'67 door panels

[Ray Dattilo]

Replacing door panels on my '67 coupe and have found the backing/foam to apparently be too thick. Seems like I remember a thread not too long ago about this but didn't pay attention and can't find it in the archives now. Anyway, the screws holding the handle and under the armrest seem too short and the window cranks are too tough to get on due to the thickness of the panel. What's the best solution? "Gouge" out some of the padding in these areas, longer screws/cranks etc. Thanks in advance.
Ray

[Wayne W.]

Re: '67 door panels

The first thing you should do is COMPLAIN. Maybe they will get the message someday. I have never actually had a problem with the arm rest screws being too short, but I can see how it could happen. You will have to dig out around the handle holes to get the handles on and then it aint going to be easy.

[Ray Dattilo]

Re: '67 door panels

Wayne,
I did call to (nicely) complain and I was told that there is some variation in the thickness of the backing but that they would take the panel back and send me another that they will check to make sure it's within spec. before sending them out. The panels came from Auto Accessories of America via Zip Products. I am skeptical that the new panel will be any better but they seemed to think so. I must say that despite the fact that I have the right to be upset and perhaps expect a replacement or refund, they actually suggested making the swap before I even asked for it. Perhaps I am used to being screwed but I was pleasantly surprised. We'll see how the new panel is.
Regards,
Ray

[Wayne W.]

Re: '67 door panels

Yes, they have always been very easy to work with, but this problem is certainly not a new one. I have complained about the panels for as long as they have been making them. And after about twenty years, it would seem that they and the other manufacturers could get them right. They are too thick and too hard, both of which make installation very difficult.

[Ray Dattilo]

Re: '67 door panels

Wayne,
Not to belabor the point but if this has been going on for as long as you say I can't imagine your frustation. This is the first corvette door panel I have replaced but I have replaced a number of others and have NEVER had this kind of problem. Suspecting that my door panel is probably in fact typical and not an aberrancy and since it is a "freebie" I went ahead to see what I could do with it (a bit masochistic?). With the use of a great deal of force, I managed to get everything on but the window crank. My hands and fingers have paid the price. It seems like there isn't enough space for the escucheon so I'll have to figure that out. The escucheon seems necessary for the handle to clear the trim so it'll have to go on.
I don't know how else to get the manufacturers to correct the problem; since there seems to be so little manufacturing competition for this product there seems to be little we can do except complain. They apparently have no incentive to go through the expense of changing the process since we keep buying them as they are. I'm afraid it will take a new manufacturer to correct the problem. Enough said.
Best regards,
Ray

[Grant M.]

Re: '67 door panels

Ray,

I had a problem with my 65 door panels (purchased from Ecklers, but made by Corvette America, I believe). The screws under the arm rest were long enough, just hard to get started (finding the hole at the right angle to avoid cross-threading). I didn't have the problem you describe with the window crank/escutcheon, although it was difficult to get on. My problem was with the vent window crank, and I ultimately had to 'dig out' a lot of foam from the back of the panel and switch from using my EC Products repro vent crank handle to the original (somewhat pitted) handle. I found that the EC repro handle slots for the retaining clip were too long and allowed the retaining bend in the clip to move rather than lock into the groove on the vent crank shaft. This hadn't been a problem with my original door panels.

BTW, I recall reading an article in 'Vette' or 'Corvette Fever' some twenty or more years ago wherein the author praised the new repro door panels for using denser foam backing to eliminate the wear and cracking that apparently occurred easily on the originals. Guess you can't have your cake and eat it too!

Good luck with your panels!

grant