C1 Door Panels

[John #40693]

I am currently installing new door panels on my 61. The metal panels have one end curled over (the hinge end). Is this end slipped over the door panel or does it lay flat on top? When I slip it over, the pre-punched holes in the metal don't line up with the holes in the door panel. All parts are from Al Knoch. If the metal panel goes over the door panel the door panel will have to be cut down for proper alignment. Has anybody done this? I have never had the old panels so I have nothing to go by. Are there any books on NCRS that would go into enough detail on the cars so I wouldn't have to ask dumb questions? I have ordered the CD and hope it will help. Thanks.

[Mike M.]

Re: C1 Door Panels

The alum insert slips over the door panel. what i did was re-drill the door to accomidate the al knoch door panel. the holes in the fiberglass of the door are usually way too big for orig size trim screws.I always rivit 1" by 2" by 18 ga. metal plates in the vicinity of the original door panel attaching holes in the fiberglass. I would recommend that the metal plates be inserted BEHIND the fiberglass panels( ie, on the outboard side of the inner door fiberglass skin). if you take the easy route and rivet them on the inboard side of the inner door skin, judges will probably see the plates and deduct. its a little more time consuming to place the metal plates on the outboard side of the inner door skin but its neater. Once you have all the metal plates riveted in place, then take al's door panel and hold it up centering it on the innner door skin and mark metal plates with magic marker thru al's pre-drilled holes. Then drill the metal plates to accomidate original size trim screws.good luck, m ike

[Gary Baldes #16501]

Re: C1 Door Panels

John;
The metal appears to go around the panel in my '61.
Regards, Gary

[Lee Boyer]

Re: C1 Door Panels

John, the metal lips over the door panel. Are you using your orig. door panel and trying to put new metal on? or did you buy the new door panels also? I just installed new metal on my 61, The metal will have to be trimed to fit the contour of the pannel where the s trim goes. As far as the holes go, just redrill the holes after the metal is installed. if the holes are to big i have used small plastic anchors this has worked great for me. Remember you are using repo

[John #40693]

Re: C1 Door Panels

Thank you for the info. I started putting on the metal plates on the inside of the door. Most of the screws are where some internal piece prevents me from using them. For those holes I will use the plastic anchors or drill new holes. I am using new door panels, sheet metal and chrome trim. I guess the best bet is to trim the door panels as they will be covered by the sheet metal. Now I need to figure out mounting the upper metal piece that door panel wraps over to give it the thickness to match the dash. Thanks again. John.