I bought replacement inside door panels for my '66 Camper Special. When I received them, they turned out to be crap . They were too long and the holes were not aligned properly. I will be sending them back tomorrow.

My problem is now I have the chrome trim and clips off. I need to find ones that are a close approximation to the orginals. Is there anyone who has good luck with the remanufactured ones out there?

Once I have good quality panels, what's the best method for getting them back on my door? The clips were held in with an adhesive, which is now dry and crumbling.

Thanks for any help you can give me.

HermanAR.

 

The clips are availabe aftermarket (try ACE Hardware) and of course in the Junk Yards. The sealant can be replaced with silicone. If you bought the plastic panels let them get very warm before installing them. I put the chrome on first, then slide the inserts in. I also use small pop rivets for those pieces of chrome that will not lay properly and always on the short curved end section. I use wood shims found in the hardware store to work the handles and chrome strips off the doors. The chrome is really easy to bend and a pain to repair.

 

Thanks William - I will add all of these tips to my list of "how to's". Once I have a good set of panels, I will give it another shot.

 

I was very disappointed when my replacements arrived. (I think there were DC) Each panel is only a skin, and the old panels must be split and the backing pieces and wood reused. The holes for the door handles were way off. However, I persevered and the panels are on and look great. I'll caution you about those clips - think it over before you glue them on because if they can't move you'll lose a little adjustability.
Eric

 

Thanks Merc - I wont be doing anything permanent. I'm a computer geek by trade, so I'm still working on my mechanical skills. I've seen silicone mentioned, so I will probably give that a try, since it should hold the clips well and remain soft.

 

Why would you want to glue them on. The black sealant on them is more for a water seal than anything else. It is the black glass sealant used for installing windows with the rubber strip. It is very sticky and stays flexible. A tube of 3M window glazing can be purchased from any autobody shop for about $7. What color door panels are you looking for?

 

White. Thanks for the info on the window sealant.

I was suprised at how thin the original panels were, when I got them off. The remanufactured ones were very stiff and thick. If the next set are like that, then I will definitely need to leave them in the sun, before I try to work with them.

 

I bought a pair of white plastic 6 years ago. They are much thicker than the origionals. I had to spread the molding a bit to get it one. They look pretty nice. I just purchased a set of NOS Ford white panels. I don't know if it was worth the price now that I compare them.

 

I would love a pair of NOS, but you just about have to sell your soul to find it. I'm currently looking at Mac's and MotorHaven. You didn't by chance buy your plastic set from either of them did you? I wish there was a good way to see the stuff, before you buy it.

Thanks for your help!

 

The black ones are available from *** Truck for $59 a pair. They sell the red and white ones for the usual $99. I don't know why the blacks are less, but they are.