C-3 Door Panel Warped

[Clark E.]

I've had the door panels for years; purchased at Carlisle in boxes with GM genuine part stickers so I "think" they are NOS. The backing is what I'll call fiberboard with the vinyl stapled to it. The left door panel went on without much effort. The lower edge of the panel stuck out slightly from the bottom of the door but was able to push it against the door and fasten it. The right door panel is another matter. With the top of the panel installed the bottom is a couple of inches away from the door and even if it could be pushed in to touch the door the metal brackets on each end would pull away from the panel due to the pressure necessary to make it fit. The panel appears warped and bowed.

What to do? I actually stood on the back of the panel to see if it would change its shape without success. I thought of using steam heat but opted to post this on the Forum first to see if you guys think this could work or have other suggestions. Can the vinyl be removed and reinstalled on the fiberboard of my original panel that has a cracked armrest? The new panels look great and I'm hoping there is a workable solution. Thanks...Clark

[Edward J.]

Re: C-3 Door Panel Warped

Clark, Is the metal upper plate warped/bent causing the panel to be the reason the lower part of panel sticks out?

[Clark E.]

Re: C-3 Door Panel Warped

Thanks Edward...Good point. It appears the upper plate is OK and correctly attached to the panel but will verify. As you know there isn't much space at the top of the panel and once attached at the top, the felt space aligns with that of the outer window felt...Clark

[Joe R.]

Re: C-3 Door Panel Warped

Clark,

A common problem with door panels that have been stored sitting up. If stored laying down it doesn't happen. I had an NOS set of Red 65's that did the same thing. You are on the right track with heat and steam. Hot Summer days laying in the sun with weight on top will cure your problem. Not over night but a few days of exposure will cure your problem. Be careful with the weight as you need to place the weight carefully as to not cause creases with sharp edges.

JR

[Clark E.]

Re: C-3 Door Panel Warped

Clark,

A common problem with door panels that have been stored sitting up. If stored laying down it doesn't happen. I had an NOS set of Red 65's that did the same thing. You are on the right track with heat and steam. Hot Summer days laying in the sun with weight on top will cure your problem. Not over night but a few days of exposure will cure your problem. Be careful with the weight as you need to place the weight carefully as to not cause creases with sharp edges.

JR

Thanks Joe. You nailed it. The panels were stored upright in their original boxes in the attic over the garage for years and experienced extreme temperature changes that evidently resulted in their current bowed condition. Unfortunately, hot summer days in Maryland are half a year away. Think I'll very carefully use several repetitions with a heat gun to warm the fiberboard while applying weight and see if this works. I'm not sure what bonds the vinyl to the fiberboard and don't want to overheat the panel and create appearance issues. Will post results. Thanks again...Clark