C3 Door Panel Replacement

[Mark Stavropoulos]

When replacing the door panels, is it common practice to re-drill the holes (in the door itself) for the door pulls and fore & aft panel-to-door screws? I am installing a new set of door panels (1970) and was trying to pick up the original door holes through the new panel and this appears to be a futile attempt. Any suggestions?

Thanks, Mark

#20673

[Jerry Clark]

Re: C3 Door Panel Replacement

Hi Mark:

Do NOT redrill the holes. If the panels don't line up either you are doing something wrong or you have purchased some poor quality panels, (Corvette America ?) , If you redrill in a different position you will find that other things will become a problem and never fit / work correctly. Try an awl , (if you haven't already) , line up the pull holes first as they are generally the most difficult, start them and leave them loose then attempt to line up the others, if this is not possible return the panels.

Best of Luck

jer

[Mark Stavropoulos]

Re: C3 Door Panel Replacement

Unfortunately, I do have the "low quality" Corvette America door panels. I doubt they will take them back as I have already cut them for the window crank, door unlock handle and trim. With the panel lined up with the door edge, and the door release lever lined up with the opening, the door pull screw holes appear to be off quite a bit. It seems impossible to get the screw to go through the handle at the correct angle to mate with the hole in the door.

Who makes "high quality" door panels?

Thanks for the help, Mark

[Jerry Clark]

Make Em Eat Em

If the holes won't align they will accept them in return, Customers have brought these panels in with similar complaints and all have been returned, they seem to realize their quality leaves something to be desired. Al Knoch while not perfect reproductions are the best of the bunch in my opinion, ask for the correct composite backing when ordering.

jer

[Michael W.]

Re: C3 Door Panel Replacement

Mark,

I got stuck with a set of poor quality panels from the same source as you and had to almost butcher them to fit the door.

Send 'em back, their poor quality should not be your problem.

Mike