Original Doors Panels 1971. Replace or Not?

[Paul C.]

My 71 has the original door panels which for being 38 years old aren't in bad shape. They both have the armrest repairkit--piece that covers the original cracked/worn arm rest; one crack at the top of one door panel and worm places on the bottom on the drivers door. They have small gaps between the panel and the door due to slight bowing. Dark green color looks fine. To replace them will cost about $300+ each door from Wilcox including handware and handle. I personally think they look ok but for judging will I lose many points. I always prefer the original to replacement but with some parts there comes a time when they wear out. The carpet was replaced by me but everything else on the interior is original. Those of you that have been through this I would appreciate your opinion. Thanks Paul

[Kenneth T.]

Re: Original Doors Panels 1971. Replace or Not?

Paul,

My experience. I have a '71 with dark saddle interior with the woodgrain on the panels and console. Mine were cracked at the elbow positon and I did not like the patch kit and I went for restroration panels from Corvette America if I remember, before I ever heard of NCRS, too late. The panels look great except for the "Not" wood grain, but not your problem.. and they don't fit as tight and clean as the real thing.

My choice, have it judged as is. If you ever decide to switch, keep the plastic vapor barriers from your old panels, impossible to find.

Ken

[Kenneth T.]

Re: Original Doors Panels 1971. Replace or Not?

Second reply, Judging points 12 for orginality and 9 for condition, that includes hardware and the door pulls. So you should do ok with what you have. I read the earlier post about the dye, if you switch. I agree, a lot. I took my inside out and dyed it all to match. Some will say even the General didn't do that but I got best in show for interior at an all Corvette show.

[Paul C.]

Re: Original Doors Panels 1971. Replace or Not?

Mid-America sells doorpanel vapor barriers for 1968-1982 vets for $20 but not original. I don't know if mine has them since I haven't taken the door panels off. Severl people have discussed making them with plastic but I have not seen them. Paul

[Vincent F.]

Re: Original Doors Panels 1971. Replace or Not?

I replaced my panels with after market and they look great. they fit perfect and make the interior.

[Paul O.]

Re: Original Doors Panels 1971. Replace or Not?

Paul if you look between the door panel and the door you should see a whitish/clear plastic barrier if not they may have been removed but on original car they are vary apparent when you look. As far as the door panels judges can see a non original door panel very easily if the the elbow rest are not that bad I would just leave them or just have a vinyl repair tech repair them you should get all your originality point and if the rest of the panel is in very good condition most judges would look at the percentage of condition compared to the whole panel and deduct accordingly. Paul 18046

Also the vapor barrier had some what molded shape to them to allow the door lock and latch rod clearance.

[Warren F.]

Re: Original Doors Panels 1971. Replace or Not?

Paul,

1971 dark green interior color is very hard to get correct. I've seen the aftermarket panels, color isn't right. I've looked for original used and it is difficult to obtain. Keep your originals.

[Edward C.]

Re: Original Doors Panels 1971. Replace or Not?

I replaced my delux door panels on my 1971 in 1983 with nos form GM because the wood had been replaced with formica and the drivers elbow rest was cracked. Within a year the elbow rest was cracked on the new ones. The plastic at that spot is streached so thin that it is not durable. I don't know but I suspect the reproductions are better. Ed

[Paul C.]

Re: Original Doors Panels 1971. Replace or Not?

Paul O. mentioned vinyl repair. Are there kits you can buy to repair vinyl or is there someplace you can get the vinyl repaired. If so where do you purchase these materials
Thanks Paul

[Patrick H.]

Re: Original Doors Panels 1971. Replace or Not?

Paul O. mentioned vinyl repair. Are there kits you can buy to repair vinyl or is there someplace you can get the vinyl repaired. If so where do you purchase these materials
Thanks Paul

If you live in or near a large city, find the nearest Lexus or M-B dealer. They likely either have someone or know of someone who does repair on their cars. And, if they do work good enough to pass on one of these cars they likely do work good enough for your car.

I would not attempt it myself, and in fact haven't even though it has crossed my mind.

Patrick

[Brad M.]

Re: Original Doors Panels 1971. Replace or Not?

I think that someone mentioned to me once that he sent his original panels to Al Knoch and they re-covered the panel keeping the original fiberboard backing - I am sure this is not cheap though....