Door Panel Fix
Thread Starter
Running Guns & Moonshine
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 12,462
Likes: 7,158
From: CT
Door Panel Fix
This is a relatively small detail, but one I'm interested in correcting. The driver door panel in the elbow rest area is just barely loose on the inside. That is, the vinyl outer layer has come loose from the inner plastic shell where three owners (myself included) have shifted their weight on the door. It doesn't shift out of place. It is still conformed to the shape of the door. But knowing it is there, and either feeling it or sometimes hearing it (if the engine is off) just annoys me.
How can I secure it?
I probably have a dozen adhesives to choose from, but I want to avoid putting a hole in the door to insert and spread it if I can.
Any other thoughts or similar experiences?
I could always replace the entire panel. But I have odd sentiments about not parting with original pieces of the car if I can avoid it.
How can I secure it?
I probably have a dozen adhesives to choose from, but I want to avoid putting a hole in the door to insert and spread it if I can.
Any other thoughts or similar experiences?
I could always replace the entire panel. But I have odd sentiments about not parting with original pieces of the car if I can avoid it.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 714
Likes: 104
From: Springfield Ohio
Door panel delamination is a common problem that's been addressed here several times. The method below is probably the best fix but does require a few tools and a fair amount of patience and effort.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...up-how-to.html
Another method is to use a set of leather armrests as shown in this link. The technique is to carefully make a thin cut in the door panel ahead of the delaminated area (don't worry - the arm rests will cover the slice when finished), then open the cut enough to spread or spray an adhesive, such as contact cement, into the area that's delaminating and press the two surfaces back together until a bond has formed. Then use the leather armrest pad to cover the slice in the door panel. This method works well and the new arm rests are a plus. This method might also be a little less risky because any damage to the panel is covered up. In the first method, the drill bit could penetrate too far and put a hole in the vinyl panel that would be hard to hide later.
https://www.corvettemods.com/C5-Corv...saAiZ4EALw_wcB
Either way, the panels can be repaired for a modest cost. Your choice!
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...up-how-to.html
Another method is to use a set of leather armrests as shown in this link. The technique is to carefully make a thin cut in the door panel ahead of the delaminated area (don't worry - the arm rests will cover the slice when finished), then open the cut enough to spread or spray an adhesive, such as contact cement, into the area that's delaminating and press the two surfaces back together until a bond has formed. Then use the leather armrest pad to cover the slice in the door panel. This method works well and the new arm rests are a plus. This method might also be a little less risky because any damage to the panel is covered up. In the first method, the drill bit could penetrate too far and put a hole in the vinyl panel that would be hard to hide later.
https://www.corvettemods.com/C5-Corv...saAiZ4EALw_wcB
Either way, the panels can be repaired for a modest cost. Your choice!
Last edited by tbrowne; Jul 7, 2018 at 08:18 AM. Reason: Added some text.
