58 Location of door release on door panel

[Richard H.]

The location of the door release knob on the 58 door panel is located on the upper vinyl portion of the door, not the metal as was the case in later years. Does this mean that the mechanism is located in a higher position internally in the door? Or, is the position of the mechanism similar to later models and its the panel covering (vinyl/metal) that is modified to create the unique effect?
Thanks.

[Ed Jennings]

Re: 58 Location of door release on door panel

I don't remember the exact relative location, but the location of the door release knob was moved beginning with the 59 MY. 58 doors and door panel are unique to that year.

[Richard H.]

Re: 58 Location of door release on door panel

If the 58 door is unique per the location of the door release mechanism, is there any adjustment one can make to this mechanism on a 59/60 door that would permit the mounting of 58 door panels?

[Donald L.]

Re: 58 Location of door release on door panel

Richard- Page 217 in Nolands 53-62 Corvette Restoration Guide has an excellant
photo of a 58 door panel.

Regards,
Donald 31176

[Richard H.]

Re: 58 Location of door release on door panel

I have seen the photos. Was just unsure if difference in appearance was due to stuctural relocation of mechanism or design of door vinyl/metal panel. And if it is a structural difference, if there is a remedy for mounting a 58 panel to a 59/60 door.

[Ed Jennings]

Re: 58 Location of door release on door panel

Without having both in my hands and looking, I'm going to say "no", or at least not easily. The tale I've read, which may be urban legend, was that Zora kept catching his raincoat sleeve on the door latch of the 58, and therefore relocated it aft(??) a couple of inches on the 59 and subsequent models. You might be able to relocate the latch mechanism and lengthen(??) the rod, but it's difficult to say for sure without both doors to look at.

[Mike E.]

Re: 58 Location of door release on door panel

The "guts" in the door are slightly different. The window regulator, for example, is essentially the same, but the main are is bent at slightly different angles for the 56-58 vs. the 59-62. It is possible to redo the 59-60 door to accomodate a 58, but I believe it would be easier to utilize a 56-57 door. A 61-62 door won't easily work, because it is longer. Good luck!
Mike Ernst

[Bill B.]

Re: 58 Location of door release on door panel

Richard, I had the same problem with my 58. She had a 61/62 door on the passenger side and mech holes and the top rear top portion is different? I am almost sure that the mounting holes are different on the 59/60 too. To the best of my knowledge--you have to a a "unique 58 door". I do know that the lock knob spindle is unique also. The spindle is longer than other years. I traded my door for a correct one. If it were me, I would sell the door you have and buy a correct one. I believe I have an extra correct 58 spindle if you can find a door and it is missing. Regards Bill in Texas You can email dpswmb@peoplepc.com

[Richard H.]

Re: 58 Location of door release on door panel

Thanks for your offer Bill.

[Ed Jennings]

Re: 58 Location of door release on door panel

Richard, I have looked at some pictures of both a 58 and 59-60 door. The later doors have the door knob located about 3" forward and also about 2" down. I have a 59 in the shop with the door panels off. If you want, I can try to take some accurate measurements of the mounting screw locations and the cut out for the handle. Post a message on the board or email me directly. If you can locate the latch mechanism correctly, it might work ok. I gather you are trying to put a 59 door panel on a 58 door?

[Richard H.]

Re: 58 Location of door release on door panel

Ed,
Thanks for your offer. What I am trying to accomplish is to put 58 door panels on a 59/60 door. I would need to modify, if possible, my 59/60 door. I thought possibly all I might have to do is relocate the door mechanism at a higher location, but the posts so far are suggesting this may not be possible. I wonder if anyone has attempted this before?

[Ed Jennings]

You have mail *NM*

[Ed Jennings]

Re: 58 Location of door release on door panel

Richard, After looking at the 59 door in the shop this morning, I see that the handle mechanism is located in a recessed spot in the door. I thought it was, but I couldnt remember for sure. It would have to be relocated to a flat spot on the door, which would alter the geometry of the spindle a little. It would probably work, but might not be just quite "right".

[Richard H.]

Re: 58 Location of door release on door panel

My preliminary thought is to cut-out the entire unit out and relocate it to the proper spot, probably have to shorten the rod connecting to the release unit, and repair fiberglass cut-out. Wonder if anyone has done this before.

[Mike G.]

Re: 58 Location of door release on door panel

My '58 doors are sans panels right now, so I can send you some shots of the doors, if you want.