1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 Original Door Panel Thickness at Lock Knob Area

[Terry K.]

Re: 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 Original Door Panel Thickness at Lock Knob Area

Richard:
Here is what I see looking in the door lock hole from the inside out (and I see the same in the larger holes where the inside arm rests attach):
- 2 layers of rigid cardboard each measuring about 3/32.
- a thicker, approx. 9/32, layer of somewhat compressible fiber board (foam like but not foam as we know it today).
- then the rear side of the vinyl
all these layers are cut at about 1 inch dia.
What I don't see in the hole is the metal frame. I have tried to feel where it begins and ends, but can't really determine it.

[Richard M.]

Re: 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 Original Door Panel Thickness at Lock Knob Area

Terry, Those photos are excellent.

That compressible layer appears to be the key factor why your lock knob fits better than what i have here. On yours, it allows the outer ring of the lock knob to go deeper into the panel and be able to be latched to the shaft.

I'm going to take this panel off and try to analyze it more. I have a feeling some "modifications" will be coming.

More to come.

Rich

[Eric E.]

Re: 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 Original Door Panel Thickness at Lock Knob Area

I checked my original 62 panels and the layers were tough to see. The only visible ones were the thick backing board, the padding and the vinyl.

The padding is more of a open cell like air cleaner foam than seat cushion foam. And the metal runs along the top edge to hold the shape of the edge but only extends down several inches.

Eric

[Thomas H.]

Re: 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 Original Door Panel Thickness at Lock Knob Area

Rich,

Finally got a chance to get the 60 out of storage today. I removed the lock handle and took a couple pictures for ay.

These are known original door panels.

Tom

IMG_2491[1].jpg

IMG_2493[1].jpg

IMG_2495[1].jpg

[Richard M.]

Re: 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 Original Door Panel Thickness at Lock Knob Area

Eric/Tom,

Those are great references for me. I now have plenty of data to compare to. Everyone's help is going to help me figure this out.

For now, it appears that the outer foam just behind the vinyl on originals is much easier to compress in comparison to these I have here.

Rich