What happened to the door access covers for 1966-1967? Are they just left open?

[Scott S.]

I searched the archives and didn't see anything about this. The access areas are wide open on the '67 doors, there were no covers present when we took them apart. I read about access panels for the main window and vent window regulators on earlier models, so I checked Paragon and found them, for 63-65, and recommended for '66:

"Door access plate, rear lower, R.H. Permits entry to window regulator. Although not used on 1966 models we suggest installing these to keep wind noise down and prevent water from contacting door panels."

Why were the eliminated by GM for 66-67, and if it makes sense to add them on a '66, why not on a '67 also, for the same reasons?

Thank you,

Scott

[Jack P.]

Re: What happened to the door access covers for 1966-1967? Are they just left open?

I searched the archives and didn't see anything about this. The access areas are wide open on the '67 doors, there were no covers present when we took them apart. I read about access panels for the main window and vent window regulators on earlier models, so I checked Paragon and found them, for 63-65, and recommended for '66:

"Door access plate, rear lower, R.H. Permits entry to window regulator. Although not used on 1966 models we suggest installing these to keep wind noise down and prevent water from contacting door panels."

Why were the eliminated by GM for 66-67, and if it makes sense to add them on a '66, why not on a '67 also, for the same reasons?

Thank you,

Scott

Hi Scott,

Perhaps they figured that the vapor barrier was sufficient to stop water hitting panels. You can buy a paper barrier, "Original" or a adhesive backed plastic sheet , to replace the old ripped paper.

Jack

[Scott S.]

Re: What happened to the door access covers for 1966-1967? Are they just left open?

Hi Scott,

Perhaps they figured that the vapor barrier was sufficient to stop water hitting panels. You can buy a paper barrier, "Original" or a adhesive backed plastic sheet , to replace the old ripped paper.

Jack

Hi Jack,

The old vapor barriers definitely need replacing. It looks like the hole where the access panel/cover would go on a '67 is shaped differently than the opening for 63-66. If this area is supposed to be left open on a '67 then I'll leave it that way, I just wanted to get confirmation because it seemed odd, and I'm always interested in learning why things were done one particular way or another.

Thanks,
Scott

[Mike M.]

Re: What happened to the door access covers for 1966-1967? Are they just left open?

Scott, the '67 production barrier material switched from the brown Kraft paper to plastic. Apparently, GM felt the plastic provided the necessary waterproofing protect for the door panel.
HaND

[Scott S.]

Re: What happened to the door access covers for 1966-1967? Are they just left open?

Scott, the '67 production barrier material switched from the brown Kraft paper to plastic. Apparently, GM felt the plastic provided the necessary waterproofing protect for the door panel.
HaND

Thanks for the explanation, Mike.

I read about the brown Kraft paper version here on the Forum and didn't see anything to the contrary in the Judging Guide. My doors had plastic vapor barriers when we took them apart, and I thought that was a sign that someone had replaced the paper ones long ago. I didn't realize the plastic vapor barriers were original/factory for '67.