63 Glovebox door fixes

[Frederick W.]

My original glovebox door (63 coupe) is in good shape except for two issues:

1. The clear plastic face has scratches, in a few areas deep enough to feel with your fingernail, barely.

2. There is a linear horizontal crack along the bottom black section of the door just above the bottom hinge. Seems like an area of stress when the door opens and levers on that bottom portion. It does not gap at all.

So any advice on the best restoration approach?

The door is available as a repro for a pretty stiff price, but I suspect that restoring the original is preferable if it can be done.

[David G.]

Re: 63 Glovebox door fixes

I have not seen an original glovebox door repaired on a 63, but if you do replace it with a new door, you may want to consider removing the lower screw on the torsion bar to reduce stress on the plastic. This is normally the cause of the cracking. It can be reinstalled for judging. It is a little harder to open the glove box door, but it does save future damage.
Regards, Dave 3627

[Stuart F.]

Re: 63 Glovebox door fixes

Never had any problems with mine since new (1963). It's perfect. Could there possibly be a difference between early and later production units? Mine is early July 63.

Stu Fox

[Frederick W.]

Re: 63 Glovebox door fixes

Doesn't sound like restoration is promising, but I'm open to suggestions.

Has anyone had experience with the reproduction door ($459 at LI Corvette!)?

[Harry S.]

Re: 63 Glovebox door fixes

I think all the doors (63 reproduction) are made by Trim-Parts. Try them first.

Also, depending on your production date you may have to change locks. My original door came with the early lock. I had to change to the larger round chrome bezel lock to fit the reproduction door.

The lock with the large round chrome bezel does not fit in my original door.

[Frederick W.]

Re: 63 Glovebox door fixes

Harry,
how is the door otherwise, would get any deducts on judging?

[Harry S.]

Re: 63 Glovebox door fixes

The door looks identical except I see a few production flaws that would probably take a point hit.

If you live near one of the parts sellers it may be worth a trip to look at several reproductions and pick out the best one.

[Timothy B.]

Re: 63 Glovebox door fixes

Do the reproduction doors have the lock cutout like the early door. I think the older repro is made for the late style lock with the round bezel. I am curious if that has ever been corrected or that's the way they still come.

I need to go look at my repro door and refresh my memory to see if I got it right.

[Harry S.]

Re: 63 Glovebox door fixes

Do the reproduction doors have the lock cutout like the early door. I think the older repro is made for the late style lock with the round bezel. I am curious if that has ever been corrected or that's the way they still come.

I need to go look at my repro door and refresh my memory to see if I got it right.

Tim, that was the point I was adderssing in my first post. The reproductions are designed for the lock with the large round chrome bezel.

I could not use my original lock with the reproduction door. I needed to obtain the round bezel lock.

[Timothy B.]

Re: 63 Glovebox door fixes

Harry, I think that's what I had to do and after I figured everything out I remember being upset especially after being here and others posting about the early/late door.

The next year GM went back the the original design, I wish the repro for 63 was available both ways..