1978 Corvette Inner Passenger's Door Question.

[Chuck G.]

A friend just bought a 78 Silver Anniversary car. L82, 4 speed, AC. The passenger's door window wouldn't go up all the way, so he pulled the door panel. The window started working. Turned out that there were two bolts used that were too long, and the ends of those bolts were blocking the window tracks. So, that problem is fixed.

BUT... in looking in the door, he sees a large piece of what he calls "masticated rubber". This rubber piece is as long as the door. About 20" to 24". It also appears to be about 12" tall, but it has come loose, and is folded upon itself near the bottom of the door.

This door had never been apart. It does have new door panels installed by the PO. Original channels were riveted it, etc. He asked me if I knew what it was, and I had no idea. I thought it might be some type of insulation or sound deadening that was placed/glued to the interior of the door. He could find nothing in the AIM, or in looking at various Corvette parts catalogs.

Anybody know what this is? Is a from the factory? Is is previous owner's addition for some reason?

Any help appreciated.

TIA

Chuck

[Tom R.]

Re: 1978 Corvette Inner Passenger's Door Question.

Sounds like an owner inspired item from the previous PO. When I've gone into the door panels, all I found was the mylar sheet and then the black plastic shroud over the lock mechanism to divert water around it. Toss it but I would install the mylar protector over the entire guts inside.

[Chuck G.]

Re: 1978 Corvette Inner Passenger's Door Question.

Sounds like an owner inspired item from the previous PO. When I've gone into the door panels, all I found was the mylar sheet and then the black plastic shroud over the lock mechanism to divert water around it. Toss it but I would install the mylar protector over the entire guts inside.

He ordered new mylar protectors. Not sure about the water diverters.

He says this "stuff" looks like the same material used for the dust shields on midyear A Frames. I haven't seen it yet.

Thanks for your insight.

[Chuck G.]

Re: 1978 Corvette Inner Passenger's Door Question.

Bringing this back TTT as they say. Went over to my buddy's house this morning, and we removed that chunk of masticated rubber from the passenger's side door.

It was not glued in. It looks like at one time, it laid against the back of the door. It obviously slipped down, and then folded upon itself.

It's as long as the door, and about 10" to 12" tall. Looks similar to the material used in A Frame dust shields.

Another Corvette mystery?

[David R.]

Re: 1978 Corvette Inner Passenger's Door Question.

Sounds like an owner inspired item from the previous PO. When I've gone into the door panels, all I found was the mylar sheet and then the black plastic shroud over the lock mechanism to divert water around it. Toss it but I would install the mylar protector over the entire guts inside.

I agree with Tom's assessment and my door experience.