75 door panels from paragon

[Ross F.]

I dont know what to do.
I bought a pair of door panels from paragon. When I installed them I had to cut holes for the window cranks. I found that one side was over an inch thicker than the other and too fat for the crank shaft and trim ring to be close to fitting. I took them to paragon where they told me because I cut them they wouldn't take them back.
The panels came in al knock boxes. So I called them. I got some one who told me that they dont deal with paragon. I took the panels back to paragon months ago. They admitted that they were too fat, and said they would send then back to the manufacturer. That was months ago. Now I keep getting the run around. I saw a thread from years ago about this same problem. Its looking like im out 600 bucks.

[Joe L.]

Re: 75 door panels from paragon

I dont know what to do.
I bought a pair of door panels from paragon. When I installed them I had to cut holes for the window cranks. I found that one side was over an inch thicker than the other and too fat for the crank shaft and trim ring to be close to fitting. I took them to paragon where they told me because I cut them they wouldn't take them back.
The panels came in al knock boxes. So I called them. I got some one who told me that they dont deal with paragon. I took the panels back to paragon months ago. They admitted that they were too fat, and said they would send then back to the manufacturer. That was months ago. Now I keep getting the run around. I saw a thread from years ago about this same problem. Its looking like im out 600 bucks.

Ross------


I would have examined them closely before doing any cutting. In general, when you cut or modify a part, the vendor will not accept a return.

On the other hand, it sounds like these panels wouldn't be any good to anyone; it's not as if they were completely as you received them they would be able to sell them to anyone else and expect anything but another return.

I've heard so many stories about reproduction interior parts being of shoddy manufacture and ill-fitting that it amazes me they're still able to sell them. You'd think that by now they'd either have gotten them right or quit selling them.

But, I know why it happens. The original panels were manufactured using high quality, PRODUCTION-type tooling. This = EXPENSIVE. In PRODUCTION + OEM SERVICE thousands of parts are manufactured and that amortizes the expensive tooling. Reproduction manufacturers could not possibly justify that kind of tooling expense for the rather limited number of parts they're going to sell. Cheap tooling = inferior parts. It's just that simple.

[Ross F.]

Re: 75 door panels from paragon

Thanks for the reply Joe. Ive pretty much accepted my fate. I just have to figure out how to measure the next set before I cut the holes.

[Jim T.]

Re: 75 door panels from paragon

Did you talk to the owners of Paragon about the panels and question why the panels came in the type boxes you mentioned? Out 600 bucks, you could contact the BBB and make a complaint if the Paragon owners don't replace the panels or return your money.

[Ross F.]

Re: 75 door panels from paragon

Jim,
I've spoken to several people at paragon. I don't know the owner. Its funny, I thought id get a better hearing from them as I am spending multiple thousands in my frame off restoration. They are restoring my frame now. I guess the jury is still out, but like I said, its been months. Also, im just not the " make a complaint guy" I have a business too, and I know that situation from the other side.

[John H.]

Re: 75 door panels from paragon

Jim,
I've spoken to several people at paragon. I don't know the owner. Its funny, I thought id get a better hearing from them as I am spending multiple thousands in my frame off restoration. They are restoring my frame now. I guess the jury is still out, but like I said, its been months. Also, im just not the " make a complaint guy" I have a business too, and I know that situation from the other side.

Ross -

You need to talk to Steve Childs, President and principal owner of Paragon, or to Dave Jones, Vice President; based on my dealings with them over the last 20 years, I'm sure they can help you. Steve is at (810) 655-8848, schilds@corvette-paragon.com, and Dave is at (800) 882-4688, x111, djones@corvette-paragon.com.

[Ross F.]

Re: 75 door panels from paragon

Thanks John,
I will contact them tomorrow.

[John H.]

Re: 75 door panels from paragon

Thanks John,
I will contact them tomorrow.

Ross -

You might send him an e-mail tonight with a link to this thread so you don't catch him "cold" and he has some background to work with.

[Bob S.]

Re: 75 door panels from paragon

I dont know what to do.
I bought a pair of door panels from paragon. When I installed them I had to cut holes for the window cranks. I found that one side was over an inch thicker than the other and too fat for the crank shaft and trim ring to be close to fitting. I took them to paragon where they told me because I cut them they wouldn't take them back.
The panels came in al knock boxes. So I called them. I got some one who told me that they dont deal with paragon. I took the panels back to paragon months ago. They admitted that they were too fat, and said they would send then back to the manufacturer. That was months ago. Now I keep getting the run around. I saw a thread from years ago about this same problem. Its looking like im out 600 bucks.

I had a similar problem with a pair of '67 door panels from Corvette America. One fit perfectly but the other was about 3/4" too thick. I not only had cut a hole, but had also tried to dig out some of the excess foam in a fruitless effort to make it fit. Corvette America was very interested in getting the door panel back to see if they had a manufacturing problem, and they quickly sent me a new panel that fit fine. Just an FYI, and perhaps a thought that it may be best to go directly through one of the manufacturers, i.e. Al Knoch or CA, rather than through a reseller for interior parts in case there are fitting problems

- Bob.

[Jim R.]

Re: 75 door panels from paragon

Ross I agree with Bob Shapiro try calling Al Knock, the same thing happened to a friend of mine with a 68 and like you he had already cut them, Al Knock took them back and returned his money so don't give up yet.

[Michael F.]

Re: 75 door panels from paragon

I had that problem with al knock years ago and they blew me off so I just said no more of his stuff, seat covers were great as was carpet, door panel was the drivers and vent window area was off and to thick.

[Ross F.]

Re: 75 door panels from paragon

Thanks for all the responses I took Johns advise and sent Steve an E mail the other day giving him the background on my problems. I think other good advise is to buy direct from the manufacturer if you can. I will let the forum know if and when I hear from Steve.

[Jim R.]

Re: 75 door panels from paragon

Good luck Ross.

[Ross F.]

Re: 75 door panels from paragon

Sarcasm Jim??
Well it's been two days. Steve must be out of town..called paragon today. No Steve, No answer.

[Jim R.]

Re: 75 door panels from paragon

No not at all I know what its like to be in your position and I hope they take care of you.