C-3 70 Door Panels

[Jim K.]

Putting some repo's on the coupe following the instructions and it says only 2 screws per panel (ans 2 clips on the lower part). Should I have the two upper screws go into the old door frame holes, or align the panel and use the new holes in the panel, but make new holes in the door? It seems that there are indents or pre determined places for the screws on the new panels, and aligning the panel to the car making new holes is the answer... ???

[Bob I.]

Re: C-3 70 Door Panels

Who made the door panels.

[Jim K.]

Re: C-3 70 Door Panels

Corvette America. The AIM shows just the two uppers ans two lower clips; my old "I don't think original" panels had the same plus 2 more screws in the front edge. The new panel could use them becayse the "velcro" keeps popping out, but I have resisted the urge and will try some heat to get them down. The door pull mounting screws don't line up perfectly either... repos, plus sloppy alignment help that too I'm sure...

[Patrick H.]

Re: C-3 70 Door Panels

Jim,

There should be one screw in each upper corner (front and rear) of the panel, plus the two clips (one each front and rear) in each lower corner. Look for the screw holes in the fiberglass.

I had to put my panels on and let the car sit in the sun before I could attach everything. And, the plastic "velcro" tabs don't work nearly as well on the repros. The lower clips have to hold on much tighter than they were originally designed to.

I hope that helps.

Patrick

[Jack H.]

Yes,,,

the factory original setup used screws at the door panel upper that the reproduction panels "don't need". Why?

Factory original panels were made with a pressed cardboard backing and today's reproduction panels are 'improved' in construction using vacuum-formed plastic for the backing material. They resist moisture damage and tend to last longer.

So, there's a difference between what the panels 'need' in terms of installation configuration and what's factory concours correct. That's just a fact of life in the reproduction trim part business... Some buy for basic fit/function while others buy for factory concours correctness and the vendors have a 'one part fits all applications' mentality.