'67 Door Panel mounting question...

[Patrick T.]

I have a new set of Al Knoch door panels that I have mounted on my doors but something doesn't look right. At the top of the panel there is a hairpin hook in the sheet metal which "hangs" onto the door itself.

I installed them but next to the vent window there are two hooked edges where the panel latches on to. I can hook the panel on the front of the vent window. But the hook at the rear of the vent window goes right up to the vent window that I just can't get it hooked on. See pictures below as viewed towards the floor.

The vent window is properly installed. I did the best job I could but it doesn't look right. Do I have to start bending the sheet metal in the door panel to get this on right or is it correct to begin with? Thanks for any comments. PT

[Gene M.]

Re: '67 Door Panel mounting question...

I think you have two issues going against you. The door inner panel seems to be missing some fiberglass edge along the top of the door. And the shape is not the same as the original on your repo door panels.

Squeezing the fiberglass against the metal of the door panel as you slide it in is the best way to keep the panel tight to the door. Having an incorrect curve in the door panel will not allow the door to pull in the panel as the panel is stiffer than the door edge.

I had a tough time reshaping the heavy metal structure of the panel to get a good fit. Hydraulic press and backed up with wood and pads was one way to "bow" the door panel to adjust the shape. Mine is still not as good as original panel.

[Patrick T.]

Re: '67 Door Panel mounting question...

Thanks Gene, I was afraid I was going to hear something like that. As Joe Ray once said...you have to "massage" the door panels to get them on correctly. Bummer.