1968 Door Panels-Who Makes The Best

[Bob S.]

Looking to replace the door panels in my '68. Who out there makes the best as far as quality, fit & Correctness?

Thanks,

Bob
9944

[Alan S.]

Re: 1968 Door Panels-Who Makes The Best

Hi Bob,
There are threads about interior door panels quite frequently.
As I remember, many people buy their panels from Al Knock. There are some pretty evident differences in his panels compared to the originals. I believe the issues are with the material used for the backing on his, (and I think all), reproductions.... abs, rather than the fiberboard used on the originals; and also some slight differences in the grain of the vinyl material used.
I believe that he may have access to some of the fiberboard backing to use on the reproduction panel at the purchases request at an additional cost.
Try a 'search', you may be able to find some additional information and opinions.
Regards,
Alan

[Bob S.]

Re: 1968 Door Panels-Who Makes The Best

Hi Bob,
There are threads about interior door panels quite frequently.
As I remember, many people buy their panels from Al Knock. There are some pretty evident differences in his panels compared to the originals. I believe the issues are with the material used for the backing on his, (and I think all), reproductions.... abs, rather than the fiberboard used on the originals; and also some slight differences in the grain of the vinyl material used.
I believe that he may have access to some of the fiberboard backing to use on the reproduction panel at the purchases request at an additional cost.
Try a 'search', you may be able to find some additional information and opinions.
Regards,
Alan

Thank you, Alan.

[Cathy S.]

Re: 1968 Door Panels-Who Makes The Best

I purchased corvette America. Looked beautiful fit like ****. Bought al Knoch beautiful and fit was great.

[Bob S.]

Re: 1968 Door Panels-Who Makes The Best

I purchased corvette America. Looked beautiful fit like ****. Bought al Knoch beautiful and fit was great.

Well...Since the LAST thing I want is a **** Fit, nor do I want to end up THROWING a **** Fit....Al Knoch, it IS!!!!!
Thanks Cathy!

(Why aren't there MORE women on this site!!!????)

Bob
(9944)

[Pamela H.]

Re: 1968 Door Panels-Who Makes The Best

Cathy, My name is Pam, nice to meet you!

[Terry M.]

Re: 1968 Door Panels-Who Makes The Best

Well...Since the LAST thing I want is a **** Fit, nor do I want to end up THROWING a **** Fit....Al Knoch, it IS!!!!!
Thanks Cathy!

(Why aren't there MORE women on this site!!!????)

Bob
(9944)

Bob,

Not to insult you, but -- do you realize there are two styles of 1968 door panels? Back when I used to follow the available restoration parts only one was reproduced. I hope either you need the one available, or the situation has changed and both are available.

[Bob S.]

Re: 1968 Door Panels-Who Makes The Best

Bob,

Not to insult you, but -- do you realize there are two styles of 1968 door panels? Back when I used to follow the available restoration parts only one was reproduced. I hope either you need the one available, or the situation has changed and both are available.

No insult at all, Terry...I plan on calling and talking to the Knoch people before ordering...That said, would you know what the difference is, and where abouts in the production run it occurred?regards,

Bob
(9944)

[Reba W.]

Re: 1968 Door Panels-Who Makes The Best

The 1968-69 TIM & JG notes the difference at the bottom of page 6:

In 1968 through at least SN 15776, an integral pull beneath the top portion of the door panel is used to close the door. At least by SN 19,533, a horizontally-mounted color-keyed grained vinyl grab handle appears vertically below the integral pull to close the door.

Note the wording "at least..." and "after SN..." This indicates known VINs on which something has been seen and the point at which all subsequent VINs had it. We are always seeking more definitve info, but the new JG due out soon did not change this range.

[Terry M.]

Re: 1968 Door Panels-Who Makes The Best

No insult at all, Terry...I plan on calling and talking to the Knoch people before ordering...That said, would you know what the difference is, and where abouts in the production run it occurred?regards,

Bob
(9944)

Do you own the 1968-69 TIM&JG? Did any door panels come with your Corvette?

[Bob S.]

Re: 1968 Door Panels-Who Makes The Best

Do you own the 1968-69 TIM&JG? Did any door panels come with your Corvette?

No, don't have the guide, but, yes..panels on my car. And they are original. They must be the early ones. They have the integrated pulls.

Thanks,

Bob
9944

[Bob S.]

Re: 1968 Door Panels-Who Makes The Best

The 1968-69 TIM & JG notes the difference at the bottom of page 6:

In 1968 through at least SN 15776, an integral pull beneath the top portion of the door panel is used to close the door. At least by SN 19,533, a horizontally-mounted color-keyed grained vinyl grab handle appears vertically below the integral pull to close the door.

Note the wording "at least..." and "after SN..." This indicates known VINs on which something has been seen and the point at which all subsequent VINs had it. We are always seeking more definitve info, but the new JG due out soon did not change this range.

Thanks, Reba...

That answers my question. My car has the original panels, and they have the integrated pulls.

Appreciate the help!

Bob
(9944)

[Terry M.]

Re: 1968 Door Panels-Who Makes The Best

Do you own the 1968-69 TIM&JG? Did any door panels come with your Corvette?

I would suggest you get the TIM&JG from the NCRS Store in Cicinatti, but the new 1968-69 manual has been waiting for printing and publication for a year. When you hear on this board that it is available I would suggest you get one.

[Floyd B.]

Re: 1968 Door Panels-Who Makes The Best

Have you considered having your originals restored rather than replacing them with something that will never be 100% correct?

[Michael D.]

Re: 1968 Door Panels-Who Makes The Best

...In 1968 through at least SN 15776, an integral pull beneath the top portion of the door panel is used to close the door. At least by SN 19,533, a horizontally-mounted color-keyed grained vinyl grab handle appears vertically below the integral pull to close the door...

Early 68s do not have the grab handle. Later cars have it.