasteners are velcor type fittings, but these do not hold the panel tight. These are new panels that came with the car.
BTW...the car has cracnk windows, if that makes a difference.
Thanks in advance.
BTW...the car has cracnk windows, if that makes a difference.
Thanks in advance.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 3,581
Likes: 28
From: Spring, Texas
Re: Installing door panels...any tips (JGreen)
It sounds like you have not forced the top of the panel over the metal lip (parallel to where the window goes up and down). When replacing mine, I had to slightly bend inward (towards inside of car) the vertical metal flanges so the door panel would fit over them. This is what keeps the door panel tight against the door at the top.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 5,635
Likes: 4
From: Orlando Floriduh
Re: Installing door panels...any tips (Avette4me)
There are two special retainer clips that hold the panel to the door at 90deg to the panel.one on front and one in back. Sometimes they break out of the pressed backing and get lost.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 399
Likes: 0
From: Haslet,Texas
Re: Installing door panels...any tips (JGreen)
Racer
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 376
Likes: 0
From: NE PA PA
Re: Installing door panels...any tips (73'Vette)
I agree those clips are a must. On my 75 the clips are all messed up and had to use a sheet metal backer and screw them to the panel. And then use the existing screw holes in the bottom rear and bottom front of the door. 
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 1,427
Likes: 1
From: Boxford Mass
Re: Installing door panels...any tips (JBR)
I had to fabricate some clips too that fit better. Most replacement door panels just don't fit all that well. I went through the painstaking process of replacing all the velcro clips on the door, drilling them out and rivoting on new ones. Then they didn't align with the pieces on the door panel. :mad
Me ->
<- Door Panel
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Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 528
Likes: 146
From: Palmyra NY
Re: Installing door panels...any tips (Jack71)
Now I know the clips you guys are talking about. Of course I have 1, but need 4 and want to install these tonight. Oh well...another part I must wait for. It has been three years in resto, and I have never driven it, so whats another few weeks???
Here is what it looks like today.
Here is what it looks like today.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,941
Likes: 281
From: Was New Orleans but swam to Baton Rouge LA
Cruise-In IX Veteran
Re: Installing door panels...any tips (JGreen)
Good post. I ordered door panels for my car the other day, and because of this post now know I need to get some of those clips. I actually pulled 3 inch wood screws out of the bottom sides of my door panels. I cannot believe someone used them to hold on the panel.
