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"Flat" door panels

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Old Mar 24, 2017 | 08:25 AM
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"Flat" door panels

Hello, were there any years (from '93 on) that had flat door panels? My 96 has a molded kick out where the power window and lock switch is mounted. I like to rest my leg in the step well, and this kick out is directly in the way of my knee, making it all but impossible to use the step well to rest my leg.

Are there any years that made flat panels that didn't have that kick out, or at least had it in a less inconvenient location? I know the switches would probably interfere with the regulator so maybe there are panels that have it located elsewhere on the panel rather than flat? Thanks.
 
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Old Mar 24, 2017 | 10:01 AM
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https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...nel-years.html

This one says its a 2000 and looks to be the same as the earlier modles but i am not sure about that.
2000 Ford E Series Van E250 Passenger Door Panel Photos | GTCarLot.com
 
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Old Mar 24, 2017 | 10:15 AM
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Thanks. Yes, the panels in the thread that he says are his are the same design as mine. That kick out with the switches is right smack in the way. Thanks for the post.
 
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Old Mar 24, 2017 | 11:15 AM
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This thread shows how to remove the door panel and what is behind it. Though that does not answer your original question, it will at least give you an idea of what is under the panel.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l-removal.html

if you cannot find a flat panel, you may have to think about modifying the panel. On a very simplistic level, my conversion van door panels are simply 1/4" plywood with a foam backed cloth glued over the plywood. The panels are then screwed to the door itself and trim buttons are used over the screw heads. My doors are much different though as mine were designed to use the bare metal as part of the trim.

In your case though, perhaps giving it some thought, you could modify your door panel and recover it with some type of material? You would need to keep the top part of the trim that rolls over the top of the door around the window.

There are lots of ideas on the internet for custom door panels and pulls
https://www.google.com/search?biw=11...fOEFw2Win3TDM:

https://www.google.com/search?biw=11...+door+panels&*
 
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Old Mar 24, 2017 | 11:26 AM
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I read that, thanks. I've got no issue making any modifications, but I would prefer to simply bolt in new panels that can correct the issue for me. Hopefully, a solution like that is possible before I do have to perform surgery.

I have a line on a pair of 1995 panels, but have no pictures of them. Does anyone have a picture of their 95 panels?
 
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Old Mar 24, 2017 | 12:35 PM
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I was looking around and perhaps the ones you are looking for would be found on a plain cargo van. From what I am seeing it appears that vans with manual windows have the flatter panels. Here is some links with different pics of different years.

this one sticks out some
1996 FORD E150 VAN RIGHT FRONT INSIDE DOOR TRIM PANEL MANUAL 217030

1996 FORD E150 VAN RIGHT FRONT INSIDE DOOR TRIM PANEL MANUAL 217030 | eBay


This one says 87 to 01 and if you have electric door locks, it would have to be modified, if it fits.
http://thumbs.ebaystatic.com/images/...m~l/s-l225.jpg




This one looks like it sticks out and I am guessing because they put the sound proofing in the door panel
2000 Ford E Series Van E250 Passenger Door Panel Photos | GTCarLot.com
 
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Old Mar 24, 2017 | 12:42 PM
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Again, great help, thanks. The sticking out thing isn't the biggest issue. It's the specific way ,ine are made that is the problem. The ledge where the switches are is right where my leg wants to go, and it gets annoying immediately. These are good references, thanks.

I'm preparing for a 16 hour drive to Florida in a month or so, and while I'm replacing the brake pads, rotors, shoes, drum hardware, shocks, timing chain and gears, water pump, thermostat, AC dryer, hoses, belts, plugs, wires, cap and rotor, I figure I should make this comfort upgrade as well. Hence why I am looking for more of a plug and play swap rather than some time consuming hack on my end.
 
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Old Mar 24, 2017 | 01:00 PM
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Sounds like you have a lot of work ahead of you in a short time!
I looked on a U-haul parts site and they had nothing. I thought perhaps a e350 cargo van might have a panel that would work as they would be built with less comfort in mind.

The only thing i can think of right now is that you will have to mod the door. The older vans had the switches on the side horizontal flush with the door panel.
 
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Old Mar 24, 2017 | 01:07 PM
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Heck, if I can't find a suitable plug and play, I may just remove the panel for the trip if I run short on time. I do appreciate the replies and help.
 
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