65 coupe oor panel fit

[Dave K.]

I have reinstalled the Corvette America door panels on my 65 coupe and found that the passenger side panel is a poor fit around the outer edge mostly at the top. Driver's side is not bad. I do not intend to remove the panel again as I have the door handles, lock knob, etc. in place and the screws in at the top and bottom.

Any ideas as to get the epanel to push in toward the door?

Regards,
Dave Kitch

[Leif A.]

Re: 65 coupe oor panel fit

Dave,
Post up a picture of the offending area.

[Dave K.]

Re: 65 coupe oor panel fit

Leif,

Will do.

[Mark E.]

Re: 65 coupe oor panel fit

If you have the original door panels, your best option may be to have them restored. Al Knoch offers this service.

Although my experience is with C3, I haven't had good luck with repro panels fitting properly.

[Michael H.]

Re: 65 coupe oor panel fit

I have had good luck with my 67 convertible door panel fit from Corvette America, they fit as good as the originals.

Mike

[Richard G.]

Re: 65 coupe oor panel fit

I had to send one set of C-America's door panels back.
I could see where the panel wasn't installed the jig correctly when it was stapled together. The alignment tabs, visible from the back, were way off.
They sent replacement panels that were perfectly fitting.
All the design and manufacturing effort is thrown out when one simple assemble step is performed haphazardly.
Although you indicated you didn't want to pull the panels off, removing them and getting a replacement it may be the likely solution.
It is my belief that Al Knoch does a better job of assembly and customer service. Otherwise not a lot of difference in material quality.

Al Knoch didn't mention, on their web site, the internal upper steel panels can be reused from your old panels. I had to call Al Knoch to get this information. Using the GM parts assures a better fit. I pulled mine from the old panels and they used the originals to make my replacement panels. Saved me some money also.

I used to collect parts and then start the project.
For the most part this practice works for NOS and used parts.
I do not recommend it for any aftermarket parts.
Even though it could slow down your project the cost savings and frustration reductions are very measurable.
This assures if a product has a warrant you might be able to use it.
Rick

[Dave K.]

Re: 65 coupe oor panel fit

Thanks to all.

Happy New Year
Dave K

[Dave K.]

Re: 65 coupe oor panel fit

20201229_131743.jpg20201229_131743.jpg20201229_131729.jpg20201229_131723.jpg20201229_131737.jpg

See pictures of poor fit.

Dave K.

[Leif A.]

Re: 65 coupe oor panel fit

Dave,
There appears to be too much material between the chrome strip at the window and the door panel itself. Or, maybe the chrome trim has pulled away from the door panel. The upper part of the panel at the door frame appears to be pushed out by something behind the panel. Curious. Pictures attached of my '67 for comparison.

[Dave K.]

Re: 65 coupe oor panel fit

Leif,

Th driver's side is OK. Perhaps I need to remove the panel and inspect the material behind the panel?

Dave

[Leif A.]

Re: 65 coupe oor panel fit

Leif,

Th driver's side is OK. Perhaps I need to remove the panel and inspect the material behind the panel?

Dave

Dave,
That's what I would do.