Fitting 67 repro convertible door panels

[Mike E.]

Originals are toast--in California way too long. Repros seem to fit okay except the rear seems a bit too high--the shaft for the lock/unlock knob is about 3/4" below the center of the circular depression in the panel. (the panel needs to be lower by about 3/4" in that area and along the back) Any ideas or tips on how to rectify this?

[Scott M.]

Re: Fitting 67 repro convertible door panels

Which aftermarket panel are you using, AK or Corvette America?

[Donald H.]

Re: Fitting 67 repro convertible door panels

I had the problem with my 66 when I replaced only the passenger side, but not as much as you indicated as I was able to get it on. But when I mentioned this to a long time vette body man, he said the assembly inside the door could be adjusted to fit the door panel. Since I already had mine on, I have not taken it back off to see if what he said was correct.

[Doug H.]

Re: Fitting 67 repro convertible door panels

I just went through this with an Al Knoch set. The staples that hold the upper metal to the window wipes on the door panels may be hitting the top lip of the inner fiberglass door. Flatten out the staples so that they don't hit the top of the inner door as the door panel slide down. Also, check the inner fiberglass at the rear of the vent window to make sure that upper metal on the door panel is not high centering on it. You might have to cut a groove in the fiberglass. Make sure that you have a slight curve on the top of the new door panel to match the bend of the original. Lastly, the lock/unlock knob should be pretty close now. You can move the knob location to fit the door panel a little by drilling elongated holes in the fiberglass inner door. Expect to put on and take off the door panel many times before you get an exact fit. Don't put on the lock knob until you've lived with the fit for a couple of days. Nothing tears up a new door panel like taking off that lock knob. Good luck.

[Michael F.]

Re: Fitting 67 repro convertible door panels

can you buy just one door panel or do vendors only sell in pairs??

[Donald H.]

Re: Fitting 67 repro convertible door panels

can you buy just one door panel or do vendors only sell in pairs??

Looks like Corvette America sells individually. You could call Al Knoch and see if they will sell individually.